21 zero waste kitchen swaps to help you live more sustainably
Think about all the single-use items that you buy again and again. Products like sandwich bags, paper towels, and plastic wrap go straight to the trash can when you're done with them, and from there, they either end up in a landfill or in the ocean. Tossed food scraps also end up in landfills, where they can release methane into the atmosphere.
Luckily, a lot of these products are quite easy to replace. From silicone zip bags to compostable dish brushes, there are tons of products that can be reused, composted, or responsibly recycled.
If you're looking to cut back on single-use products around your home, one of the best places to start is in the kitchen. Here are our favorite zero-waste kitchen swaps that won't end up in a landfill when it's time for a new one.
Reusable silicone storage bags
Plastic zipper storage bags are used once then go straight to the trash, but these silicone bags are built to last. They're made out of food-grade silicone, are microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and come in a variety of sizes. This starter bundle for $54.99 will wean you off Ziplocs as painlessly as possible.
Cloth produce bags
Even though some stores make compostable produce bags, bringing your own is still a better move. Loose fruits or veggies can go right into these bags and into your shopping cart. They're also breathable, which is a plus for your produce. Grab this set of five for $15.55.
Stainless steel food storage containers
Invest in some high-quality plastic-free storage. This stainless steel set comes with eight different sizes for $74.88, complete with leak-proof silicone lids to prevent spills.
A compostable dish brush
Once your plastic dish brush gets gross, some parts of it might be recycled, but the head will likely go straight to a landfill. This $12.59 compostable dish brush has a brush head made of natural tampico fiber and a handle made of beechwood, both of which can biodegrade. Once the brush head looks a little dingy, you can toss it in the compost and replace it with a new one.
A compostable bottle brush
By now you likely have a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic bottle waste. This compostable bottle brush will help you keep your bottle sparkling clean. The bristles and the handle are completely compostable, and the metal wiring can be placed in your home recycling bin. Keep your bottles clean for just $21.99.
Biodegradable cleaning sponges
If your kitchen regularly needs heavy-duty scrubbing, try a compostable sponge instead of your old synthetic version. These sponges come in a set of 12 for $17.49, and are made of plant fibers like coconut husk and cellulose that will help get all the grime off your dishes and counters. Once they need to be replaced, just toss them in the compost and grab a new one.
A plastic-free coffee setup
Ditch takeout coffee cups for something more eco-friendly. This french press is completely plastic-free, durable, and doesn't require a disposable coffee filter to make a solid cuppa joe. It's also made of durable stainless steel, so if you drop it, it won't break. Make your coffee habit plastic-free for $38.99.
Reusable K-Cups
If you have a fancy Keurig that you don't want to give up, don't worry. Just grab some of these reusable K-Cup pods (they come in a four pack for $8.95) and fill them with your favorite bulk coffee. You'll throw out way less plastic, and you'll be able to use coffee that doesn't come in K-Cups — it's a win-win.
A plastic-free tea infuser
It's not common knowledge, but most teabags are reinforced with small amounts of plastic, which means they can't be properly recycled or composted. Take the guesswork out of your tea waste and grab a stainless steel, fine mesh tea infuser for $6.64.
Eco-friendly dish soap
Conventional dish soap is packaged in plastic bottles, but this Cleancult dish soap comes in a paper-based recyclable carton. The soap itself is coconut oil-based and non-toxic, too. Just pour one of these refills into your empty plastic dish soap bottle to reuse it. Score a three pack for $30.39, or pick up a box of eco-friendly dishwasher tablets for $14.24.
A refillable bottle for cleaning
Making your own cleaning products is simple and easy, but you'll need a spray bottle to store your DIY cleaner in. This cute glass bottle has a non-slip silicone sleeve and is dishwasher safe, too. Buy one for $18.99.
Reusable paper towels
You probably throw out thousands of paper towels each year that contribute to landfill waste, but you don't have to. These not-paper towels have the same look and absorbency of regular paper towels, but they can be washed and reused again and again. One roll goes for $20.95 and comes with ten towels.
Swedish dishcloths
Even if you can't commit 100% to ditching paper towels, these Swedish dishcloths will help you get into the habit of using a reusable towel to clean. Swedish dishcloths can replace your old cleaning sponges, paper towels, and rags — and since they're made of organic cotton and wood-based cellulose pulp, they're biodegradable, too. Snag a two pack for $7.99.
Biodegradable trash bags
Until you truly master being zero waste, you'll probably still have some trash to throw away. These plant-based trash bags are biodegradable and plastic-free, and are ideal for storing your compost in. A 50-count pack runs for $20.95.
A super strong water filter
Single-use plastic water bottles should be a thing of the past, but if you're stuck on the quality of bottled water, there are other options. This Berkey filter is one of the strongest water filters on the market and also takes out heavy metals like lead and mercury, so you'll have healthy, crystal-clear drinking water without any plastic waste. Get a 1.5 gallon system and two filters for $362.
Reusable beeswax food wrap
This reusable food storage is made of natural cotton fibers and fortified with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin to help it cling to surfaces like plastic wrap does. Wrap up a sandwich, half a lemon, or a bowl of leftovers to store overnight — no waste required. Snag an assorted set of three for $18.
A silicone baking mat
A single good silicone baking mat will replace tons of aluminum foil and parchment paper. You'll get even better non-stick protection with a Silpat, and the best part is that you can wash it and use it again and again. A single mat costs $22.99.
Plastic-free ice cube trays
Silicone molds are an easy alternative to bagged ice and plastic ice cube trays, and they come in fun shapes, too. This two-pack costs $12.97 and comes with big cubes and a spherical tray — perfect for fancy cocktails.
Reusable metal straws
You've heard of this one, and you might already have a few, but metal straws are one of the easiest zero-waste swaps to make. This set is only $6.99 and comes with two bendy straws, two straight ones, a cloth carrying case and a straw brush to keep them all clean. Toss the whole bag in your purse or backpack before you head to grab your morning coffee, and you won't need to send another plastic straw to the trash can.
A compost bucket with a charcoal filter
Getting into composting? You'll need a bin to keep those food scraps in until you take them out, and this stainless-steel one is perfect for indoor use. It comes with a built-in charcoal filter, which keeps the odors inside the bucket, and not in your home. Get your compost game going for $26.34.
A Vitamix FoodCycler
The zero waste lifestyle may sound great, but if you don't have access to a compost facility, it means all your food scraps are going into the trash and to a landfill. You don't have to give up on your eco-conscious lifestyle dreams, though: This Vitamix food cycler lets you compost at home. It creates a nutrient-rich fertilizer from your food scraps, and is odor-free, so you can use it inside with minimal smells. Get a two-liter capacity system for $399.95.