How to Recycle and Upcycle in Your Kitchen on a Budget

In a world where sustainability and saving money are more important than ever, learning to recycle and upcycle in your kitchen is a brilliant way to reduce waste, get creative, and cut back on spending.

 Whether you're living on a tight budget or just want to do your bit for the planet, here are some simple, practical ideas to turn your kitchen into a greener, cleaner, and more resourceful space.

Recycle Smart: What Goes Where?

1. Know Your Council’s Rules

Start by checking what your local authority accepts in your kerbside recycling. Not all councils take the same items – for instance, some won’t recycle certain plastics or Tetra Paks. Understanding the do's and don’ts avoids contamination and helps your waste actually get recycled.

2. Rinse Before Recycling

A quick rinse of yoghurt pots, tin cans or jars prevents bad smells and pest problems, and ensures the items are suitable for recycling.

3. Compost Your Scraps

Don’t bin your peels, coffee grounds, or eggshells – compost them! If you don’t have a garden, look into a bokashi bin or countertop compost system. Many councils also offer subsidised compost bins.

Upcycling: Give Old Items New Life

1. Glass Jars Galore

Washed jam jars and pasta sauce bottles can become:

Pantry storage for rice, lentils, or spices

Drinking glasses or smoothie jars

Mini vases for kitchen herbs or flowers

Homemade gift containers for chutneys or infused oils

2. Cans, Tins & Tubs

Turn baked bean tins or large food cans into:

Herb pots (just add drainage holes)

Utensil holders

Lanterns with punched holes and tea lights inside

3. Bread Bags and Cereal Liners

These can be reused to store sandwiches or baked goods, or even as piping bags when baking. Wash and dry them thoroughly before reuse.

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Hacks

1. Save and Regrow

Some vegetable scraps can be regrown right on your windowsill:

Spring onions and leeks regrow in a glass of water

Lettuce hearts and celery bases will sprout again in a week

Herb cuttings like basil and mint can root in water and be replanted

2. Freeze Leftovers and Scraps

Keep a freezer bag for veg peelings to make homemade stock

Freeze overripe bananas for smoothies or banana bread or for a chilled snack

Freeze herbs in ice cube trays with oil or butter for easy cooking later

3. Repurpose Old Tea Towels and Clothing

Turn worn-out tea towels or cotton shirts into:

Reusable kitchen cloths

Napkins for picnics or packed lunches

Bowl covers with a bit of elastic sewn in

Make DIY Cleaning Products

Instead of buying plastic bottles of cleaning sprays, why not make your own?

All-purpose spray: Mix vinegar, lemon peel and water in a spray bottle

Baking soda scrub: Great for freshening up sinks and cutting boards

Coffee grounds: Use as a natural scrub or deodoriser for your fridge or bins

Final Thoughts

Recycling and upcycling don’t require a huge investment, just a bit of creativity, some organisation, and a willingness to rethink waste. By making these small changes in your kitchen, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and create a more resourceful and sustainable home. 

Plus, it’s surprisingly satisfying to see what you can create from what would’ve ended up in the bin!

Why Every Eatery Should Compost Food Waste and Grow Their Own Herbs and Microgreens

In an era where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, food businesses, whether pubs, hotels, restaurants, cafés or food vans, have an incredible opportunity to lead the charge. 

One simple, powerful step that every establishment can take is composting food waste and using it to grow fresh produce like herbs and microgreens. 

It’s practical, eco-friendly and increasingly expected by today’s environmentally conscious customers.

Turning Waste into Worth

The hospitality industry generates tonnes of food waste each year. Whether it's vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, fruit offcuts, or plate scrapings, much of this can be composted rather than thrown in the bin. When organic waste goes to landfill, it breaks down anaerobically and releases methane—a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting, on the other hand, recycles that waste into rich, fertile soil.

This compost can then be used to feed herb gardens, potted plants or microgreens grown on-site or nearby. What was once waste becomes nourishment for future ingredients, creating a virtuous cycle that cuts waste disposal costs and benefits the environment.

