Sometimes it seems that living sustainably requires significant planning ahead and when it comes to snacking, this isn’t always convenient and it’s ideal to have everything ready to go. Regretfully, the majority of quick snacks are packaged in plastic – but, fear not, it’s not always as hard to obtain plastic-free snacks as you think, and not all of them require advance preparation. In this article, we’ve compiled our favorite sustainable plastic free snacking options so that you can have your snack and eat it too!
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The Problem with Plastic Packaging
Before delving into plastic-free snack alternatives, it’s essential to understand the environmental impact of plastic packaging. Plastic is ubiquitous in the food industry due to its durability, flexibility, and low cost. However, its durability is precisely what makes it a severe environmental hazard. Single-use plastic packaging, such as snack wrappers and bags, often end up in landfills, oceans, and waterways, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful toxins in the process.
Furthermore, the production of plastic contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and relies heavily on finite fossil fuels. Plastic pollution also poses significant risks to wildlife, as animals can ingest or become entangled in plastic waste, leading to injury or death. Therefore, reducing plastic consumption, particularly in snack packaging, is crucial for mitigating environmental damage and creating a more sustainable future.
Embracing Plastic Free Snacks
Transitioning to plastic-free snacks may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, it’s entirely achievable. Here are some ideas for zero waste snacking that are both eco-friendly and satisfying:
1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
One of the simplest and healthiest plastic free snack options is to reach for fresh fruits and vegetables. Apples, bananas, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers are convenient, portable, and require no packaging. Not only are they nutritious and delicious, but they also come in their natural biodegradable packaging – their skins!
2. Homemade Trail Mix
Create your own custom trail mix by combining your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and maybe a few dark chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness. Store your trail mix in a reusable container or mason jar to avoid single-use plastic packaging. Your bulk food store is a great place to find these ingredients.
3. Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a tasty and satisfying snack that’s easy to make at home. Simply heat some kernels in a pot or use a popcorn maker, then season with your choice of spices, nutritional yeast, or a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve in a reusable bowl or brown paper bag for a plastic free snack experience.
4. Nut Butter and Fruit
Pairing nut butter with sliced apples, bananas, or celery sticks makes for a nutritious and filling snack. Opt for brands that offer nut butter in glass jars or make your own at home using a food processor – it’s surprisingly simple and allows you to control the ingredients.
5. Veggie Chips
Instead of reaching for traditional potato chips packaged in plastic, try making your own veggie chips at home. Thinly slice vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, or kale, toss with olive oil and seasonings, then bake until crispy. Not only are homemade veggie chips delicious, but they also eliminate the need for disposable packaging.
6. Hummus and Crackers
Hummus paired with whole-grain crackers or sliced vegetables makes for a satisfying and protein-rich snack. Make your own hummus using canned chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, and store it in a reusable container. Choose crackers sold in cardboard boxes or bulk bins to avoid plastic packaging.
7. Energy Balls
Energy balls are convenient, portable, and endlessly customizable. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, dates, and seeds, they provide a quick burst of energy without the need for plastic packaging. Experiment with different flavor combinations, such as chocolate coconut or peanut butter cranberry, and store them in the refrigerator for grab-and-go snacking.
8. Homemade Granola Bars
Ditch the store-bought granola bars wrapped in plastic and make your own at home. There are countless recipes available online for homemade granola bars using ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Once baked, cut them into bars or squares and store them in an airtight container for a waste-free snack option.
9. Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed snacks are a nutritious and sustainable alternative to traditional chips. These crispy, salty snacks are made from roasted seaweed sheets seasoned with various flavors like sesame, wasabi, or sea salt. Look for brands that package their seaweed snacks in compostable or recyclable materials to minimize waste.
10. DIY Smoothie Packs
Prepare smoothie packs in advance by portioning out your favorite fruits and vegetables into reusable silicone bags or containers. Include ingredients like spinach, berries, banana slices, and avocado chunks, then store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to make a smoothie, simply dump the contents of a pack into a blender, add your liquid of choice, and blend until smooth.
In conclusion, making the switch to plastic free snacks is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your environmental footprint and promote sustainable living. By opting for fresh, whole foods and homemade snacks, you can eliminate single-use plastic packaging from your diet while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re munching on fresh fruits and vegetables, whipping up a batch of homemade granola bars, or enjoying a handful of air-popped popcorn, there are plenty of delicious and waste-free snack options to choose from. So, the next time you’re craving a midday pick-me-up, reach for a plastic-free snack and feel good about your contribution to a healthier planet.
