The kitchen area in every household is perhaps the powerhouse that fuels each member to fulfill their day-to-day tasks through a delicious and energizing food meal. This is where all the magic happens, from breakfast, lunch, and snacks to dinner.
Hence, it is no surprise that a kitchen is loaded with dirt, garbage, and waste. It is full of food waste and overloaded with plastic wraps, bags, containers, storage bags, bottles, and other plastic packaging.
To say that a kitchen alone contributes significantly to plastic pollution is an understatement, right?
An estimated four hundred million tonnes of plastic waste are collected annually. Plenty of these become pollutants that disrupt the natural processes of the environment, while some destroy ecosystems.
As a result, plastic also affects the quality of life of humans, animals, and plants. Since it contains toxic materials, it can cause negative health effects, such as skin and eye irritation, impaired sensory organs, and deteriorated respiratory systems.
Realizing all these, it is only right for you and me to take a few steps away from plastics and start our journey towards greener surroundings.
As such, the first step towards a greener world is to decontaminate our kitchens of plastic pollutants. Surely, there is a more eco-friendly choice than plastics for kitchen necessities.
Apart from excessive plastic usage, there are also more sustainable ways to cook, store, and prepare food that you should learn without compromising environmental concerns.
If you've decided to switch to sustainable, eco-friendly kitchen products but don't know where to start, keep reading.
In this article, we'll discuss the best alternatives for your kitchen products that are affordable, environmentally friendly, and generally applicable to the 3Rs: Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. Below are 25 kitchen products you can switch to for a more eco-friendly choice!
THE LIST
-
Natural Bamboo Dish Cleaning Brush
First on the list is this incredible dish-cleaning brush made of high-quality natural bamboo. The bristles are durable and made from coconut and sisal fibers, bamboo, and loofah plants.
Hence, it does not contain harmful materials like microplastic polyester or nylon. It is perfect for cleaning kitchen utensils such as spoons, forks, glassware, bottles, trays, chopping boards, bowls, and knives.
Moreover, you can also use it to clean the bathroom, tiles, and even laundry.
For just $27.95, you will get an 8-piece set of brushes, cloth, and loofah.
-
Reusable Produce Bags
Next, these reusable produce bags are 100% made out of organic cotton mesh. This bag is durable, strong, and stylish. It is the perfect bag to bring to the grocery stores.
It can carry the weight of fruits, vegetables, canned goods, and other food supplies. Using this, you don't have to use the plastic bags available at the counter to bring your groceries.
Plus, it is washable, too! So, you won't have to spend more money buying new bags because you can simply wash, rinse, and reuse them. -
Eco-Friendly Trash Bags
This eco-friendly trash bag is a must in every kitchen. It is made of fine recycled materials, so you have nothing to worry about. It can support hefty loads of food waste and other heavy kitchen produce. In addition, it has a strong star seal that allows the garbage bag to expand without tearing or making any leaks.
-
Reusable Paper Towels
Have you ever heard of reusable paper towels? Well, you can purchase this organic cotton reusable paper towel at a very affordable price. It is eco-friendly because it reduces the use of single-use disposable paper towels.
Moreover, it is a high-quality paper towel that can be used around the house, including the kitchen, bathroom, and dining table. It also has a cotton bag wash and a designer pattern. -
Beeswax Wraps
A single use of plastic wrap can threaten the environment when used collectively. Hence, these reusable food wraps or beeswax wraps are a more sustainable option for food storage. You can use this for wrapping sandwiches, leftovers, and other foods. Not only that, it is washable, reusable, and compostable.
These plastic-free food containers typically contain organic jojoba oil. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, making the beeswax wraps better for food storage.
-
Compostable Plates
These compostable plates are perfect for events and everyday tableware. They are made from sugarcane fibers without artificial dyes or colors. They can hold food, cold or hot, as well as ingredients, spices, and other foods.
Since they are compostable, you can easily dispose of them after use. Given the right conditions, they will simply disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements, which makes them non-harmful to the environment.
-
Reusable Food Storage Bags
The next thing you should have in your kitchen is these reusable food storage bags. These high-quality double zip-lock bags can store snacks and leftovers. They can also help preserve fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat. These bags are 100% secured, sealed, leak-proof, and waterproof.
