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. From breakfast, lunch, and some snacks in-between, to dinner—you can say that this is where all the magic happens. Hence, it is no surprise why a kitchen is loaded with a pile of dirt, garbages, and waste. Not only is it full of food waste, but it is also overloaded with plastics. Name it; plastic wrap, plastic bags, plastic containers, plastic storage bags, plastic bottles, and all the other plastic packaging. To say that a kitchen alone contributes significantly to plastic pollution is an understatement, now, isn't it?
An estimated four hundred million tonnes of plastic waste are collected annually. Plenty of these becomes pollutants that disrupt the natural processes of the environment, while some destroy ecosystems. As a result, it also affects the quality of life that humans get, including animals and plants. Since plastic contains toxic materials, it is also known to 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 your 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 already decided to switch to sustainable eco-friendly kitchen products but you don't know where to start, then keep on reading. In this article, we'll talk about the best alternatives for your kitchen products that are affordable, environmentally friendly, and generally applicable for the 3Rs or the Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. We've listed down below 25 kitchen products that you can switch to for a more eco-friendly choice!
THE LIST
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Natural Bamboo Dish Cleaning Brush
First on the list is this incredible dish cleaning brush that is made out of high-quality natural bamboo. The bristles are made durable by coconut and sisal fibers, bamboo, and loofah plants. Hence, there are no harmful materials such as microplastic polyester or nylon. It is perfect for cleaning kitchen wares and utensils such as spoons, forks, glassware, bottles, trays, chopping boards, bowls, and knives. What's more, you can also use it in cleaning the bathroom, tiles, and even laundry.
For just $27.95, you will get an 8-piece set of brushes, cloth, and loofah.
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Reusable Produce Bags
Next, is these reusable produce bags which 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. By 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 another money on buying new bags because you can simply wash, rinse, and reuse them.
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Eco-Friendly Trash Bags
This eco-friendly trash bag is a must in every kitchen. It is made out of fine recycled materials, so you don't have anything to worry about. It can support hefty loads of food waste and other heavy kitchen produce. To add, it has a strong star seal that allows the garbage bag to expand without tearing or making any leaks.
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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 all around the house; kitchen, bathroom, and dining table. It also comes with a cotton bag wash and a designer pattern on both sides.
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Beeswax Wraps
A single use of plastic wrap can be a threat to 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 are typically added with organic jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is known to have anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Therefore, it makes the beeswax wraps better for food storage.
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Compostable Plates
These compostable plates are perfect for events and everyday tableware. They are made out of sugarcane fibers without artificial dyes and colors. You can use it to 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. They will simply disintegrate into non-toxic and natural elements, which makes them not harmful to the environment given the right condition.
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Reusable Food Storage Bags
The next thing that you should have in your kitchen are these reusable food storage bags. These are high-quality double zip lock bags that can store snacks and leftovers. They can also help preserve fresh goods such as fruits, vegetables, and meat. These bags are 100% secured, sealed, leak-proof, and even waterproof.
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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 for 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.
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Natural Coconut Bowls
These natural coconut bowls are made out of handmade coconut shells. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they are etched with beautiful and 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.
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Beverage Stirrers
Heads up, coffee lovers! These coffee stirrers are 100% made out of white birch trees. Having been made of renewable resources, these stirrers are definitely a more eco-friendly choice than plastic stirrers. They are also very high-quality and will not shred or splinter.
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Natural Wood Spoon Ladle
You have to get this natural wood spoon ladle for your next soup dish. It is eco-friendly, lightweight, and free from rust since it's natural wood. It is a beautifully designed ladle that is very easy to grip. To add, it is very easy to wash. All it takes is a mild soap and a dry place to store it.
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Bamboo Table Placemats
Bamboo is a renewable and versatile material. Therefore, table placemats made out of bamboo are great alternatives to vinyl placemats. They are multi-colored, durable, and handmade to ensure the quality of the products.
Aside from that, these placemats are also very easy to clean and store. You can simply roll it up, put it away, and keep flatted without taking up so much space.
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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.
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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, non toxic coating, and portability. It also consists of anti-bacterial properties from bamboo and is completely biodegradable.
