If you want to reduce your plastic usage, one of the best places to start is at the center of your home. From the containers you use to store leftovers to the utensils you use to stir ingredients, many kitchen utensils can contain plastic. The good news is that we live in a golden age of environmentally friendly alternatives. From produce bags to glass storage jars, we'll show you the best and easy way to swap out products if you want a plastic-free kitchen.
An alternative to plastic food storage bags: Stasher Bag Stand Up 3 Pack
Provided by Stasher
Are you finally ready to say goodbye to disposable bags? Replace them with washable silicone pouches in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. For example, this set makes it easy to store everything from produce and snacks to soups (use the smallest bags to freeze single servings, then toss in hot water when you're ready to eat) . They are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe and can be purchased as a set or one at a time.
An alternative to plastic food storage bags: home compostable resealable food storage bags
Provided by Amazon
Even if you're not ready to invest in a reusable pouch, you can eliminate traditional plastic food storage bags from your kitchen with this compostable option. The bags come in sandwich and snack sizes and are microwave and freezer safe. They can be washed and reused, but unlike plastic sandwich bags, you can use them once and then throw them away. It is designed to break down in your home compost in 12 to 24 weeks. I found that to be quite accurate. It took just under six months for the compost pile to decompose.
Instead of plastic produce bags: 5 x 2 organic cotton reusable produce bags
Courtesy of Food52
Made from organic cotton, these produce bags (set of 8) replace the plastic produce bags sold at your local grocery store. It has many other uses. Stash it in your car and grab it when you go to the farmers market or bring home fresh bread from your local bakery. You can also use it to store produce or snacks in the crisper drawer. Washable, durable, and eco-friendly, it's sure to become your new favorite item.
Instead of Wrap: Food Huggers 5-Piece Silicone Food Saver
Provided by Amazon
These BPA-free produce huggers are fun and practical so you can skip the plastic wrap. Easy-to-reach silicone circles of various sizes keep onions, tomatoes, avocados, lemons, and other produce fresh after cutting. They come in all kinds of colors that mimic fruits and vegetables (and some don't). What's more, it's dishwasher safe.
Instead of plastic wrap: home compostable wrap
Provided by Thrive Market
I try not to use plastic wrap, but you may need to save extra pound cake for holiday celebrations or cover the pie. We found an environmentally friendly compromise. It's Compostic's home compostable wrap. Like food storage bags, this wrap will break down in your home compost in 12 to 24 weeks.We tested it and found the following very Due to their sticky nature, they require a little patience and practice when wrapping food, but are a great alternative to traditional plastic ones.
Instead of plastic wrap: Bee's Wrap 3-Pack Assortment of Reusable Food Wraps
Provided by Amazon
Made with organic cotton, beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin, these wax wraps are perfect for storing sandwiches or covering jars and other containers. Wash the wrap in cold water, let it air dry and reuse it for up to a year, then compost it when it reaches the end of its life cycle.
An alternative to plastic food storage containers: Honey-Can-Do Bamboo Jar Storage Set of 4
target provided
Upgrade your pantry and cabinet storage by switching to glass storage jars. With this set of glass containers with bamboo lids, you can easily see how much of each ingredient is left. Although it is made of glass, it is durable and lightweight, making it ideal for storing items purchased in bulk. I also like that the set comes in a variety of sizes, including one that is tall enough to hold spaghetti.
Instead of plastic food storage containers: Pyrex Ultimate Glass Storage Containers Set of 10
Provided by Williams Sonoma
If you're looking to upgrade your plastic food storage containers, consider a Pyrex glass set. These dishes are made from durable tempered glass and are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. We love that this collection comes with plastic-free silicone lids, which are safer and more durable than standard plastic lids. However, it's heavier than the plastic ones you've been using, so keep that in mind if you want to use it to carry your work lunch.
Instead of Plastic Spice Jars: Gneiss Spice Magnetic Glass Jars, Set of 12
Provided by Amazon
Say goodbye to plastic spice containers and upgrade to an attractive storage solution perfect for purchasing spices from the spice shop or bulk food section. These glass jars are extremely versatile and come with labels that allow you to easily identify your spices. It's magnetic so you don't have to store it in your cupboard or spice rack. You can also organize your spices next to your fridge or buy a gneiss wall plate to display it.
Instead of plastic tableware: made of wooden spoons
Provided by Made in Cookware
If you've been relying on plastic cooking spoons, add at least one wooden spoon to your utensil holder. Durable wooden spoons are non-stick pan friendly, but unlike plastic, they won't melt. Made from 100% beech wood, we love this spoon's smooth edges and wide concave spoon. When mixing, stirring, or tossing ingredients, you can't help but reach for them.
Instead of plastic tableware: GIR silicone kitchen tools
Provided by Amazon
These tools are made from pharmaceutical grade silicone, are dishwasher safe, gentle enough for non-stick pans, and heat resistant up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. You can purchase them in sets of 3, 5, or 10, depending on your needs.
Instead of plastic sponges: Eplanita natural dishwashing sponges
Provided by Amazon
You might not think of kitchen sponges as plastic, but many are made from chemically treated cellulose or plastic. This eco-friendly alternative is made from pure loofah plants, so it's completely biodegradable and compostable. Although it is flat, it spreads when wet. Never forget your old sponge.
An alternative to plastic dish scrubbers: Vove bamboo dish brush
Provided by Amazon
The bristles of this plastic-free brush are sourced from Mexican palmyra and sisal, and the handle is made from bamboo. The product comes with 3 replacement heads, each lasting up to 6 months depending on usage.
