Q. Hey Jenny, I’m tired of spending money on expensive non-stick baking sprays and am looking for an eco-friendly and budget-friendly alternative that will reduce the impact my empty cans have on the landfills. Any suggestions?

A. I agree that wasting money on cans of baking spray and creating more waste seems silly. And yes, there is a good alternative — a DIY mixture you can make at home with vegetable shortening, flour and vegetable oil.

• Place 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening and 2/3 cup flour in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat together on medium-low speed for about two minutes. With the mixer still running, drizzle in 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and beat until smooth. This will take an additional minute. Transfer the mixture to an air-tight container or mason jar and use a pastry brush to apply it anywhere you might otherwise use baking spray.