PaperlessKitchen Blog

Back to School Sale at Paperless Kitchen!

It's that time of year! The little ones head back to school, making mornings stressful and your family's impact on the environment potentially greater. At Paperless Kitchen, we've been busy curating the best Back to School products for you and your family.

To make this Back to School season more affordable, we're offering 10% off all orders on the site through September 15th, 2015. Just use coupon code backtoschool10 for 10% off all orders! And remember that all orders over $50 receive Free Shipping! Coupon code expires September 15th, 2015.

 

  Bamboo Studio Bamboo Kids 5 Piece Butterfly Set - $23.99

 

 

 Lunchskins Sandwich Bag in Navy Shark - $12.95

 

Green Sprouts Safari Backpack - Blue Hippo - $20.95

 

Do you like our Back to School Best Sellers? Then you should also check out our blog posts on the Top Green Disposables for Back to School and the Top Green Reusables for Back to School. Remember that you can get all these great Back to School products for 10% Off through September 15, 2015 using coupon code: backtoschool10

And remember that all orders over $50 receive Free Shipping! 

Love any other products that are perfect for Back to School Season? Share them with us in the comments section!

 

Top Green Reusables for Back to School

Last time, we showed you some biodegradable, low eco impact disposable solutions for school lunches, but those aren't the only green products out there for your kiddos to use this year. These reusable products can also come in handy for snacktime and hitting the cafeteria: 

1. Eco Lunchbox 3-in-One Set. Nobody wants to end up with a smashed sandwich or chips! These stainless steel lunch boxes are like suits of armor for sandwiches, sides and snacks. The set includes large, medium and small boxes, all of which are free of BPA, PVC, lead and vinyl.

                                                  

                                                      

 

2. ThinkSport Insulated 12 Oz. Water Bottles. Older kids and teens can stay hydrated all day with these BPA-free insulated water bottles. They have no-spill tops, and they come in a variety of stylish colors. Extra thick walls help to keep drinks cooler for longer, and the bottles are ergonomically designed for an easy grip.

                             

3. Green Sprouts Aqua Bottles. Your preschooler or gradeschooler can sip water in a green way, too, with these adorable spill-proof bottles. Each one has a different animal friend on its front, and it's made entirely from BPA-free plastic.

 

                                                       

 

4. Fit and Fresh Kids Cool Coolers. Looking for an icepack that isn't filled with toxic goo? These coolers are the perfect solution. They're 4-3/4 inches by 4-3/4 inches by 1/4 inch in size to fit in all types of lunch containers, and they keep things ice cold for hours. The liquids they contain are nontoxic, and the packs are free of BPA.

                                                                 

5. Fit and Fresh Kids Fruit and Salad Bowl. If you're sending fresh veggies or fruit to school with a sauce or dressing, this reusable bowl is guaranteed to come in handy. This unique container lets you keep dressing or dip in one compartment and the fresh goodies in the other. Kids just twist the lid to mix the two, shake, open and eat.

                                                                

Got rave reviews for any of these reusables that you'd like to share with other green moms? Tell us about your experiences in the Comments section.

Top Green Disposables for Back to School

Let's face it--disposable bags and food containers are convenient. When you're
stressed to get the kids ready for school in the morning and exhausted after running
to after school activities and finishing homework, sometimes you just don't want the
hassles of dealing with things you have to wash and reuse. But that doesn't mean
that back to school season has to mean compromising your green principles!
These disposable products will keep your life simple when the school year starts but
won't leave you with guilt over contributing to the planet's waste problem.

1. BioBag Resealable Sandwich Bags. The convenience of zip lock sandwich bags
without any of the plastic waste! These sandwich bags are made from a corn-based
plastic, and they're perfectly sized for sandwiches and snacks at 6.5 inches by 6.7
inches. You can buy them in single boxes of 25 or in cases of 12 to stock up for the
school year.
                                                

2. Eco Products Portion Cups. 2 and 3 ounce portion cups are perfect for fresh
fruits, pudding, applesauce, yogurt and dressings and dips. These ones are made
from a plant-based plastic called Inego, so they're 100 percent biodegradable. They
come in massive bulk packs, so you won't have to worry about running out any time
soon.

                                                     

3. LeafWare Sterling Collection Silverware. Disposable silverware that doesn't
break! Leafware Sterling Collection forks, knives, spoons and sporks are fashioned
out of renewable birch wood. They're incredibly sturdy and perfect for slipping into
your kiddo's lunch box.

                                                      

4. Eco Product Clamshells. Want to send along leftovers that don't fit easily into a
baggie? Biodegradable disposable clamshells are the perfect solution. Eco Products
makes them out of foam like material similar to styrofoam and out of clear plant-
based plastic to suit your lunch-packing needs.

