Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products That Actually Replace Plastic

Let’s face it, plastic is taking over the kitchen. Whether it’s food storage containers or cleaning supplies, it seems like everything is wrapped in plastic or is plastic itself. But here’s the good news; there is no longer any reason to accept this as the norm in your kitchen. There really are some great eco-friendly kitchen products out there that actually work.

And I'm not talking about those "eco" products that disintegrate after two uses or break your budget. I'm talking about useful, long-lasting alternatives that really work in a kitchen where you prepare meals, store leftovers, and clean up after messy mealtimes every day.

Why Bother Switching to Plastic-Free Kitchen Products?

Of course, before we go on to specific products, you might be wondering whether this is really worthwhile. Well, here's why it is for me:

It doesn't go away. All the plastic containers you have ever discarded into the garbage have persisted somewhere in the world. It breaks into smaller and smaller pieces, but it doesn't go away. It gets into our water, our food, and our own bodies.

Your health matters. Plastics contain many chemicals that can contaminate your food, especially if they are exposed to heat. While everyone knows about BPA in plastics, there are many more suspicious chemicals in plastic food-related items that come in contact with your food every day.

It saves money over time. While it is true that sustainable products are generally more expensive to begin with, it is also true that if you spend money on something that lasts years rather than months, you save money in the long run.

Food Storage Solutions That Actually Work

Let's begin with the greatest challenge: storing food without plastic.

Besswax Food Wrap

This one was not what I expected. I thought this wrap was one of those annoying, gimmicky items that was impossible to use, but this one has become one of my favorite kitchen tools. Beeswax Food Wrap is made from cotton fabric coated with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin."

Here's what makes them so great: the warmth of your hands makes the wrap pliable so it conforms nicely to bowls, veggies, cheese, and even sandwiches. It's naturally antibacterial, it breathes so the food doesn't get soggy, and it lasts a year with proper care.

Just rinse them with cool water and mild soap, let them dry, and you can use them again. There is one thing you cannot wrap in beeswax, though - raw meats, because it does not hold up well to hot water cleaning.

Glass Storage Containers

I know, I know, glass is not exactly cutting edge. But there is a reason why everyone is telling you this. Glass containers don’t stain, don’t smell, and are good for ever unless you break them. You can see what’s inside without opening them, they’re safe for the oven/microwave, and won’t contaminate your food.

The key is buying ones with good lids. Look for bamboo or stainless steel lids, or at minimum, lids made from food-grade silicone instead of cheap plastic that cracks after a few months.

Silicone Food Bag

Reusable silicone bags have become very popular, and it's no surprise why. Good quality silicone food bags are totally unlike those flimsy reusable bags that just aren’t able to seal well. Choose ones made of food-grade silicone that can be frozen and boiled.

Mine is used for marinating meat, storing chopped vegetables, freezing soups, and even sous vide cooking. Good ones come with a tight seal that actually locks out the air, thus keeping the food fresh longer. Of course, it is more costly than buying boxes of plastic bags, but I've had mine for three years already.

Alternatives to Plastic Wrap and Foil

Plastic wrap is definitely one of those things that seems like it cannot be replaced, unless, of course, you actually try.

Plastic-Free Options for Food Wrap

Besides beeswax wraps, there are also vegan wax wraps made with plant-based wax alternatives, should you choose not to use beeswax. Another alternative is cotton bowl covers with elastic edges, perfect for covering your mixing bowls and rising dough.

For storing cut fruits and vegetables, the method that has proven useful is simply placing the fruits or vegetables in a bowl and putting a small plate on top of the fruits or vegetables. Sometimes, the traditional ways of doing things prove the best!

Silicone Stretch Lids

They're just different sizes of rubberized covers made of a flexible material, like silicone. They fit over various containers, like bowls or cans, or even fruit. They make a tight fit, are transparent, and last forever.

I have a set in different sizes, and these have replaced about 80% of my use of plastic wrap. They work on round containers, square containers, and even strange-shaped objects, such as half of a watermelon.

Cleaning Up Your Cleaning Supplies

Your cleaning supplies probably contain plastic as well. This is what actually works as a replacement:

Bamboo Sink Kit

The Bamboo Sink Kit usually comes with a dish brush, vegetable brush, and scrubber, all of which are made of bamboo instead of plastic. The bristles are normally made of plant fibers or recycled materials.

Bamboo naturally resists bacteria, it's biodegradable when you're done with it, and it actually works better than plastic brushes in my experience. Many of them have removable heads, so you only have to change the bristles, not the entire brush.

Swedish Dishcloths

They look like ordinary sponges, but they are made of cellulose and cotton. You can replace 17 rolls of paper towels with just one Swedish dishcloth. They absorb much more than paper towels, dry quickly so they don’t smell, and are washable in the dishwasher or washing machine.

When they eventually wear out after being used for several months, you can always compost them since they will have been made of plant material.

Building a Sustainable Kitchen Without Going Broke

My honest advice to you is this: Don't try to replace everything all at once. That is too overwhelming, too costly, and ultimately gets you a whole slew of new items that you're not really sure how to use.

Start with what you use most. For example, if you pack lunch daily, start with the Reusable Containers or Reusable Food Bag. If you most frequently cover leftovers, start with the beeswax wraps or the silicone lids.

Replace items as they wear out. There is no reason to throw away perfectly good plastic containers simply to be "eco-friendly." What a waste. But when things break or wear out, it is time to replace them with a better alternative.

Buy quality over quantity. One good quality silicone bag that will last for five years is far better than three cheaper alternatives that will last for six months. If you need something good, save up and buy quality.

What About the Cost?

Going plastic-free is not cheap, and it means you'll have to pay more money upfront. A set of silicone bags, which you can put everything into, is going to be $20-$30. Good beeswax wraps are $15-20 for a set. A bamboo dish brush costs $8-12.

But the thing is, you're not buying those things every month the way you're buying plastic bags and paper towels. I spent about $150 to replace the most-used plastic items I had at home three years ago, and I never had to replace those items yet.

Small Changes, Real Impact

It’s not necessary to have a zero-waste kitchen to be effective. Replacing some plastic items with eco-friendly options also helps. It means less plastic ends up in landfills and oceans. It means less chemicals are leaching into your food.

Start by making one or two changes. Get a feel for how it works for you. Gradually add more sustainable products in the kitchen. Before you know it, you'll be able to eliminate all the plastic from your kitchen unconsciously.

The planet does not need a handful of people to be zero-waste warriors. What it needs is millions of people to be zero-waste warriors imperfectly. Thus, start where you are. Use what you have. And replace plastic whenever you can. That's it!