-
Eco-friendly Kitchen Sponge
Regular sponges are made out of oil-based plastics. Therefore, they are not very eco-friendly. However, with the invention of these natural kitchen sponges, you can worry less.
These sponges are 100% plant-based, specifically coconut fibers and wood cellulose. They are also very conducive to all cleaning tasks and kitchen productivity.
You can even use these sponges for cleaning activities outside of kitchen premises. This may include cleaning the bathroom, windows, living room, patio tiles, etc.
-
Natural Coconut Bowls
These natural coconut bowls are made from handmade coconut shells. They are eco-friendly and etched with beautiful, aesthetically pleasing patterns.
They are perfect for smoothies, soup dishes, and broth. These bowls can even be good ornaments to decorate your kitchen.
Additionally, the coconuts used are 100% free from plastics, chemicals, and pesticides. -
Beverage Stirrers
Heads up, coffee lovers! These coffee stirrers are 100% made from white birch trees. Because they are made from renewable resources, they are a more eco-friendly choice than plastic stirrers. They are also very high-quality and will not shred or splinter.
-
Natural Wood Spoon Ladle
You must get this natural wood spoon ladle for your next soup dish. It is eco-friendly, lightweight, and rust-free. This beautifully designed ladle is very easy to grip. In addition, it is very easy to wash. All it takes is a mild soap and a dry place to store it.
-
Bamboo Table Placemats
Bamboo is a renewable and versatile material. Therefore, bamboo table placemats are great alternatives to vinyl placemats. They are multi-colored, durable, and handmade to ensure the quality of the products.
In addition, these placemats are very easy to clean and store. They can be rolled up, put away, and kept flat without much space.
-
Glass Food Storage Containers with Bamboo Lids
These food storage containers are non-toxic, BPA-free plastic, phthalate-free, and made with biodegradable glass and zero plastic. Plus, it is also styrofoam-free and 100% recyclable. Hence, these glass storage containers are better options than plastic food containers. Food stored is secured because of its airtight seal.
Unlike plastic containers, you can use these food storage containers in heavy-duty ovens, microwave-safe and freezer-safe.
-
Draining Bamboo Dish Soap
This draining bamboo dish soap is the perfect container to cradle your cleaning soap. Since it is made out of bamboo, it is instantly a more sustainable option than plastic soap trays and racks. Its features include high water absorption, nontoxic coating, and portability. It also consists of anti-bacterial properties from bamboo and is completely biodegradable.
-
Biodegradable Bamboo Kitchen Bowl
This bamboo kitchen bowl is biodegradable, heat—and cold-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and reusable. It is made from all-natural fiber and plant-based binders. Depending on how well it is maintained, these reusable foods can last about a year.
-
Eco-friendly Kitchen Cleaning Cloth
This eco-friendly microfiber towel is an all-purpose cloth for kitchen cleaning, polishing, and dusting. Its 80/20 microfiber blend allows it to be washed without bleach or fabric softener. This towel also dries three times faster than ordinary cloth, saving you money on dryer electricity costs. Ultimately, it is the perfect cloth for everyday cleaning.
-
Oven Scrub Natural Cleaner
This must-have kitchen product may be for you if you use an oven daily. It is a natural oven cleaner made with plant-based ingredients that does not produce toxic fumes. The good news is that it is also vegan and cruelty-free.
This oven cleaner is a powerful tool for cleaning oven walls, stovetop burners, and stainless steel containers. It can also clean doors, racks, porcelain sinks, and toilet bowls.
Furthermore, it has a fresh, spa-like scent that instantly purifies the surroundings. It contains essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, tea tree, rosemary, lemongrass, and lemon, perfect for creating a kitchen-loving ambiance all day.
-
Eco-friendly Scrubbing Pads for Kitchen Cleaning
These scrubbing pads are 100% natural, BPA-free, and made from fibers from coconut shells and agave plants. Therefore, they are generally good for the environment.
Additionally, these cleaning pads are highly durable and can last longer. They can easily remove grease and grime from pots, pans, and dishes. You can also use them to clean the bathroom, living room, and patio.
-
Multipurpose Natural Wet Wipes
Nothing works like wet wipes for instant cleansing and dusting off dirt. However, regular wipes are made of synthetic materials (often plastic-based) that will not biodegrade, making them not an eco-friendly option for everyone.