                                                 

5. BioBag Plastic Wrap. Worried about something leaking in the lunchbox? Wrap it
up in BioBag plant-based plastic wrap! This cling wrap is strong and sturdy, but it's
completely free of toxic chemicals.

                                       

Are you already using any of these green disposables around the house? If so, tell us
about it in the comments section!

Introducing Paperless Kitchen Subscriptions: Stay Stocked Up for Less

Here at Paperless Kitchen, we're always trying to come up with new ways to make it easier for our customers to make their homes green. Sometimes, that means finding new products to make household cleaning tasks and cooking more eco friendly, but other times, it means coming up with new services that will simplify your life. This time, we've come up with the latter--a new subscription service that is going to make it easier and more affordable for you to be green.

Here's how it works:

- You sign up for a subscription for only the products that you use frequently and have to reorder again and again.

- You set up a delivery schedule that suits your exact needs whether it's 1 month, 3 months or 6 months.

- We send you your initial order with a 10 percent off discount, and you pay only for today's purchase.

- When the amount of time that you specify has passed, we'll bill you using your preferred payment method and send the exact order again for the same 10% off price!

- You continue to receive your regularly scheduled deliveries until you modify the time or cancel your subscription.

 It's that easy. Many of our most popular frequent use products are now available with 1-month, 3-month or 6-month subscriptions, including SKOY cloths, Bambooee bamboo paper towels and our eco friendly trash supplies. You'll receive 10 percent off each product that you set up for a subscription for, and if your subscription reorders are for $50 or more, you'll get free shipping every time!

 

 

To start your subscription, just choose the Subscribe and Save option on the product description page and your preferred delivery schedule in the drop-down box. Have questions about the subscription service? We've got answers. Send us a message or just ask it in the Comments section.

 

 

 

Summer of Sustainability - Six Weeks of Zero-Waste Giveaways

We are excited to announce that we've partnered with the great team at CompoKeeper to launch the Summer of Sustainability which is an awareness campaign with six weeks of giveaways packed in! CompoKeeper has brought together a great selection of eco-friendly brands to host a giveaway of over $1,000 worth of sustainable products over 6 weeks of summer.  We're excited to participate and help our customers and fans stay green while enjoying all your favorite summer activities!  

Starting on Monday, July 13th, we are running a giveaway of the Leafware Party Pack and the CompoKeeper Food Scrap Collector - a $223 value!  Enter the giveaway on CompKeeper's Facebook page between 7/13- 7/17 for a chance to win!

We're excited to work with the other fantastic eco-friendly brands brought together for the sustainability campaign - check out all the brands participating in the 6 week giveaway on CompoKeeper's giveaway page!

 

 

Paperless Kitchen Tested: Easy Greasy Strain & Save Colander Review

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm guilty of a really terrible kitchen sin. For years, when I brown ground turkey or beef, I've been rinsing out the pan and dumping the stuff down the drain. I mistakenly thought it was just a little bit of goop going down there, but boy, was I wrong. The Easy Greasy Strain & Save Kitchen Colander has shown me the error of my ways, thanks to this kitchen road test!

The Basics

The Easy Greasy is a kitchen colander that's designed specifically for draining greasy meats; however, you can use it for anything else that you'd ordinarily use a colander for. The idea behind the colander is that it holds the grease from cooking safely away inside of a container that is heat safe up to 260° Fahrenheit, so that you can safely dispose of it without dumping it down your drain, which can clog and damage your pipes, or into the garbage can, which can melt it and cause a really awful mess. The colander has a removable bowl that you place underneath it to capture that meaty greasy juice.

The Inspection

 I was impressed with the Easy Greasy before I even got all the packaging off of it. The colander is made out of a thick BPA plastic, and it's way sturdier than anything I currently own. With my usual colander, when you shake it, the thing wobbles a little and feels flimsy. 

 

 

The Easy Greasy is much more solid and weighty. I was excited to get started using it, so I got to cooking up some meat all the way!

                                                         

 

The Draining

Once my meat was nice and brown, I got to draining. Now, full disclosure: I am a major klutz in the kitchen. Anytime I have to empty a hot pot to drain pasta or veggies, it ends up looking like a storm went through, so I was a little bit worried about how this meat draining business was going to go. But to my surprise, it was SO easy. The colander is completely hands-free so I was able to keep both hands on the pot. This really helped me keep the grease contained. And that's when it happened. I looked down and saw the amount of grease the little bit of meat I cooked had made. I was shocked at how much I had been dumping down the drain! 

