I’ve been working on reducing the waste and single-use plastic in our kitchen for years. Now, with more research indicating that plastic is bad for the environment and our bodies, I’ve gone all in on getting it out of my kitchen.
Between plastic storage containers, disposable paper products, and single-use bags, the waste really started adding up. So, we made some changes — nothing drastic, just small swaps that have made a big difference.
If you’re looking for ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly, here are some of the things we’ve done and products we’re using now.
Budgeting note: While obtaining more eco-friendly products initially costs money, your savings will kick in over time when you don’t have to replace so many single-use and disposable products. You’ll be doing your part to save the planet while possibly helping your body as well.
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1. Swapping plastic storage for glass and silicone
One of the first things to go was our plastic food storage containers. I replaced them with glass storage dishes, which last longer, don’t stain, and can go from the fridge to the oven or freezer without any worries.
I have also significantly reduced our reliance on plastic zipper bags and switched to reusable silicone bags and reusable stretch lids. They work just as well, are easy to clean, and hold up for years. I use them for everything: Storing leftovers, freezing fruit, and even packing snacks. I love these extra-large 2-gallon ones for storing lettuce — technically, these are plastic, but they are BPA-free and reusable. I haven’t found silicone bags large enough for lettuce.
I also have these cloth bags that I ordered from Food52. You dampen them and then place the produce inside. I haven’t had them long enough for a verdict, but they come with great reviews. I’ll update this post after I’ve used them for a while.
As soon as I get home from the grocery store, I wash and prep all of my produce and store it in my glass and silicone containers. This keeps me from wasting as much food since it’s always ready to go.
I also bought smaller, cheaper bags to use for Henry’s dog food when he’s boarded at the kennel and we have to pack it.
2. Using ceramic berry baskets instead of plastic containers
If you buy a lot of fresh berries, you know those flimsy plastic clamshells pile up fast. For years, I’ve been using plastic produce containers in my refrigerator, and honestly, I love them because they do a good job of keeping the fruit fresh.
But since I’m committed to eliminating plastic food storage, I’ve switched to these gorgeous ceramic berry baskets from Crate and Barrel. These baskets allow air to circulate, so the fruit stays fresh longer. Plus, they look so much nicer sitting in the fridge or on the counter.
3. Keeping garlic fresh in a ceramic keeper
I used to toss garlic bulbs in the basket with my onions, only to find them dried out or sprouting a few weeks later. A ceramic garlic keeper changed that. It lets just the right amount of air in while keeping garlic in the dark, which helps it stay fresh for weeks.
4. Cutting back on paper towels with Swedish dishcloths
While I still buy paper towels (and toilet paper) in bulk from Costco, now one pack may last a whole year. Paper towels used to be a staple in our kitchen, but we’ve mostly replaced them with Swedish dishcloths. They absorb spills like sponges, dry quickly, and can be tossed in the dishwasher or washing machine.
We still use paper towels for some things but go through them much slower now.
5. Switching to cloth napkins
This was one of the easiest changes we made, and being Southern, it’s a pretty natural thing to do. Southerners love to set a pretty table, and using cloth napkins is always a big part of that. While I had always used my nice cloth napkins when entertaining, a few years ago, I bought some cheap flannel ones on Amazon, and now those are the ones we use for everyday napkins.
Cloth napkins hold up wash after wash and feel nicer on the table than flimsy paper ones. I keep my everyday napkins in a stack in a drawer so they’re easy to grab. I love these gorgeous French blue napkins from Joanna Gaines.
I store my linen napkins and other fancier linens in a cabinet in my laundry room, and I don’t worry about stains, even on the solid white ones. I toss them in the washing machine right after a dinner party. Most of the time, any stains will come right out; occasionally, I’ll have to replace a napkin or two, but that’s rare, and I still prefer that over keeping stacks of those square paper napkins.
6. Using a better cutting board
Several years ago, I had a friend custom-build me a giant cutting board. It lives on my counter, and I use it every single day. I also had some of those flimsy plastic cutting boards for raw meat. Once I decided to eliminate plastic, I had to find an alternative that could withstand the dishwasher.
We switched to these Epicurean composite cutting boards, which are lightweight, dishwasher-safe, and made from sustainable materials. They don’t dull knives as quickly as plastic, either.
7. Composting food scraps
My grandfather used to keep a large composting pile near his garden, and all the kitchen scraps would get tossed there. He’d use the compost to fertilize the garden. Since we live in town, I don’t have that option. Right now, my system is to save scraps in the freezer and then use them to make homemade chicken or vegetable stock.
Since I already have a lot of stock in my freezer, I’ve recently taken the scraps into the woods and dumped them for animals. We have tons of deer roaming our neighborhood, so I hope they’ll see it as a trade and stay away from my flowers!
Another alternative I’ve been considering is one of these small composting canisters that sits right on your kitchen or pantry counter.
What I’d really like is one of these fully automatic Mill Food Recyclers that grinds all of your food waste without odors. They’re super expensive, though, so I haven’t talked myself into it yet. I’d love to know if you try one!
8. Using reusable grocery and produce bags
Bringing reusable shopping bags to the grocery store is an easy habit to get into, but I also started using reusable produce bags for fruits and vegetables. They’re lightweight, washable, and hold up way better than those thin plastic ones at the store.
My favorite shopping bag comes from Trader Joe’s. I don’t have a link, but these bags are always near the front of the store and run about $5-6. They’re heavy-weight, lined jute bags, and one bag holds so much. I found similar jute bags on Amazon.
My favorite tip for remembering to actually take your reusable bags into the store is that you can set a location-based reminder on your phone!
I used to go into the store and leave my bags in the car, but now, as soon as I pull into the grocery store parking lot, my phone starts dinging at me and reminding me to grab those bags.
9. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products
We’ve been using glass refillable hand soap bottles for years, mostly because I think they’re prettier than the little plastic bottles. Mine are all white with either brass or black tops.
Now, we’re adding glass refillable bottles for household cleaners as well. These are perfect for DIY and we use vinegar or baking soda solutions. While it’s almost impossible to get away from plastic when it comes to cleaning supplies, you can at least buy in bulk so that you’re not buying small amounts of plastic containers over and over again.
10. Buying in bulk to cut down on packaging
I almost always purchase pantry staples like rice, pasta, and nuts in bulk and store them in glass jars. This keeps things organized, makes the pantry prettier, and cuts down on all the extra plastic packaging.
11. Choosing energy-efficient appliances when possible
We don’t replace appliances just for the sake of it, but when something needs an upgrade, we look for energy-efficient models. They use less electricity and water, which helps the environment and our utility bill.
12. Using reusable water bottles and coffee cups
Oh, here’s a big one. We rarely purchase cases of bottled water anymore. Instead, we have multiple stainless steel water bottles so that even when all six grandkids visit, everyone has a reusable container for water. My current go-to is an Owala bottle, but I also have several of these Swell bottles.
I also love my Ember coffee mug — it keeps my coffee hot for hours. These reusable coffee cups are great if you drink coffee on the go.
Small changes make a big difference
Making the kitchen more eco-friendly didn’t happen overnight, but these small swaps have become part of our routine. Even if you start with just one or two changes, it all adds up over time.
What are your favorite eco-friendly kitchen swaps? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!