Good news! These multipurpose wet wipes are made of all-natural plant-based materials, perfect for cleaning. They even have an FDA-registered, hypoallergenic formula safe for hands and the face.
-
Nonstick Ceramic Eco-friendly Fry Pan
With this eco-friendly and PFOA-free frying pan, you can rest assured that you are not causing harm to the environment. It is coated with ceramic, which is perfect for nonstick cooking. It also does not contain toxins and other harmful chemicals.
Moreover, since it is nonstick, you don't have to add extra oil to prevent the sticking effect. This fry pan lets you cook with just a few oil sprinkles, giving you and your family a healthier set of cooked meals.
-
Beeswax Bags
Beeswax bags are the perfect alternative to single-use plastic wrap. They are all-natural bags of cotton fabric, beeswax, and tree resin. Beeswax and tree resin have antibacterial properties that help preserve food for longer periods.
The fabric is also very breathable, making it the ideal food storage for fresh produce such as small foods, nuts, and dried fruits. This is also better than wrapping dry goods with aluminum foil.
-
Wood Fiber and Natural Slate Cutting Board
This eco-friendly wood-fiber cutting board has a better cutting surface than a plastic one. It is naturally wooden in color, has removable silicone corners, and has a dual-sided cutting surface. Moreover, it is BPA-free, LFGB-approved, and dishwasher-safe.
Furthermore, it has a unique design and a stylish server that comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large. You can choose from these three sizes based on your preference and daily cutting needs.
-
100% Biodegradable Unwrapped Straws
These eco-friendly straws are made from cellulose-rich vegetable fibers. They are manufactured using non-toxic materials, which makes them safer for the environment than plastics and paper. Here's the catch: they're gluten-free and allergy-friendly!
These biodegradable straws are non-soggy and long-lasting. You can use it to sip through your cold or hot beverage worry-free. The only problem is that these straws come with a plastic bag for protection. But don't worry, the plastic bag is also 100% recyclable.
-
Stainless Steel Reusable Chopsticks
This eco-friendly, anti-deform stainless steel chopstick is another must-have in every kitchen. It is corrosion-resistant, rust-proof, and heat-resistant. It is also designed for a better non-slip hand grip, allowing you to eat more comfortably.
-
Compostable and Plant-based Kitchen Gloves
Last but not least are these compostable and plant-based kitchen gloves. This is a greener alternative to plastic gloves. Unlike plastics, these gloves are easily disposed of and are compostable, so you don't have to worry about harming the environment when using them.
These gloves can be useful during food preparation. They can be used to make sandwiches, hold spices, or dispose of food waste. They are also quite loose and easy to put on, allowing your fingers to move comfortably inside.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there are many sustainable kitchen products that you can use instead of plastic-based ones.
From kitchen utensils and dish cleaners to pots and other tableware, there is no excuse because everything has an eco-friendly alternative. There are even sustainable options for plastic wraps, food containers, sponges, and brushes.
When buying kitchen essentials, check the products' eco-friendliness, biodegradability, and compostability. It should also be reusable and recyclable, resulting in reduced waste consumption. Furthermore, you should check out the materials and raw ingredients used in the product. It is more advisable to patronize plant-based products than synthetic ones. So, buy responsibly and do it in an eco-friendly way!
While you're at it, Berkey water filters are another must-have in the kitchen. Berkey Filters are portable water purifiers that ensure clean and safe drinking water for the entire household. Don't worry—they are also very eco-friendly. They use not electricity but gravity to feed water through a gamut of “Black Berkey Purification Elements." They are also a more eco-friendly choice than buying plastic bottled water.
The Earth has long been changing, but it has worsened. If we don’t start the change now, then when? If we don’t do it, then who else will save this dying Earth? If we all unite to change our ways and go green, our efforts will wash away pollution and eliminate climate change.
Switching to eco-friendly kitchen products is a personal choice. However, one must also be ready to commit to restoring the Earth to its former glory.
After all, we're all the Earth's stewards, aren't we? Stop making excuses and start the deed today and not tomorrow. Perhaps changing your way is just a single step towards a greener world, but it could go a long way. If every household takes part in this advocacy, who knows? Perhaps when we wake up the next morning, we will see a greener world than ever.
← Older Post Newer Post →