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How to Design a Zero-Waste Kitchen

How to Design a Zero-Waste Kitchen

By Caleb Leonard

As we witness the impacts of plastics and other waste on our planet, more and more people are looking to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Creating a zero-waste kitchen involves adopting a mindful and sustainable approach to reduce waste at every stage of your buying, cooking, and eating routines, and it is an impactful way to minimize your carbon footprint.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Plan Ahead to Leave Less Behind

Look through your pantry and kitchen to see what you have on hand. Assess areas where waste is generated and rethink your shopping list.

Food waste can be prevented by effectively using your ingredients. Make creative use of leftovers. Freeze excess food for future meals. Don’t over-purchase perishable items. Make a shopping list and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases.

Buy in Bulk and Refill

Stock up on staples like grains, pasta, nuts, and spices in bulk. If you are heading to a store with bulk bins, bring your containers to avoid excess packaging.

Another way to reduce plastic packaging waste is by shopping at stores where you can refill cleaning and personal care products.

Choose products with minimal or sustainable packaging. Opt for glass, metal, or cardboard packaging over plastic whenever possible. These items can be repurposed or recycled.

Avoid individually packaged items and single-use packaging.

Shop Your Local Farmers Market

Shop Your Local Farmers Market

Shop Your Local Farmers Market

Farmers markets facilitate zero-waste kitchens.

Here’s how:

Reduced food packaging: Farmers markets offer fewer packaged and processed foods than grocery stores. Buying fewer single-use plastics keeps packaging waste out of landfills.

Local and seasonal produce: Farmers markets prioritize regionally grown and seasonal produce. By buying from local farmers, you support sustainable agriculture practices while minimizing the environmental impact of long-distance food transportation.

Bulk purchases: Many farmers markets offer the option to buy produce in bulk, allowing you to choose the quantity you need without redundant packaging.

BYOB (bring your own bag)

BYOB (bring your own bag)

BYOB (bring your own bag)

Those flimsy plastic bags from the grocery store are no match for a reusable tote. Reusable bags made from canvas or recycled plastics are larger and more durable than single-use bags. Plus, more states are implementing fees to curb the use of plastic bags.

Go Green with Reusable Kitchenware

Most people know about reusable water bottles, but there are tons more reusable items on the market (many are dishwasher-safe too). From reusable K-cups for your morning cup of joe to stainless steel straws, there are lots of eco-friendly ways to eliminate kitchen waste.

Here are a few examples:

  • Reusable food wraps (plastic wrap alternative)
  • Washable cloths (paper towel/napkin substitute)
  • Fiberglass chopsticks
  • Compostable sponges
  • Silicone storage/freezer bags (Ziplock alternative)
  • Silicone muffin liners

Reusable products not only cut down on the production and consumption of new products, but they also save you money.

Consider Eco-Friendly Upgrades

With all the money you’ll save by going green, consider upgrading your appliances. New technologies use less water and electricity. The money you spend on energy-efficient appliances will be recuperated over time.    

Freeze as You Please

A high-performance freezer is a powerful tool for keeping your food fresh. Food waste often comes from leftovers. Rather than throwing away leftovers, you can freeze them. These frozen meals can be quick and convenient options on busy days, especially when stored as pre-packaged meals.

Freezing foods can significantly extend their shelf life; this way, you can buy in bulk and take advantage of sales without worrying about ingredients spoiling.

If you have produce nearing its expiration date, freeze it before it turns. Freeze fruits, vegetables, and other perishables. Sauces can be frozen too.

Your freezer can also store dry goods. Freeze bulk items like nuts, grains, and flour for later use.

Reimagine Your Food Scraps

Reimagine Your Food Scraps

Reimagine Your Food Scraps

Almost all organic material has multiple uses. For example, banana peels make great hair and skin masks, banana tea is a powerful sleep aid, and plants love the potassium-enriched water of peels soaked overnight.

Orange peels can be boiled as a room deodorizer or baked and ground into a vitamin-packed powder.

Bones can be made into bone broth, and new plants can be grown from viable produce seeds, while herbs can be propagated for an endless supply of seasonings.

