From plastic bags to plastic containers, many of our kitchens are filled to the brim with plastic and single-use items. Is a sustainable kitchen really possible?
A few years ago I peered into my fridge and was quite horrified at how much plastic was packed in there. At the time, I was beginning to lead a more sustainable life and knew in that instant that my kitchen was the next room to tackle. I set out to find reusable and sustainable alternatives for as much as I could.
Over the years I have discovered some great finds that I always recommend to people who are trying to use less plastic. Stock your kitchen with these great zero-waste finds and you’ll be on your way to a more sustainable life, instantly.
1. Washable Dish Cloths
Paper towels are O-U-T and these reusable cloths from DII are oh-so-in. Made with cellulose and cotton, they are a great alternative to paper. They are also super absorbent and can absorb 15 times their weight.
2. Vegan Wax Covers
Not only is cellophane a pain to deal with, but it is also terrible for the environment. These reusable wax covers are perfect for use on those numerous containers that lost their covers or that odd shaping dish.
3. Silicone Food Savers
Sick of putting half of an onion in an oversized container that takes up an enormous amount of room in your fridge? These food savers allow for easy preservation and storage for your half-eaten produce.
4. Silicone Bags
Plastic baggies are another thing we use once and toss immediately. Well, those days are over now that silicone food savers are a thing. These Stasher bags are eco-friendly, reusable, and easy to wash. Keep your veggies and fruit fresh in style.
5. Glass Food Storage
I love these easy-to-store and stack glass containers. They are BPA-free and recyclable once their life has ended. You can reuse old jars, too for storing cut veggies. It’s a great way to make cooking a breeze during the week, too. Batch prep on the weekend and then grab-and-go during the week!
6. Stainless Steel Bento Box
Say goodbye to sandwich baggies and brown paper bags. Bring your own lunch just got better and cuter. I love these little bento boxes that help you sustainably pack a lunch for you or these are great for kiddos.
7. Cotton Mesh Bag
These are life-changing. I bought a pack years and years ago and have literally never put one apple or a bunch of kale in a plastic produce bag since. It also helps keep your tumbling onions, pears, and carrots a bit more organized. Wash them and store them with your grocery totes so you always remember to take them with you.
8. Linen Bread Bag
Buying fresh bread is one of my favorite things in the whole world. Like, is there anything better than fresh bread? Buy and store it sustainably with this chic linen bread bag.
9. Collapsable Coffee Cup
This is amazing for the traveler or the coffee-addicted who would benefit from having a cup on them at all times (read: me). Stuff it in your bag and you’ll almost forget it’s there, but it sure will save you in your time of need.
10. Glass Coffee Tumbler
I guess I am really labeling myself as a coffee addict since I put two cups on this list. However, I feel it is justified as this glass tumbler is a must-buy as well!
11. Stainless Steel Pour Over Coffee Filter
Well of course you need a stainless steel pour-over to go with your two new coffee mugs. I stopped using electric coffee makers years ago because between pour-overs and my French press—why buy senseless electronics? (Want to make your coffee even more sustainable? Read here.)
12. Block Dish Soap
Ditch the cycles of plastic bottles of dish soap and buy this bar soap ASAP. Just as we have come to adore the shampoo bars, this is the future of dish soap for sure. It also lasts way longer than the bottled version.