Growing Fresh Flavour

Herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and thyme—and microgreens such as radish, pea shoots, and mustard cress—are relatively easy to grow in small spaces. A pub garden, a rooftop terrace, or even a windowsill can become a flourishing green space. These homegrown elements add a burst of freshness to your dishes, and customers can taste the difference.

It also creates a brilliant marketing point. Diners love the idea of food that’s grown on-site—hyperlocal, sustainable, and nurtured with care. “Grown right here” is a phrase that adds authenticity and charm to any menu.

Budget-Friendly Sustainability

Setting up a small composting and growing operation doesn't have to break the bank. Simple compost bins, a bit of space, and some time are all it takes to start. Over time, this can even help cut down on your fresh herb purchasing costs, which can add up, especially for high-volume kitchens.

Food vans and small cafés might not have garden space, but with a few containers or vertical planters, even the smallest business can participate. Some even partner with local community gardens or schools to turn composted waste into a shared growing project.

Setting a Greener Example

Customers are paying attention. Many actively seek out businesses that take sustainability seriously. Composting food waste and growing your own produce sends a strong message that you care about your impact on the planet. It shows a commitment to reducing waste, supporting biodiversity, and offering a better, fresher product.

And it's not just good for the planet—it’s good for staff morale too. Involving team members in sustainability initiatives builds pride and ownership. Chefs can experiment with fresh herbs grown just metres from the kitchen. Servers can share the story behind the garnish on a cocktail. It becomes part of your brand identity.

Whether you run a cosy pub in the countryside, a trendy city café, a busy food van, or a luxury hotel, composting food waste and growing your own herbs and microgreens is a no-brainer. It’s cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and offers a distinctive edge in a competitive food industry. It’s not just good practice—it’s the future of food service.

So why not turn today’s scraps into tomorrow’s flavours?

Lomi - It's the future of food waste management, for all our kitchens

Say goodbye to food waste rotting nastily in your kitchen!

Lomi, the innovative kitchen countertop food recycler, is making a genuine transformation the way households, like yours and ours, manages organic waste, making composting not just easy, but seamless and eco-friendly, too. And dashed good fun, too!

It's been carefully and skillfully designed to fit in any kitchen, be it big or small. Lomi offers you a convenient and extremely clean solution for managing your food scraps. 

With a simple push of a button, your leftovers, whether they are peelings, fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, and organic waste are transformed overnight into a nutrient-rich natural fertiliser, called Lomi Earth. 

In just 24 hours, Lomi converts what was once waste into something that's a fantastic, natural resource that you can use for your garden, your houseplants, or your green waste bin.

The eco-mission is clear. We must eliminate 4.5 million tonnes of waste from the global waste stream by 2028. Lomi is right at the forefront of this effort, turning what would have once been waste into a very valuable resource, all while helping you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and the waste your produce.

With Lomi, composting is now genuinely accessible to everyone, regardless of any space constraints or weather conditions. No more dealing with insects that swarm out of your garden composter and bite you and you'll be able to bid farewell to the unpleasant odours, too.

Why? Because Lomi handles it all quietly and efficiently while you sleep, leaving you with significantly less waste week-on week. Lomi can reduce your household waste by 50% and reduces food scraps by a very impressive 80%.

Also, if your council operates a food scraps service with a tiny plastic bin that keeps being blown into the road and run over by cars, then the Lomi means you can deal with your own food scraps with no messy, smelly little bin! And also keep any compost your create for your own benefit!

So, What Sets Lomi Apart?

You Get Year-Round Convenience: Lomi makes composting possible all year round. Some garden composters can't work during cold, winter weather.

Compact Design: Its sleek, compact build fits seamlessly into any kitchen setup. And it looks good, too.

Eco-Friendly Impact: By diverting 100 kgs of food waste from landfills and avoiding 8 kgs of methane emissions with every 100 cycles, Lomi is the only electric appliance with a net positive impact on the environment. Which is good to know.