Before you toss it in the compost bin, perform a quick search and scope out any additional uses.

Compost is King

Composting is the backbone of the zero-waste kitchen. Once you have re-used your food in every imaginable way, it’s time to give it back to the earth. Create a compost pile in your yard; use a tumbling bin or a countertop composter.

Benefits of composting:

Reduced landfill waste: Food scraps account for a large chunk of landfill waste. When these materials decompose in landfills; they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting diverts these materials away from landfills, reducing their environmental impact.

Enriched soil: Compost improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. By composting, you’ll foster healthy plant growth, reducing the need for excessive watering and fertilizers.

Minimized odor and pests: Properly composting food scraps and yard waste reduces the likelihood of attracting pests and generating foul odors in trash bins.

A zero-waste kitchen is one way to live a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle. Once you hit your stride in the kitchen, you’ll likely find other areas to cut waste. Small changes add up, and you’ll make a big difference.

Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.

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Pallini Limoncello, the world’s #1 limoncello, proudly announces the launch of its new global campaign, “Taste of a Kiss.” Timed to coincide with the brand’s 150th anniversary, this sensory-led campaign invites consumers to rediscover the magic of limoncello – crafted with passion, kissed by the Amalfi sun, created for both timeless enjoyment and modern mixology.

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The campaign’s creative centerpiece, “What Does a Kiss Taste Like,” will run throughout 2025 and will be brought to life through digital storytelling, influencer collaborations, and curated lifestyle content that celebrates Italian passion and flavor.

Pallini, founded in 1875, remains a proudly family-owned company and is now led by CEO Micaela Pallini, a fifth-generation member of the founding family. With more than 15 years at the company, she previously served as Director and Head of Production. Micaela, who holds a Doctoral Degree in Chemistry, is the first woman to lead the company and is honored to guide Pallini through this historic milestone.

“This campaign is a love letter to our Italian roots,”

Micaela Pallini

“It reflects everything Pallini stands for – joy, beauty, togetherness, and timeless taste. Sharing our 150th anniversary as the world’s leading limoncello is both humbling and exhilarating.” The campaign was developed by Luther DSGN, a rising Rome-based agency known for its creative expertise in lifestyle branding, visual storytelling, and experiential design.

At the heart of the campaign is the Pallini Spritz—now among the top three spritz-style cocktails served in the U.S. Elegant, light, and refreshingly simple (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Pallini, 1 part water, served over ice in a large wine glass), the cocktail is quickly becoming a seasonal favorite across bars, rooftops, and at-home occasions. Pallini is supporting this momentum with retail cross-merchandising initiatives, encouraging consumers to bring the spritz ritual home.

Pallini Limoncello is distributed across the U.S. by Lucas Bols, the Dutch spirits company known for nurturing heritage cocktail brands. “Pallini is a rare brand that blends craftsmanship, legacy, and modern appeal,” said Brett Dunne, Managing Director, USA and Canada, The Lucas Bols Company. “We’re excited to help expand its reach across the U.S., bringing the spirit of the Amalfi Coast to American consumers and bartenders.”

Pallini Limoncello is available nationwide in fine wine and spirits retailers, as well as leading bars and restaurants across the U.S.

Sports beverage LA needs, but with a kick: Vodkade the Ultimate Canned Vodka Cocktail

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Born from the idea of creating a cocktail that tastes like a sports beverage — but with a kick — it’s the ultimate fusion of refreshment and bold flavor. Made with a proprietary recipe using crisp, high-quality vodka and natural fruit flavors, delivering a smooth, invigorating taste experience that keeps your competitive spirit sharp and your social game even sharper.

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Canned cocktails have surged in popularity due to their convenience, quality, and evolving consumer preferences.

As more people seek premium, bar-quality drinks without the hassle of mixing, canned cocktails offer a ready-to-drink solution that’s portable, consistent, and often crafted with real spirits and natural ingredients. Their sleek packaging suits outdoor events, beach days, and casual gatherings—no bartending skills needed.

Additionally, the rise of health-conscious drinking has led to options with lower sugar, fewer calories, and clean labels. With innovative flavors and better branding, canned cocktails meet the modern demand for ease, taste, and lifestyle alignment—all in a pop-top can.

