12 Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps to Minimize Waste at Home

zero waste kitchen swaps

The kitchen is one of our greatest areas of plastic waste, so choosing zero waste kitchen swaps is an excellent step in the right direction. From plastic wrap to food containers to dish brushes, all of this plastic adds up! 

Much of the plastic we use in the kitchen is thrown away after just one use, so finding reusable alternatives is a big part of this sustainable lifestyle. Here are some simple swaps you can incorporate today!

 

zero

 

Zero waste kitchen swaps 

 

  1. Bamboo dish brush

Many dish brushes are made of plastic. Switch to a bamboo alternative that allows you to replace the heads and can be recycled and biodegraded after its useful life ends. 

  1. Cotton sponges

Plastic sponges will sit in landfills for years before breaking down. Instead, opt for a biodegradable sponge, like one made of cotton. 

  1. Solid dish soap

Choose a solid dish soap over liquid dish soaps that come in plastic bottles. Be sure to keep it on a good soap dish that allows for airflow like this one. This will help you decrease soap scum and increase the life of the soap bar.

  1. Beeswax food wrap

Plastic wrap is convenient, but beeswax food wrap is just as good! You can reuse this food wrap for a year or even longer and compost it when it’s no longer of use.

  1. Stasher bags

Another necessity for food storage – Ziploc bags! These silicone bags will perform just the same, except you can reuse them endlessly. 

  1. Glass or stainless steel food containers

Another way to avoid plastic wrap is to use food containers with fitted lids, like these stainless steel ones. You can even bring these out to eat and avoid takeaway containers there, as well!

  1. Reuseable shopping bags and produce bags

When stocking your kitchen with food, be sure to bring your own bags to the store. These produce bags are a necessity. Net bags are also great for loose fruits and veggies.

  1. Reuseable paper towels

These UNpaper towels are cotton, reusable replacements for the single-use variation. You’ll never need to buy paper towels again! Just wash and reuse.

  1. Reuseable napkins

Choose napkins made from 100% cotton, so you can reuse them again and again. 

  1. Reuseable straws

Straws make every drink more fun, but plastic straws are a lot less fun when they end up in the ocean. Choose reusable straws and everyone wins!

  1. Plastic free kettle

When making coffee or tea, there’s the potential for a lot of plastic waste. That starts with the kettle, so choose one that doesn’t contain plastic. You can find my favourite options here.

  1. Reuseable coffee filters

Skip the single-use filters and choose a reusable coffee filter. If you’re more of a tea drinker, opt for loose leaf tea and a reusable strainer rather than traditional tea bags, which contain plastic.

What zero waste kitchen swaps have you already done? Which are you still working on? Let me know in the comments below!

I hope you’ve found this blog helpful! As always, you can support me and the site by buying me a cup of tea or sharing the site with a friend. Your support means the world to me!