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Biodegradable Bamboo Kitchen Bowl
This bamboo-made kitchen bowl is biodegradable, heat and cold-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and reusable. They are made from all-natural fiber and plant-based binders. These reusable foods can last up to a year or so, depending on maintenance.
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Eco-friendly Kitchen Cleaning Cloth
This eco-friendly microfiber towel is an all-purpose cloth for kitchen cleaning, polishing, and dusting. It has an 80/20 microfiber blend and can be washed with no bleach and fabric softener. You can also save money on electricity costs on dryers since this towel dries 3x faster than ordinary cloth. Ultimately, it is the perfect cloth for everyday cleaning.
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Oven Scrub Natural Cleaner
If you use an oven on a daily basis, this must-have kitchen product is maybe for you. It is a natural oven cleaner with plant-based ingredients and without any forms of toxic fumes. Another 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. You can even use it in cleaning doors, racks, porcelain sinks, and toilet bowls.
Furthermore, it contains a fresh and spa-like scent that can instantly purify the surroundings. It has peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, and tea tree essential oils. In addition to that are the rosemary, lemongrass, and lemon essential oils that are perfect for a kitchen-loving ambiance all day long.
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Eco-friendly Scrubbing Pads for Kitchen Cleaning
These scrubbing pads are 100% natural, BPA-free, and made out of fibers from coconut shells and agave plants. Therefore, it is generally good for the environment.
Additionally, these cleaning pads are highly durable and can sustain more longevity. It can easily clean grease and grimes out of your pots, pans, and dishes. Plus, you can also use it in cleaning the bathroom, living room, and patio spaces.
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Multipurpose Natural Wet Wipes
Well, nothing works like wet wipes for instant cleansing and dusting off of dirt. However, regular wipes are made out of synthetic materials (often plastic-based) that will not biodegrade. Hence, it is not a very eco-friendly option for all of us.
Good news! These multipurpose wet wipes are made out of all-natural plant-based materials that are perfect for cleaning purposes. It even has an FDA-registered formula that is hypoallergenic and safe to use for hands and the face.
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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 that 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 put in extra oil to prevent the sticking effect. This fry pan lets you cook with just a few sprinkles of oil, giving you and your family a healthier set of cooked meals.
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Beeswax Bags
Beeswax bags are the perfect alternative for single-use plastic wrap. They are all-natural bags made of cotton fabric, beeswax, and tree resin. Beeswax and tree resin has antibacterial properties that can support food preservation for longer durations.
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.
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Wood Fiber and Natural Slate Cutting Board
This eco-friendly wood fiber cutting board has a better cutting surface than a plastic one. It has a wooden natural color, removable silicone corners, dual-sided cutting surface. Moreover, it is BPA-free, LFGB approved, and dishwasher safe.
What's more, it has a unique design with a stylish server that comes in three sizes; small, medium, and large. You can choose from the three available sizes, depending on your preference and daily cutting needs.
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100% Biodegradable Unwrapped Straws
These eco-friendly straws are made out of cellulose-rich vegetable fibers. They are manufactured using non-toxic materials which makes them a safer option for the environment than plastics and papers. Here's the catch, they're also 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.
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Stainless Steel Reusable Chopsticks
This eco-friendly and 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 and non-slip hand grip that lets you eat more comfortably.
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Compostable and Plant-based Kitchen Gloves
Last but definitely not least is 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 become handy during food preparation. You can use them when making sandwiches, holding spices, or throwing out food waste. They are also very loose and easy to slip on, letting your fingers move comfortably inside.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there are a lot of 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 those that use synthetic materials. So, buy responsibly and do it the eco-friendly way!
While you're at it, the 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, it is also very eco-friendly since it uses not electricity but gravity to feed water through a gamut of “Black Berkey Purification Elements." For obvious reasons, it is also a more eco-friendly choice than buying plastic bottled water.
The Earth has long been changing, but now, it has gotten worse. 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 come together to change our ways and go green, our efforts will surely wash away pollution and eliminate climate change.
At the end of the day, switching to eco-friendly kitchen products is a personal choice. It is also a personal commitment that one must be ready to make to restore the former glory of the Earth. 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 may just be a single step towards a greener world, but it could definitely come a long way. If every household takes part in this advocacy, who knows? Perhaps the next morning when we wake up, we see a greener world that we've never seen before.
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