                    

 

The Takeaway

The Easy Greasy really is easy peasy to use. It's not just for meat either. You can also use it for all types of cooking tasks, and it's extra handy for recipes where you need to retain cooking liquid. It's bigger than most colanders, too, so it really comes in handy for anything. I usually find at least a small drawback to a product when I do these kitchen tests, but I really can't find a shortcoming with the Easy Greasy. It's by far my favorite product I've kitchen tested and I'd recommend it to anyone.

You can check it out for yourself and purchase one of your own here at Paperless Kitchen.

 

Introducing Brand New Eco Chic Dinnerware From Leafware

Who knew palm tree leaves could be so stylish? Leafware is proof that disposable dinnerware can be every bit as fashionable as the reusable stuff and have a tiny eco footprint at the same time.

If you're hearing about this brand for the first time, Leafware makes dinnerware by collecting palm leaves that have fallen from trees, sterilizing them and then drying them to create a highly temperature resistant, moisture resistant material with a gorgeous earthy color. The dinnerware is 100 percent biodegradable and compostable, making it much greener than paper and plastic. It's also stronger than paper and won't buckle even if it's piled up high with something delicious.

What makes Leafware so unique is that their dinnerware is available in a number of specialty designs that you don't find in ordinary disposable dinnerware collections. Our newest products only add more options to the already diverse offerings available to help you make a dinner party elegant and green. Some of the new items include:

- Leafware Heart Shaped Plates - Perfect for bridal showers and weddings, these 6" Plates are the right size for appetizers, sides and desserts of all kinds. You can purchase them in quantities of 25 or 400.

 

 

- Leafware 10 Inch Round Deep Plates - These plates and pasta are a perfect match, and they're also ideal for entree salads. We're currently selling them in packs of 25 and 250.

- Leafware 9 Inch Round Plates - The plates are a little smaller than the 10-Inch pasta plates, and they're flat for serving things like round personal pizzas and sandwiches in style. They're sold in packs of 25 and bulk boxes of 400.

- Leafware 6 Inch Round Plates - This smaller version of the 9-inch plates is a great option for placing next to your hors d'oeurves spread or for serving cake or starters. The plates are sold in the same quantities as their bigger brother: 25 and 400.

- Leafware 11" x 7” Trays - You can use these long trays as small serving dishes or platters for big sandwiches, sushi and other fare. We're currently selling them in 25 packs and in bulk quantities of 400.

- Leafware Party Pack - This set has enough dinnerware and silverware to serve up to 25 people and includes dinner plates, dessert plates, round bowls, trays, spoons, forks, knives and tasting spoons. It's perfect for stocking up for everyday use or for your next party.

You can check out our new Leafware products and the rest of the Leafware collection here at Paperless Kitchen! Leave us a comment and let us know which products you're most excited to try and why. We'd love to hear what you think.

 

 

 

Exciting News: We're Getting a New Facelift

When we launched our site in 2012, we had a simple vision: to help people easily discover ways to replace paper in their homes. We're proud that we've been able to do that for so many people, and we're excited to announce that we're making some changes to our site, so that we can continue to spread the word and bring the Paperless Kitchen lifestyle to more people.

Don't panic! All of the products that you love to shop for at Paperless Kitchen aren't going away. It is going to be easier for you to find them now, though. Improved product filtering is one of the most exciting features of our site. That means when you browse our category pages or type something into our search box, you'll see more products that can fit your needs, so you can find the perfect paper alternative or sustainable kitchenware product in no time. On the newly redesigned site, you'll also notice we'll be including more articles and features about living the Paperless Kitchen lifestyle. We know that many people who arrive at our site are only beginning on the journey of greening their homes. It's not always easy to go completely green, but it's possible. And it's worth it.

We want to use our site to help everyone get the information that they need to make the process simpler. Even though our site is going to look different, it will be much easier to shop and you can still expect to get the same benefits when you shop with us. We'll still have our Low Price Guarantee in effect to ensure that you get the best deals on green products when you buy from us. Orders over $50 will ship free of charge, and we're not about to get rid of our no-hassle returns policy.

Our new site also has our continued 100% secure shopping environment, and our team will still be here to provide you with the unparalleled customer service that you're used to receiving. So basically, we're still going to be the Paperless Kitchen that you love--only better. Browse the new site and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We can't wait to hear what you think!

Sustainably Yours,

The PaperlessKitchen Team

 

Paperless Kitchen Tested: CompoKeeper Review

I consider myself to be a pretty green minded person. The thought that up to 40 percent of all food in the United States goes wasted bothers me, not just because so many people are hungry but because of the environmental impact that the growing, transportation and processing of all that food involves. I know that composting is a good solution for decreasing the size of my own eco footprint and doing something about my own food waste, but I've never thought of doing it in the past.

