Welcome to our top 10 tips for a Lil Kitchen. We’ve pulled together a special bundle of goodies to help kickstart your plastic-free, happy-sea kitchen. Let us know @DoLilThings or in the comments below if we’ve missed something that’s made a Lil difference to your kitchen. Watch this space for those of you looking to tackle the whole house room by room… x

2. Food waste: if it were a country, food waste would be the third biggest carbon emitter. Plan meals, stick to a shopping list, eat up or freeze leftovers, use your food waste bin/compost.

3. You are what you eat: choose real food, that’s seasonal, local and quality. Lil offers plastic free pantry items, and our partner Phantassie Organic Produce provides Organic and low-plastic fruit, veg and eggs.

4. Cut the Cling Film: when this roll finishes, see how long you can go  without ‘needing’ to buy a new one. Try Beeswax wraps, plates over bowls, recycled foil, your existing containers, compostable baking parchment, reusable snack or freezer bags or tea towels instead.

5. Tea: Most generic tea bags contain plastic. It’s everywhere! Choose plastic free bags (eg Clipper), or loose tea in a suitable pot, reusable tea bags or baskets.

6. … and Coffee: If you must go for a coffee pod, you can get reusable or compostable ones, or choose loose, traceable beans & means (cafetiere, espresso pot, etc).  

7. Hot Water: Heating water takes lots of energy. Fill pots and kettle with ONLY what you need, use lids on pans.

8. Fizzy water: Spark your own with a soda machine maker. This cut Lou’s household recycling by about 60%. Even better if you can nab one second hand.

9. Dishes: washing with plastic cloths puts microplastics straight to waterways. Choose natural options. Swap your washing up detergent for an eco-friendly version too. Choose plastic free, happy sea dishwasher tabs.

10. TLC for your equipment and appliances. What you have is the best option, look after it; but if you really need another then choose carefully, find second hand if at all possible (try Freecycle, local Facebook groups or Freegle). Aim for an A++ energy rating. We love ethicalconsumer.org and if it’s a new stove, remember induction hobs are the way to go – foodies love them too.