Ready to dip your toe into the world of zero waste living? In this post, we have recommendations for 12 zero waste kitchen products that will reduce your environmental impact while saving you money.
The zero waste philosophy is about finding sustainable alternatives to replace the use of non-recyclable materials, reducing the amount of single-use items we throw away. In most houses, the kitchen is the main source of waste, where we use the most single-use items like paper napkins, plastic re-sealable bags, and plastic straws.
These 12 zero waste ideas are a great place to start if you’re looking for ways to make your kitchen a little more sustainable, from reusable paper towels to bamboo cutting boards and more.
These products will not only help to bring healthier, more mindful products into your home but also make cooking and meal preparation a whole lot more enjoyable.
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1) No Tox Life Dish Washing Block Soap
The No Tox Life Dish Washing Block is made with all-natural, plant-based ingredients and is completely free of harsh chemicals and toxins. Each block can last up to 3-4 months, making it a more cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional liquid dish soaps.
It’s easy to use. Just wet your dish brush, rub the block to create suds, and wash your dishes as usual. The No Tox Life Dish Washing Block is also packaged in a minimal, recyclable paper box, making it a perfect choice for reducing plastic waste.
2) Bamboo Dish Scrub Brushes by Subekyu
Unlike traditional kitchen sponges that wear out quickly, get smelly, and need to be replaced often. These bamboo dish brushes are made with all-natural bamboo, a fast-growing and renewable resource, making them a more sustainable choice than traditional plastic sponges.
They are easy to clean and maintain and can be used for months, even years, without replacing them.
3) Eco-Pals Reusable Straws Drinking
The Eco-Pals Reusable Straws are made of stainless steel, which is easy to clean (they even come with their own cleaning brush) and can be used for either hot or cold drinks.
Not only are these straws better for the environment, but they are also more convenient. Since they are lightweight and easy to pack you can toss one or two in your bag and have a straw with you anywhere you go.
4) FEBU Swedish Dishcloths
The FEBU Swedish dishcloths are made from a blend of cellulose and cotton, which is long-lasting, absorbent, and biodegradable. The best thing about these reusable towels is that they can replace both paper towels and sponges. We like to use them all around the house, from washing dishes to polishing bathroom mirrors. Plus, they are so pretty that we like leaving them on our kitchen counter.
After use, they can be easily cleaned in the washing machine and reused multiple times before replacing them.
5) W&P Porter Seal Tight Lunch Bowl Container
The W&P Porter Seal Tight Lunch Bowl Container is sturdy, leak-proof, and perfect for taking meals and snacks on the go. All W&P Porter containers are BPA-free, food-grade glass with a secure lid that keeps food fresh without leaching any nasty chemicals into its stored contents.
It's the perfect size for a hot lunch, salad, or leftovers. The stackable containers don’t take up too much space and leave your cabinets organized and clutter-free. The best part is throwing them in the dishwasher, making cleanup a snap.
6) Organic Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board
The Greener Chef Organic Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board is the perfect sustainable option for slicing and dicing all kinds of fruits and vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Its size makes it convenient for chopping and preparing large quantities of food, which is great for meal prepping or making large salads.
This cutting board has been a game changer in our kitchen since the bamboo is durable and doesn't dull our knives as quickly as our other cutting boards. It’s also dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning a breeze after a long night of cooking.
7) Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin
For anyone looking to reduce waste in the kitchen, compositing is a great place to start. Composting food scraps, instead of throwing them away, reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and creates a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden.
This lovely minimalistic compost bin is made of stainless steel and has a tight-fitting lid that helps to keep odors contained, making it perfect for indoor use. Its sleek design looks great in any kitchen and is small enough to fit on a countertop but large enough to hold a good amount of food scraps.
8) BLUELAND Hand Soap Starter Set
It’s easy to overlook what hand soap we're using in the kitchen, but it’s actually one of the easiest sustainable kitchen products to swap to reduce waste. Because the glass bottles are reusable, you aren’t purchasing a new plastic bottle whenever you need new hand soap. Additionally, the products are cheaper because the tablets don’t require expensive transportation costs associated with shipping gallons of liquid product.
The BLUELAND Hand Soap Starter Set includes a reusable glass bottle and a variety of refillable tablets that are made with all-natural and organic ingredients. The tablets are easy to use and make it easy to switch, and we love that you are able to switch up the scents.
9) Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet Set
At a really good price point, these pans are worth the investment. The Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillets are the type of pans you purchase once and will last a lifetime with proper care.
Cast iron skillets are known for their durability and ability to retain heat, making them ideal for cooking a wide variety of dishes. They can be used on any type of stovetop, including induction, and can be put in the oven. Cast iron pans are a great option for avoiding cancer-causing PFAS, and PFCs found in many non-stick pans because they do not have a non-stick coating and will develop their own natural non-stick surface over time.
10) Zero Wastely Reusable Paper Towels
The Zero Wastely Reusable Paper Towels are made from 100% organic cotton and are designed to be used multiple times before being washed, making them an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional disposable paper towels.
We like to use the Zero Wastely towels for multiple chores around the kitchen, including cleaning up spills, wiping the sink, washing dishes, and even as napkins. When you’re done with them, just pop them in the washing machine, and they are ready to be used again.
11) Food Hugger Reusable Silicone Food Savers
When it comes to keeping your half-eaten fruits and veggies fresh, these cute reusable food huggers are the best alternative to plastic cling wrap. They are made from high quality, food-safe silicone and are designed to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer by creating an airtight seal. They come in different sizes so that you can use them on various fruits and vegetables, from avocados to strawberries.
12) Reusable K Cup Coffee Filters
If you’re a coffee lover and love the convenience of single-serve coffee machines, the NOALTO Reusable K Cup Coffee Filters make it easy to switch from plastic disposable coffee pods. These reusable filters are made from high-quality stainless steel and are designed to be used with single-serve coffee machines. They are easy to fill with your favorite coffee grounds and can be easily cleaned with a brush or in the dishwasher. This makes it simple to switch from disposable coffee pods to a more sustainable option.
Suggested Reading: How To Live Sustainably On A Budget: 20 Simple and Effective Tips
What is zero waste living?
Zero waste living is a lifestyle that aims to reduce the amount of waste produced by an individual or a household. This includes finding sustainable alternatives to single-use products, composting, recycling, and reducing overall consumption.
How can I make my kitchen more environmentally friendly?
Start by setting a goal and making a plan. Gradually replace disposable items with zero waste alternatives, starting with the items you use most often. Keep in mind that it is not necessary to replace everything at once, and you can start with one or two items.
Are zero waste kitchen products expensive?
Some sustainable kitchen products can be more expensive than their disposable counterparts. However, they are often more durable and long-lasting, which can save you money in the long run. Additionally, many of the products are reusable and can be used for a long time, so it's a one-time investment.
What common kitchen items create the most waste?
- Disposable plastic utensils, plates, and cups
- Single-use plastic bags and wrap
- Disposable paper towels
- Plastic storage containers
- Disposable cleaning products
How To Implement Zero Waste Kitchen Products
Start with a small action plan if you’re ready to start going zero waste in your kitchen. Look to gradually replace disposable items with more sustainable, zero waste alternatives when you can. For example, when shopping for food, opt for products packaged in materials such as paper, aluminum, and glass, as these can be easily composted or recycled, unlike plastic. Additionally, consider buying in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
As you begin incorporating these zero waste products into your kitchen, it's important to stay mindful of proper care and maintenance to ensure they continue to function effectively. For example, bamboo utensils should not be soaked or put in the dishwasher, which may damage the material.
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