Energy Efficient: Lomi uses only 60 kWh of energy per 100 cycles. That's even  less energy  than leading star-approved fridge/freezers.

Sustainability Commitment: Lomi is carbon neutral upon delivery, with 100% of its manufacturing emissions offset.

Already, in excess of 200,000 households have integrated Lomi into their daily routines, dramatically reducing their environmental footprints. And it's not just food scraps, Lomi can even handle compostable packaging, making it a versatile tool in the fight against waste.

How Lomi Works:

Fill: Add food scraps, coffee grounds, and even compostable products like Pela cases.

Transform: With the push of a button, Lomi breaks down waste into nutrient-rich Lomi Earth, a natural fertiliser.

Reclaim: Use the Lomi Earth in your garden, plants, or add it to your green bin.

For those looking to make a difference, Lomi offers an easy and impactful way for you to contribute to climate. Despite being powered by electricity, Lomi users see an average reduction of 169 kg CO2e in their carbon footprints each year.

Join the movement towards a cleaner, greener future. Lomi is available for £399 through eu.Lomi.com 

And That's Food and Drink thinks that the Lomi will make a superb Christmas present for the environmentally aware gardeners in your life, so we will be sharing this with our sister site, That's Christmas. 

The ABCs of Composting: Turning Kitchen Waste into Garden Gold

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing waste, composting stands out as a simple yet powerful practice that anyone can adopt. 

Composting not only diverts kitchen scraps from landfills but also produces nutrient-rich soil that can enhance your garden's health and productivity. If you're new to composting or looking to brush up on the basics, read on as we explore the ABCs of turning kitchen waste into garden gold.

A is for Aerobic Decomposition:

Composting is essentially the aerobic decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. These tiny decomposers break down kitchen waste into simpler compounds, releasing valuable nutrients in the process. To support aerobic decomposition, ensure proper aeration within your compost pile or bin by turning or mixing the materials regularly.

B is for Brown and Green Materials:

Composting requires a balance of brown and green materials. Brown materials, such as dried leaves, straw, or newspaper, provide carbon, while green materials, like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings, supply nitrogen. Aim for a ratio of roughly 3 parts brown to 1 part green to maintain a healthy compost pile.

C is for Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio:

Understanding the carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio is crucial for successful composting. Microorganisms require the right balance of these elements to thrive. Brown materials have a higher carbon content, while green materials are richer in nitrogen. A C:N ratio of around 30:1 is ideal for efficient decomposition.

D is for Decomposition Process:

Composting is a natural process that occurs in stages. Initially, microorganisms break down easily decomposable materials, generating heat as they work. Over time, the compost pile cools down, and larger organisms like earthworms and insects aid in further decomposition. Patience is key, as the process can take several months to a year to yield finished compost.

E is for Environmental Benefits:

Composting offers numerous environmental benefits. By diverting organic waste from landfills, composting reduces methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, compost-amended soil improves moisture retention, reduces erosion, and promotes biodiversity, making it a valuable tool for sustainable agriculture and landscaping practices.

F is for Finished Compost:

When your compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling, it's ready to use. This finished compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be incorporated into garden beds, used as mulch, or mixed with potting soil for container gardening. Avoid adding unfinished compost to your garden, as it may rob plants of nitrogen as it continues to decompose.

G is for Gardening Tips:

Compost can benefit all types of gardens, from vegetable plots to flower beds. When using compost in your garden, mix it thoroughly into the soil to ensure even distribution of nutrients. Avoid placing compost directly against plant stems to prevent rot and disease. Regularly amending your soil with compost will improve its structure, fertility, and overall health.

H is for Home Composting Methods:

There are various methods for composting at home, ranging from traditional outdoor piles to enclosed bins and tumblers. Choose a method that suits your space, time, and preferences. Outdoor piles offer simplicity and space for large volumes of material, while enclosed bins are neater and may deter pests. Tumblers provide easy turning and faster decomposition but have limited capacity.

