If you know me, you likely know I am Earth-conscious every day.  Since we opened in 2014, I've have naturally leaned towards products for the shop that, in general, reduce over-consumption.  We focus on items that will last, that won't need replacing in 2, 5 or even 10 years. 

And funnily enough, I've always been really 'garbage conscious'.  I remember growing up in Timmins, knowing that if you lived outside of town, or went to the 'fishing camp' on the weekend, there was going to be a weekly trip to 'the dump'. An understanding from my Dad about how this pile got here and where this pile was going to go, came early to me. 

Later on, moving to Toronto, I quickly learned to separate my garbage and manage a compost bin.  It felt like a wonderful solution on the way to avoiding the 'giant piles' of my youth.  It wasn't lost on me how much bigger Toronto was than Timmins, and the size of the relative 'pile' that would result!  This consciousness naturally went into Cookery from the start with a commitment to recycling and compost, through our everyday operations and into our cooking classes.

I've always gravitated to products for Cookery that would take 'the giant pile' into consideration.  From heirloom products to everyday, from non-stick pans that don't need to be replaced for many years, to dish brushes with natural bristles and dish soap with refills.  It's part of our everyday.  

To honour Earth Day today, we're highlighting some of our favourite & newest ways to reduce plastic in the kitchen.

We love shopping for fruit & veg with our French-made organic cotton market bags - they are the very best quality, come in tons of colours, will last forever, and stretch to a huge size versus their tiny shape when empty. They are made by a small independent family company in Normandy - we love this.

Our Swedish dish clothes replace plastic sponges and paper towel in the kitchen - absorbing 15 times their weight in liquid, washable for months of reuse, and then fully compostable. Their colourful patterns bring a tiny bit of light to a dirty job in the kitchen.

And if you aren't already, start using our beeswax wraps made of organic cotton instead of plastic wrap, and our reusable silicone bags instead of zipper bags - you'll be on your way to being an Earth Day Champion!

Stay well & safe while you reuse and recycle!

Alison & the Team at Cookery