50+ Game-Changing Sustainable Kitchen Products for a Truly Zero-Waste Home
- Valinda
- May 7, 2024
- 14 min read
Updated: Apr 3
In the bustling heart of every home lies the kitchen—a space where nourishment meets creativity, and where daily rituals intertwine with the rhythm of life. Yet, amidst the clatter of pots and pans, there's a quiet revolution stirring, one that speaks to our collective conscience and echoes the call for sustainability. Welcome to the realm of sustainable kitchen products, where every utensil, every container, and every choice holds the power to shape a greener tomorrow. In this post, we embark on a journey through the aisles of eco-conscious innovation, exploring the myriad ways in which simple switches can yield profound impacts. From cookware crafted with the earth in mind to utensils that whisper of renewable forests, join us as we uncover the beauty and practicality of embracing sustainability in the heart of our homes—the kitchen.
What is a Zero Waste Kitchen?
Imagine a kitchen where every ingredient is cherished, every utensil has a purpose, and every scrap finds a new life. That's the essence of a zero waste kitchen—a culinary sanctuary where sustainability reigns supreme. In this eco-conscious haven, every action is deliberate, every choice considered. It's a place where food isn't just prepared, but revered; leftovers are transformed into delectable creations, and compost bins thrive as vibrant ecosystems. A zero waste kitchen isn't just about minimizing trash—it's a celebration of resourcefulness, creativity, and respect for the planet. It's a journey towards a greener, more mindful way of living, one delicious meal at a time.
How to create a Sustainable Kitchen?
Creating a sustainable kitchen is not just about swapping out plastic for bamboo or glass for storage—it's a transformative journey that begins with a mindset shift towards conscious consumption and environmental stewardship. Start by auditing your kitchen, identifying areas where you can reduce waste and minimize your carbon footprint. Embrace the power of reusability by investing in durable, eco-friendly cookware, utensils, and food storage solutions. Choose organic, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing the carbon miles associated with your food. Embrace the joy of cooking from scratch, reducing packaging waste and avoiding processed foods laden with harmful additives. Incorporate energy-efficient appliances and practices, conserving resources while creating delicious meals. Cultivate a composting system to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil, closing the loop on waste and nurturing the earth. By embracing these practices and fostering a culture of sustainability in your kitchen, you'll nourish yourself and your loved ones and contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come.
Materials to look for when creating a Zero Waste Kitchen
Creating a zero-waste kitchen is a transformative journey, and choosing the right materials is pivotal in making it a reality. Opting for sustainable materials minimizes environmental impact and infuses your kitchen with a vibrant eco-consciousness.
Bamboo: Rapidly renewable, perfect for utensils and cutting boards.
Stainless Steel: Durable, recyclable, ideal for cookware and storage containers.
Glass: Inert, preserves food without leaching chemicals, excellent for food storage.
Silicone: Versatile, durable, heat-resistant, suitable for kitchen tools and baking mats.
Embracing these materials doesn't just redefine your kitchen space—it cultivates a mindful connection to the planet, one utensil, and container at a time.
50+ Sustainable Kitchen Products
Step into a kitchen transformed—a sanctuary where sustainability meets culinary creativity. In this vibrant space, every utensil, pot, and storage container tells a story of eco-conscious living. Embracing sustainable kitchen products isn't just about reducing waste; it's a flavorful journey of reimagining the everyday, one conscious choice at a time. Let's explore the materials that not only redefine your kitchen but also nourish a deeper connection to our planet.
Unpaper towels
If you cannot imagine your daily life without the kitchen towels, but you want to go zero waste, then these unpaper kitchen towels are the solution you were looking for. I make these reusable paper towels, which are an excellent alternative for disposable, single-use paper towels. They can be used as napkins for hands and faces as well.
The towels fit a standard towel holder perfectly. It is optional to have snaps on the towels to make it easy to 'tear' off individual towels.
The towels are made of 100% cotton, having one decorative side and one muslin cloth side, with rounded edges professionally serged using an overlock machine and polyester thread. They can be washed at 40 degrees without the fabric softener.
Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bags
We all love sandwiches and take them with us when going out. But, where to put them? The solution is a reusable silicone sandwich bag. They are plastic-free, airtight seal, and versatile. Made of 100% pure platinum silicone, these bags are zero waste, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, BPA, and BPS-free: safe for people and the planet. Moreover, they can be reused almost an infinite number of times.
The bags are safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, oven, on the stovetop, in the fridge, and even freezer.
One bag can hold one healthy-sized sandwich, about ten homemade granola bars, the loose items in a kitchen drawer, or even some of your personal care items.
Certain smelly foods may leave some odor; thorough washing or baking soda soaking will solve this. Baking soda and vinegar paste removes the stains as well.