I is for Inclusivity:

Composting is an inclusive practice that can involve people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or new to sustainability, there's a role for everyone in the composting process. Engage your family, friends, and community to spread awareness and build a culture of composting together.

J is for Journey Towards Sustainability:

Composting is just one step on the journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle. By embracing composting in your daily routine, you contribute to reducing waste, conserving resources, and nurturing the planet. As you witness the transformation of kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil, you'll be inspired to explore other eco-friendly practices and make a positive impact on the world around you.

In conclusion, composting is a simple yet impactful way to turn kitchen waste into garden gold. By following the ABCs of composting, you can harness the power of nature to create nutrient-rich soil for healthier plants and a healthier planet. 

Whether you're composting in a backyard bin or a small apartment balcony, every effort counts towards building a more sustainable future. So, grab your kitchen scraps, start composting, and watch your garden thrive!

And you will be able to use the compost to grow more vegetables, thus creating a virtuous circle. 

(Image courtesy of Ben Kerckx from Pixabay)

Tesco to go peat-free on UK-grown bedding plants and compost in major carbon-saving move

Tesco has become the first UK retailer to go peat-free on its British-grown bedding plants, in order to significantly lower their carbon footprint. 

From earlier this year the supermarket started selling only compost that is also completely peat-free. Ideal for those of us who like to grow our own food.

Peat is still the most popular aid used by the horticulture industry to grow potting plants but when harvested, vast quantities of carbon are released into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change.   

The ground-breaking step has been made in partnership with one of the UK’s leading ornamental plant suppliers, Bridge Farm Horticulture, based in Spalding, Lincolnshire.  

It will also help preserve the UK’s and Republic of Ireland’s peatlands, which provide a wealth of environmental benefits as well as being home to many rare plants, insects and birds.   

The move is significant as Tesco is one of the UK’s largest sellers of bedding plants, with about 40 million plants sold each year.   

Through this change, Tesco has reduced its peat use by nearly 9,000 cubic metres a year. This has reduced the carbon footprint of these products by more than 1,200 tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent emissions) a year – a reduction of 75%.   

Tesco Horticulture Category Buying Manager, Alex Edwards said: “Going peat free on our British-grown bedding plants is right for our customers - we've listened to their feedback and have worked hard to prove we can deliver the same great quality, but now being better for our planet.  

“Looking ahead, we hope this approach can be adopted on a wider-scale – it’s our aim to deliver this across a broader range of plants and flowers.”

In April 2022, Tesco made the decision to remove peat from the compost it uses in its British grown bedding plant range. 

At the time a viable alternative for peat wasn’t available for young plant propagation, which meant that a maximum of five per cent peat remained in the compost formulation. 

This alternative has now been found and so instead of peat, all bedding plants, grown by the Bridge Farm Horticulture, on behalf of Tesco will use alternatives such as wood fibre** and natural by-products to deliver the quality expected. 

Tesco’s range of products supplied by the Bridge Farm Horticulture have all been successfully trialled in peat-free compost, with no impact on quality or product life.   

Bridge Farm Horticulture Managing Director Louise Motala said: “We felt as strongly as Tesco that it was an important step to remove all peat from our compost formulations.

“To enable us to do so we begun propagating the majority of our seed and cutting young plants ourselves.

“This investment in our facility and capabilities has not only helped us to deliver on this commitment, it has also given us greater flexibility and control of the whole supply chain.” 

Plant Health Minister, Trudy Harrison welcomed the move and said: “Our peatlands are an incredibly valuable natural resource. They play a crucial role in locking up carbon, providing habitats for wildlife and helping with flood mitigation. 

“Tesco’s achievement demonstrates the viability of  effective peat-free alternatives and marks an another important stride in reducing our nation’s peat use.  

“I am confident this move  will encourage other retailers to follow their forward thinking example, as we move towards the complete ban for selling peat to amateur gardeners which comes into force in 2024.”