Whether you’re rallying on the court, soaking up the sun, or locked in a heated game night, this canned cocktail is here to match your energy.

Vodkade is available in four fan-favorite flavors:Fruit Punch, Lemon-Lime, Orange, and Berry Cherry

Available in four fan-favorite flavors (Fruit Punch, Lemon-Lime, Orange, and Berry Cherry), each sip brings a cool wave of nostalgia with a grown-up twist. Sold in a convenient four-pack and the Victory Pack, an eight-pack variety featuring two cans of each flavor.

Vodka in a can?

Vodka is ideal for canned cocktails because of its clean, neutral flavor, which makes it incredibly versatile and mixable.

It acts as a blank canvas, allowing other ingredients—like fruit juices, herbs, or sparkling mixers—to shine without clashing. This neutrality also ensures a smooth, consistent taste across a wide range of flavor profiles, from citrusy spritzes to bold berry blends.

Vodka’s light body and high mixability appeal to a broad audience, making it a go-to base for refreshing, easy-to-enjoy drinks. Plus, it’s shelf-stable and blends well with carbonated elements, making it perfect for the convenience and portability of a can.

Now available at liquor stores and major retailers across the Midwest in IllinoisMissouri, and Iowa, with plans to expand into other United States markets in summer 2025.

Currently distributed across MissouriIllinois, and Iowa by distribution partners including Grey Eagle Distributors, Krey Distributing Company, H.W. Herrell Distributing Company, Lohr Distributing Company, Donnewald Distributing Company, Doll Distributing, Kabrick Distributing, and Fahr Distributing.

Learn more at www.vodkade.com or on socials at @Vodkade_cocktails on Instagram and @Vodkade on Facebook.

About Vodkade
Vodkade is a canned cocktail beverage made with a proprietary blend of vodka and natural fruit flavors.

Designed for those who live to play and play to win, Vodkade combines the bold refreshment of a sports drink with a kick.

Vodkade is distributed across MissouriIllinois, and Iowa by distribution partners including Grey Eagle Distributors, Krey Distributing Company, H.W. Herrell Distributing Company, Lohr Distributing Company, Donnewald Distributing Company, Doll Distributing, Kabrick Distributing, and Fahr Distributing.

It’s crafted for champions of good times everywhere. More information can be found at www.vodkade.com.

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City of Angels Food Wine: A World-Class Culinary Celebration at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles Featuring 36 All-Star Chefs, Coming July 2025

City of Angels Food Wine: A World-Class Culinary Celebration at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles Featuring 36 All-Star Chefs, Coming July 2025

Southern California is poised for a landmark moment as Event Founder Shelby Russell and Culinary Host & Partner Neal Fraser proudly present L.A.’s newest world-class culinary festival, the inaugural City of Angels Food & Wine featuring an exceptional lineup of 36 Best Chefs taking place at the historic Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles!

Franklin Becker, Photo Credit:  Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

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Opening Night on Friday, July 25, 2025

Grand Tasting on Saturday, July 26, 2025

Set in Downtown L.A., home to some of the country’s most innovative dining experiences, a spectacular two-night strolling festival with Opening Night on Friday, July 25, 2025, and the Grand Tasting on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and 1,000 culinary and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 18 Top Chefs and restaurants, spectacular wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.

Chef Lindsay Autry; Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

Chef Lindsay Autry; Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

City of Angels Food & Wine will take place at Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles, a vibrant, diverse culinary hub renowned for its cutting-edge cuisine and cultural richness.

Housed in a magnificently restored 19th-century cathedral, Vibiana is one of the city’s most iconic event venues, blending historic grandeur with modern sophistication.

As one of the nation’s most dynamic food destinations, Downtown Los Angeles offers the perfect backdrop for Southern California’s premier world-class culinary festival, where innovation, tradition, and flavor converge in an unforgettable celebration.

Chef Jonathon Sawyer

Chef Jonathon Sawyer; Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

City Of Angels Chefs, Courtesy of City of Angels Food & Wine

The inaugural City of Angels Food & Wine will feature an extraordinary lineup of 36 of the Best Chefs representing Los Angeles, Anaheim, Pasadena, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Chicago, Palm Beach, New York, and Mexico. This exemplary event promises to be a spectacular showcase of culinary excellence.