Bowl Covers
Do you need a convenient way to store your dinner leftovers? A bowl cover might be just what you are looking for. They are easily reusable and can be put in the washing machine if they have become dirty or smelly.
Beeswax Wraps
Do you want something without plastic? These reusable beeswax wraps are a zero waste kitchen game-changer. Use the heat of your hands to gently mold the wrap to anything from cheese, bread, or half an avocado. Afterward, just wash the wrap in cool water and let it air dry.
Vegan Wax Wraps
Do you want something without plastic that is also vegan? These reusable vegan wax wraps are just for you. Just like regular beeswax wraps, these are moldable with the warmth of your hands but are made with candelilla wax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. So these are completely vegan!
Reusable Silicon Lids
These stretchy lids can cover a variety of bowls, cans, jars, and even fruit or veggies. Several sizes come in this pack so they cover nearly every food storage need you have. Plus, their silicone design means they’re not only dishwasher-safe but also easy to see through meaning you don't have to guess your check what you grab from your fridge.
Food Hugger
Put a lid on food waste with this unique silicone food hugger. These Green Lids are specially designed to fit the top of bowls you have at home, keeping your fridge organized and your leftovers fresh for days! Made from FDA food grade silicone, they have a tempered glass lens to let you see what you just stored in each bowl. They are also dishwasher safe, and durable for years on end.
Avocado Food Hugger
These Avocado Food Huggers are specially designed to combat browning avocados, in two stretchable sizes for differing avocado sizes. The best part, the patented pit pocket design can be pushed in or out, depending on if your avocado half has a pit! And, like all Food Huggers products, they're 100% BPA-free, phthalate-free, vegan, and made from FDA food-grade silicone.
Compostable Cling film
Ok, you want to live more sustainably but with all these reusable options you just see more washing. Well, just for you, this cling film is made from plant-based BPI Certified compostable bioplastic. This cling wrap is home and industrially compostable making it great for replacing plastic bags and plastic wrap. You can use it just like you would use regular cling film so for, lunches, snacks, and cooking!
Compostable Trash Bags
No more plastic trash bags! They take ages to break down and even if they do they not really break down but become microplastics. These trash bags are large enough for all the waste you make while being completely compostable. This is awesome as they help you reduce your household's dependency on plastic.
Reusable Trash and Recycling Bag
These bags function precisely like disposable bags but can be used almost endlessly. They can be washed in the machine, are resistant to leaks and mold; therefore, there is no need for constantly buying single-use trash bags.
When washing the bag, flip it inside out, then put it in the washer for best results. Machine wash cold or hand wash and hang to dry. (Machine drying at high heat can decrease the life of the bag.)
Organic Cotton Mesh Produce Bag
100% Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) organic cotton mesh produce bags are perfect for your weekly grocery haul! These zero waste bags keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer than plastic bags, thanks to their breathable fabric. They are sustainable, organic, biodegradable, reusable, and zero waste. Also, exterior tare weight tags on each bag make checkout easy. Bags can be washed in a machine, warm or cold with like colors. Do not use bleach and let the air dry.
Kitchen Compost Bin
Want to start composting in your kitchen but are unsure about the smell? This compost bin keeps your compost bin odor-free and easy by fitting into your freezer door for less mess (and flies!) Moreover, the recycled stainless steel wire rim attaches to kitchen drawers to collect food waste while cooking, with a flexible silicone exterior that flips inside out easily for cleaning. It is easy: collect scraps, leave them in the freezer, then toss the leftovers in your backyard compost or city compost collection.
Tea Infuser Spoon
We all love our tea, especially when the weather is terrible. But did you know that most tea bags are actually made of plastic? The stainless-steel Heart Tea Infuser is 100% stainless steel and helps you to steep loose-leaf tea without microplastics being released into your favorite beverages. The use is straightforward: squeeze the handle to place the desired amount of loose-leaf tea into the diffuser and submerge it into hot water. When your tea has brewed, remove it from the cup and compost herbs from the diffuser.
Cone Reusable Coffee Filter
Tea exists to warm us up, and coffee to wake us up! To make your transition to zero waste, swap your single-use coffee filter for a sustainable alternative with the reusable coffee filter, made from an eco-friendly blend of organic hemp and cotton cloth. It is durable and washable and will last about a year with proper care.
Stainless Steel Coffee Filter
Make your favorite morning drink without all the gorgeous flavors being absorbed by paper or cloth. A stainless steel coffee filter not only reduces waste, but it also enhances the flavor of your daily dose of caffeine.
French Press
Lots of different methods exist to make coffee or tea. This is one of the few who can do both. Just pour in your ground coffee or loose tea leaves, wait a couple of minutes and press the plunger. Enjoy!
