Plastic Free July: Homemade Ice Cream
Celebrating Plastic Free July with…Homemade Ice Cream!
As we strive to reduce our environmental impact and eliminate single-use plastics from our lives, Plastic Free July has become a global movement encouraging individuals to make conscious choices for a more sustainable future.
This summer, why not cool down and indulge in a sweet treat while minimizing plastic waste? Say goodbye to store-bought ice cream tubs wrapped in plastic and hello to homemade, plastic-free ice cream creations! We’re exploring how you can enjoy delicious homemade ice cream, while also reducing your ecological footprint.
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Why Homemade Ice Cream
There’s something wonderful about making your own ice cream. It allows you to control the ingredients, experiment with flavors, and tailor the sweetness to your preference. By making ice cream at home, you have the power to choose sustainable ingredients and packaging, reducing the environmental impact associated with commercial ice cream production.
Sustainable Ingredients for your Homemade Ice Cream
When shopping for ingredients, opt for locally sourced, organic dairy products or plant-based alternatives. Look for milk and cream in glass bottles or cartons, as these can be easily recycled.
Supporting local farmers not only reduces food miles but also promotes a more sustainable food system. Or, even better, use your own produce! In the photo below, I used haskap berries from my garden as the flavour for my first batch of ice cream.
Additionally, consider using fair-trade and ethically sourced ingredients like cocoa powder and vanilla to support responsible farming practices.
Homemade Ice Cream Packaging Alternatives
To store your ice cream, opt for reusable glass or stainless steel containers. Mason jars work particularly well for storing smaller batches or individual servings of homemade ice cream. You can also cover your container with a reusable beeswax wrap or silicone lid for added freshness.
Get Creative with your Flavours
Now comes the fun part—experimenting with flavors! Take advantage of Plastic Free July to explore new taste combinations for your homemade ice cream.
Consider using locally sourced fruits, such as strawberries, peaches, or raspberries to add a burst of freshness to your homemade creations. Also consider what ingredients you can use that are already growing in your yard, or in season locally.
I had tasted haskap (honeyberry) sorbet at a restaurant and was so inspired that I came home and picked all of mine to make into ice cream! Experiment with herbs, spices, or even a touch of fair-trade coffee to create unique and delightful flavor profiles.
Sharing is Caring
Invite friends and family to join your plastic free homemade ice cream adventure. Host an ice cream social or bring your homemade treats to gatherings in reusable containers. This not only promotes the reduction of single-use plastic, but also might inspire others to give homemade ice cream a try!
Conclusion
Plastic Free July provides the perfect opportunity to eliminate single-use plastics from store-bought ice cream and indulge in some homemade frozen treats. By choosing sustainable ingredients, using plastic free equipment and storage, and exploring creative flavors, we can create amazing ice cream while minimizing our environmental impact.
So, let’s embrace the spirit of Plastic Free July and cool down this summer with homemade ice cream that’s as delicious as it is eco-friendly!
Have you ever made your own ice cream?
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16 Comments
Karalee
Making homemade ice cream is a fantastic idea for Plastic Free July! I should definitely try making my own ice cream because it would be fun to make different flavors!
A Sustainably Simple Life
Playing with flavours is definitely so fun! 🙂
Allie Mackin
Oh my this sounds so good. Homemade ice cream is on another level. Last time I had it was years ago on the San Juan Islands Friday Harbor to specific in PNW. It was amaaing.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
A Sustainably Simple Life
PNW and homemade ice cream is a dream combo–though we’re probably biased with where we live 😉
Jenny in Neverland
Making homemade ice cream would be a great activity to do with kids in the Summer! I’ll admit, I had an ice cream maker once and tried making my own and it was awful – I definitely didn’t do something right, haha!
A Sustainably Simple Life
Oh no! At least you gave it a try! It can be so much fun when it goes right 🙂
Lisa's Notebook
I’ve made lemon ice cream and orange ice cream in the past by using curds and they were delicious. We have a gooseberry glut at the moment so that would be a great way of using up some of our own produce and staying sustainable at the same time, thank you!
A Sustainably Simple Life
Those all sound delicious! 😀
Fadima Mooneira
Oh wow!!! Who knows that making homemade ice cream is another good way to practice plastic free July. Thank you for sharing.
A Sustainably Simple Life
So much fun, right?! 🙂
Sam
This is such a great idea to make this for plastic free July. Thank you for sharing.
A Sustainably Simple Life
Thanks, Sam! 🙂
quirkymoms486
What a great idea! I will have to make some homemade ice cream with my kiddo’s they would love it!
A Sustainably Simple Life
Thanks! I hope you all have fun making it! 🙂
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
I could really get behind making homemade ice cream; my mum used to make a coffee ice cream that was really, really simple and I must get the recipe from her! I love that there are so many ways we can reduce plastic, even in surprising ways (I would not have thought about ice bream until reading this)!
A Sustainably Simple Life
Coffee ice cream sounds delightful! 🙂