All-Star Chef Lineup includes:

Event Host Chef Neal Fraser: Redbird, Vibiana – Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Chef Vartan Abgaryan: Momed – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Govind Armstrong: Post & Beam, The Lobster, 8 oz. Burger BarLos Angeles, CA

Chef Lindsay Autry: HoneybellePalm Beach, FL

Chef Franklin Becker: Point SevenNew York, NY

Chef Giberto Cetina: Holbox, Chichen ItzaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Josiah Citrin: Mélisse, Citrin, Charcoal Venice, Dear John’s, Openair, Augie’s on MainLos Angeles, CA

Chef Tolu Eros: ILE LALos Angeles, CA

Chef Ben Ford: Ford’s Filling Station, Galerie – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Jeffray Gardner: Marsatta Chocolate – Old Town Torrance, CA
Chef Joel Hammond: Uchi West HollywoodLos Angeles, CA

Chef Katianna Hong & Chef John Hong: YangbanLos Angeles, CA

Chef Jessica Koslow: SqirlLos Angeles, CA

Chef Vivian Ku: Pine & Crane, JoyLos Angeles, CA

Chef Donnie Masterton: The Restaurant @ Sollano 16San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Lord Maynard Llera: Kuya LordLos Angeles, CA

Chef Raphael Lunetta: LunettaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Sergio Ortego: BontanicaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Dylan Patel: avecChicago, IL

Chef Michael Reed: Poppy & Seed, Poppy + RoseAnaheim, Los Angeles, CA

Chef Andreas Roller: Jonathan ClubLos Angeles, CA

Chef Steve Samson: Rossoblu, Superfine – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Jonathon Sawyer: KindlingChicago, IL

Chef Warren Schwartz: Magpies Softserve – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Shannon Swindle: Funke, Felix TrattoriaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Jimmy Shaw: Loteria Grill – Los Angeles, CA

Chef Kris Tominaga: ManuelaLos Angeles, CA

Chef Bret Thompson: Pez Coastal KitchenPasadena, CA

Chef Niki Vahle & Anna Sonenshein: Little FishLos Angeles, CA

Chef Marcel Vigneron: Lemon GroveLos Angeles, CA

City of Angeles Food Wine

This year’s City of Angels Food & Wine event beneficiary is St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, whose mission is to prepare and deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors and other vulnerable residents across Los Angeles, regardless of age, illness, disability, race, religion, or ability to pay. St. Vincent Meals on Wheelsdelivers over 100,000 meals each month to seniors at risk of hunger and stands on the front lines for the homebound and vulnerable throughout L.A. County, especially during emergencies like the recent Los Angeles wildfires, providing nutritious meals, shelf-stable food, wellness checks, and even pet food. More than 250,000 seniors in Los Angeles face food insecurity, and many of them are isolated and homebound. For these individuals, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels is a lifeline.

This year’s Partners include Delta Air Lines as the official Airline, Chef Works as the official Hospitality Apparel, IceBulb as the official Ice Supplier, Waterboy as the official Hydration, and Vibiana as the official Event Venue.

Ticket Information: The Inaugural City of Angels Food & Wine will take place on Friday, July 25th, 2025, and Saturday, July 26th, 2025, and this is a 21+ event. A DELTA VIP Early Entry Pass will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Regular Admission will be from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are on sale starting Wednesday, May 14, 2025. For more information on the City of Angels Food & Wine, please visit www.CityofAngelsFW.com.

 Transportation and Parking: Guests are strongly encouraged to utilize professional car services, such as Lyft, as alcoholic beverages will be served at the event. Self-parking is conveniently available in a Joe’s Parking Structure across the street from Vibiana.

Follow City of Angels Food & Wine for the latest updates on:

Facebook:  @cityofangelsfoodandwine

Instagram:  @cityofangels_foodandwine

City of Angels Food & Wine

Vibiana

214 Main St.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

www.CityofAngelsFW.com

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