Bamboo Kitchen Tools
These amazing sustainable kitchen tools are made from lightweight and stronger than wood, USDA certified organic bamboo. They are naturally stain-resistant and anti-microbial. These are not only beautiful utensils that don't impart or absorb flavors, they also won't scratch cooking surfaces, and last you for ages.
Glass Straw
Over 500 million disposable plastic straws are wasted in the US alone per day. This glass straw is the perfect zero waste sidekick to keep close by. This way, you'll always be prepared to say no to disposable straws! Plus, it's BPA-free, so you can sip on even the hottest drinks toxin-free!
Stainless Steel Straw
This two-pack of non-toxic stainless steel straws is perfect for cold drinks, cocktails, smoothies and so much more. Plus, the durable stainless steel is rounded and smoothed for maximum sipping comfort. Say no to single-use straws and make a sustainable swap with this stainless steel alternative!
Straw Cleaner
The big downside of a reusable straw is that you need to clean it but this doesn't have to be difficult. This straw cleaner helps you out with their extra-long straw cleaning brush, you can keep your straw clean, helping you use it for years on end, and cut down on unnecessary disposable plastic waste!
Compostable Straws
These compostable straws are made from 100% FSC® Certified paper from responsibly managed forests. These straws are commercially compostable and will break down in about 180 days in your home compost bin. Perfect for cold drinks, these eco-friendly straws are durable and BPA free.
Compostable Plates
Planning on hosting a dinner party, a wedding, or a baby shower? Ditch the single-use plastic plates and go for naturally disposable dinnerware (if you don't have enough at home). These are USDA 100% Biobased, FDA food-safe, and compost approved. This way you can use, reuse, and send it back to nature (not the landfill). Made from a renewable resource (bamboo) that's chemical and pesticide-free.
Compostable Cups
Traditional coffee cups are not recyclable. Switch to an eco-friendly alternative if you need more cups for a special event but don't have enough at home. These are made from SFI® certified paper with Ingeo™ PLA lining. This is a bio-based plastic derived from renewable resources grown in the USA such as corn starch, tapioca roots, or sugarcane. This makes it commercially compostable and will break down within 2 to 4 months.
Bamboo cutting boards
These handcrafted bamboo cutting boards are perfect for small, lightweight tasks. The non-toxic bamboo is naturally moisture-resistant, so the boards don't take up moisture and swell. Plus, they are sustainably harvested and are fully reversible, so you can cut on one side and serve on the other side.
Organic Cotton Oven Mitt
An organic cotton oven mitt is a baking necessity in every zero waste kitchen! Protect your hands against heat from hot pans and trays with this sustainable glove.
Silicon Mitts
These silicone oven mitts are made with thick heat-resistant food-grade silicon. They are rated to protect you from heat up to 446℉(230℃) making them great for daily use in your kitchen or at your outdoor barbecue.
Silicone Baking Cups
Whether you are making cupcakes, muffins, or just need a divider in your lunchbox, these silicone cups are an awesome addition to every zero-waste kitchen! Made from 100% food-grade silicone. These 12 baking liners are non-stick, easy to clean, and a great swap for single-use baking liners.
Steel backing cups
Silicone not for you? Try these steel baking cups. There non-stick coating makes it easy to remove the cupcake or all the other goodness you could be making with these cups.
Silicone Baking Sheet
From your chocolate chip cookies to oven-roasted veggies, every sustainable cook will find a use for this silicone baking sheet. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, these sheets are non-stick, easy to clean, and a great swap for single-use parchment paper or tin foil.
Silicone Ice Cube Tray
This ice cube tray makes removing ice cubes from the mold easy. Because of the silicone, cubes are not only removed easily, it is also easy to clean and the tray can handle both heat and cold. So you could use it both in the oven and in the freezer.
Nut Milk Kit
Milk is, in most cases, sold in a carton which is challenging to recycle. To avoid this, make your delicious nut milk with the Nut Milk Kit from CoffeeSock. This kit has everything you need to get things rolling with a NutMilk Filter, designed to last a full year of use, and a convenient canning jar. Then, add water and your favorite nut milk recipe, and you will be good to go!
Glass Oil Bottle
This oil bottle is not only gorgeous, but it is also functional. The base is made from 100% recycled glass, so you can use this in your kitchen guilt-free. Suitable to make salad dressings, flavored oils, or vinaigrettes, the options are endless.
Stainless Steel Containers
Reusable, Plastic-free, and leak-proof, these stainless steel containers are a versatile assortment of food storage containers. Each stainless steel container is dishwasher safe, comes with a silicone lid. The multiple sizes fit within each other to save storage space and can hold all types of food from dips and dressings to bagels and berries.