Why?

Cause the idea grosses me out. Big time. The closest thing I have to a super hero power is a remarkable gag reflex. Just the thought of a big mess of leftovers rotting in a bucket under my sink waiting to go outside makes me queasy. That's why when I was asked to kitchen test the CompoKeeper Food Scrap Collector I was a little hesitant but I did my best to suppress my gag reflex and committed to using the compost trashcan for 1 week. Here's what happened:

The Basics

The CompoKeeper is a waste bin designed specifically for collecting compostable food scraps. The bin has a pedal powered lid and these bag sealing clasps that are meant to create a tight seal to keep smells contained. In addition, the recycling bin for food is ventilated and has an activated carbon filter to further reduce smells. The bags that fit inside of it are compostable, so the idea is that you can collect your food scraps until it's full, tie up the bag and then drop it off, put it by the curb or add it to the garden for composting.

The Unboxing

I was pleased to find that the CompoKeeper comes pretty much assembled and ready for use.

All you have to do is add the bag and put in the carbon filter, both of which were easy tasks. I was immediately impressed with the quality of the bin. It's better than almost any trash can I've ever owned. I also liked that it came with a list of what you can and can't put inside of the CompoKeeper. It even comes with a handy infographic that lets you find out what kind of composter you are).

 

 

I got my CompoKeeper Food Scrap Collector all set up and in place in the kitchen in under 5 minutes. It was time to start filling it with food scraps!

                                 

The Week of Compost Keeping

When cleaning up food all week long, I checked the list that came with my CompoKeeper and added suitable food scraps to the bin. The only gross part about the whole experience was dealing with the food on my plate! The CompoKeeper doesn't smell at all, and the way it's designed, I couldn't even really see all the mess inside. I made it through the whole week completely gag free, and when the bag was full, I was able to lift it out and tie it without any problem at all.

The Strength Test

Just out of curiosity, I wanted to see how strong the CompoKeeper bags were. When I emptied out my food scrap bag, I put a fresh bag in and dumped some of my other trash inside.  

 

 

I was pretty impressed with what I saw. I did get a little hole in one corner from a product package, as you can see in the photo, but since these bags are designed for boxes and similar items, I don't have any doubt that they can hold a heavy load of food scraps without breaking.

The Takeaway

Even with my super human gag reflex, I liked using the CompoKeeper and plan to keep doing so. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to use. It really does control the smell. In fact, I'm thinking about getting a second one for my smelliest non-compostable trash--kitty litter. The only drawback I found was that the bags are a little thin, but if you use it for food scraps, I don't see this being a problem. If you want to learn more about the CompoKeeper or purchase one for your own kitchen, you can check CompoKeeper here at Paperless Kitchen.

 

Coffee and Birds: An Important Connection

There is a good chance that, you, the reader of this blog, enjoys your daily cup(s) of coffee. Another likelihood is that you enjoy the amazing birds that live in your yard/community. Is there a connection? Absolutely!

Historically, coffee was grown in the shade of the surrounding rainforest. As coffee became more popular, companies looked for ways to increase coffee bean production while reducing costs.  Enter “sun” coffee, something that is counter intuitive when thinking about the shade loving shrub that coffee is! By clear-cutting the forest for full-sun plantations, companies were able to increase production but at a cost. With sun coffee, farmers have to add synthetic fertilizers and pesticides due to the limited nutrients in the soil. Shade grown coffee flourishes in the functioning forest ecosystem and does not require these added chemicals to promote growth. In fact, shade loving coffee shrubs thrive in the traditional shade of the rainforest.  

Right now (winter), millions of the birds-neotropical migrants- that either breed in our backyards, or migrate through our property on the way to Canada and the Arctic(!), are in the rainforests of Central or South America. They are eating the bugs that are in the trees and help the ecosystem to stay in balance. What will happen to these birds if they have no rainforest to migrate to? They will cease to exist, at least in the numbers of the past. And the birds will not grace your yard with their brilliant colors (think Baltimore oriole!) and beautiful songs. The bugs in your yard will also increase substantially.

In buying organic, shade-grown coffee, you will be allowing these birds to do what they have done for thousands of years, migrate to a safe place with ample food. And you will be giving small farmers a chance to make a living wage, while protecting them and their children from exposure to toxic chemicals. 

It’s a win-win!

As consumers, we have the power to demand coffee that is less damaging to the environment and migratory birds. Make the change for the birds, your health and for our planet.

Written by: Susan Krause, Naturalist Educator