Zero Waste Kitchen: 10 Easy Plastic Free Kitchen Swaps

The kitchen is the heart of the home – but it can also be a big source of single and short use plastic. This week we are looking at easy ways to reduce our dependence on these types of plastics and how we can lead more sustainable lifestyles both in the home and out and about. It’s worth saying though we only recommend making these swaps when your existing items are no-longer usable, and using what you have first is always the most sustainable option. However if you are looking for some inspiration, read on for our top ten plastic free swaps for the kitchen. 

1. Beeswax or Vegan wax wraps

These make fantastic plastic free alternatives to cling film. Use them to cover leftovers, sandwiches, wrap cheese and cut fruit and vegetables. Beeswax wraps and Vegan Wax Wraps are self sealing and will keep food fresh for longer. 

2. Wooden dish brush and coconut scourers

These are extremely effective at cleaning and long lasting! EcoCoconut scourers are a big favourite – cleaning the dirtiest dishes, and still gentle on your favourite pans. A really easy swap to make and can be put on the compost or green waste collection when it’s come to the end of its life. 

3. Dish washing soap bar

We may easily embrace bar soap for washing our hands and even our hair, dish washing bars are really no different! They are effective at cleaning our dishes, but the lack of bubbles can take a little getting used to – knowing that we don’t need to buy plastic bottles of dish washing liquid more than makes up for it. The EcoLiving dish washing bar is really gentle on your hands and is a chunky bar that should last several months.

4. Stainless steel plates

These divided plates are an easy alternative to plastic or melamine plates for picnics, and for children or adults who don’t like their food from touching.Stainless steel plates are great for toddlers and young children who are not quite ready for ceramic plates. They are highly durable, dishwasher safe, and won’t retain any flavours. 

5. Reusable tea bags

Did you know that most tea bags contain plastic? By opting for loose leaf tea you can have an eco brew with unbleached organic cotton reusable tea bags. Just put a teaspoon of your favourite loose tea in the bag, pull the drawstring shut and pop in your favourite mug to brew. 

6. Bread and produce bags

These are a must have for zero waste food shopping trips, and great for storing produce when you get home. 

7. Food Box

The Klean Kanteen leakproof Food Box Complete Set is perfect for storing leftovers, sandwiches, salads and snacks. Pop them in the fridge or use them to take your left-overs to work for lunch or college. The food-grade stainless steel is highly durable and silicone won’t shatter, rust or crack. Unlike plastic lunch boxes, these metal boxes won’t impart flavours, and are dishwasher safe, meaning you can use them daily! We love that they are easily stackable and wont take up too much space in your kitchen cupboard.

8. Compostable bin liners

Reduce the use of throw away plastic bin liners with EcoLiving compostable wheelie bin liners. Made from waste wood pulp and 100% compostable, these paper bags come in three sizes; heavy duty garden waste bags, Wheelie bin liner and food waste bags for your kitchen caddy.

9. Charcoal water filters

For a natural way to filter your tap water, try Charcoal water filters. Any impurities and chlorine are removed without using disposable cartridges and expensive filtration systems. Made from porous bamboo charcoal that acts like a sponge absorbing impurity’s and odours. They can also be used round the house to absorb moisture, halt mould growth, keep food fresh and reduce odour. 

10. Hand soap bar

Frequent hand washing is important during food preparation, it can feel like you are washing your hands every five minutes! Liquid soap can often be hard on your hands as well as being another source of short-use plastic. Ditch the plastic bottle in favour of a natural soap bar that will gently clean and moisturise your hands. Have you tries or handmade soap by The Soap Mine? It is made here in Snowdonia by Vikki, and simply packaged in a paper sleeve and perfect for a zero waste kitchen.

Low waste home

We always recommend starting slowly by replacing things as they run out or no longer functional, as with any eco swap. Furthermore, you will find over time, all those little changes have really added up and your kitchen is a plastic free and more eco friendly place to be.

What would make your plastic free kitchen top 10? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your low waste swaps, by tagging us on your Instagram posts!

How many of these can you tick off? You can take a look at our full range of eco home products >here<