Stainless Steel 2-Tier Lunchbox
Lunch to go is a number one rule for every zero-waster, and this 2-tier tiffin is perfect for taking the food and snacks with you and so much more! The self-latching top of the container allows you to pack one meal or several of them, making it perfect for large leftovers. The containers are easy to clean, virtually unbreakable, resistant to stains and rust, and reusable forever.
Loofah Natural organic Sponge
Not many people in this world like to do the dishes, but we all must do it—every single day. Yet, we can do the dishes in a zero-waste way, and this organic natural loofah sponge is an excellent alternative in your eco-friendly, sustainable kitchen. Moreover, it can be used as a body scrub as well. When the sponge is used up, it is fully compostable, as it is a plant. It is essential to notice that the sponge should completely dry between uses to avoid mold formation.
Dish Brush
Don't let its small size fool you. This dish brush makes scrubbing simple by creating lush bubbles with ease. The ergonomic bamboo handle fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The bristles of this eco-friendly dish brush are strong recycled plastic bristles to take care of grease, grit, and grime anywhere in your home.
Bottle Brush
This naturally antibacterial bamboo and coconut brush is created to perfectly clean your baby bottles, jars, water bottles, vases, and any other hard-to-clean glassware. The brush is both compostable and biodegradable. Which makes it the ideal replacement for plastic brushes to create a zero waste kitchen.
Dish Soap
Soap bars are not only great in your shower, but they also do an awesome job in your kitchen. So, ditch the plastic dish soap bottle and shake up your cleaning routine with this best-selling, eco-conscious, long-lasting, dishwashing block. This soap is made with sustainable soap bark and coconut-based cleansing agents so you can tackle the greasiest dishes, pots, pans, and glasses with ease.
Bamboo Soap Shelf
Extend the life of your soap bars and keep your counters organized with this bamboo soap shelf. It keeps your soaps dry making sure you can use them the longest.
Hand Soap Kit
Making soap has never been this easy! Dissolve the soap bar to make up to one gallon of liquid hand soap. This all-natural soap is super easy to make. You can add your favorite essential oils to create a scent you love.
The dispenser is made to last and is made with BPA-free plastic, the foam pumps are rust-free and easy to clean.
Refillable Soap
This vegan hand wash will pamper your skin. With aloe as the main ingredient, it gently washes away bacteria and germs without using harsh chemical detergents. This makes it a great hand wash for your kitchen or bathroom.
Organic Dish Towel
These organic, absorbent, sustainable dish towels are perfect for drying dishes, drying hands, or cleaning your home. They are incredibly soft and of high quality making them great for daily use.
Compostable Vegetable Brush
This brush is not only plastic-free, it is also very durable and multi-purpose. This makes it an eco-friendly swap for traditional plastic dish scrubbers. The medium-soft bristle can handle tasks ranging from gently washing produce to assisting with laundry stains. Made with sustainable bamboo, this brush makes it easy to create a zero-waste, plastic-free kitchen.
Mason Jars
Every zero waste household should have a good set of mason jars. Whether it is for storing food leftover, making overnight oats or DIY jam mason jars can help you out.
Small Glass Jars
These small jars are amazing to store herbs and spices in your zero waste kitchen. The lid contains a super-strong magnet so you can create an attractive display with these cute jars.
Non Toxic Pan
This ceramic pan is made from sand and is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium for effortless non-toxic cooking. Made with recycled aluminum for extra strength and even heating. The pan is dishwasher safe but messes can easily be whipped away with an organic cloth.
Non Toxic Saute Pan
This saute pan is made from sand-derived ceramic and is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium for easy non-toxic cooking. Made with recycled aluminum and reinforced with diamonds optimal heat distribution, durability, and scratch resistance. Easily whipped clean with an organic cloth.
Non Toxic Sauce Pan
Non-toxic cooking is made easy with these saucepans made from sand-derived ceramic. They are free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Recycled aluminum gives it extra strength and even heating properties. These saucepans are dishwasher safe but messes can be whipped away with an organic cloth.
Kitchen Aid
Never again buy cookies, cakes, or bread when you have a kitchen aid. This versatile device easily becomes your favorite tool in your zero waste kitchen when you see how many products you can make yourself instead of buying. Not only great for your health as you can control all the ingredients also great for the environment as you reduce the amount of plastic you use.
Bread Maker
No more store-bought bread with this breadmaker! It is not only great to make bread, you can also use a breadmaker to make jam, cake, or pizza dough.
With each utensil we choose, each container we fill, we're not just crafting meals—we're crafting a future where sustainability reigns supreme. Let's continue to savor the flavors of mindful living, cherishing every moment spent in our green haven of a kitchen. Together, let's cook up a world where sustainability is the main ingredient, and every dish we create is seasoned with love for our planet.
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