“Every time I throw a plastic sandwich bag away, I cringe a little.”
Part of being a responsible adult includes considering the world around you.
You’re a consumer, using the world’s resources to live your daily life. You use the running water in your home to shower, peel the plastic wrappings off new appliances you buy, and drink from La Croix sparkling water cans. So it’s also your responsibility to care about what happens to those things when they leave your possession.
Recently, I’ve seen many people taking an extra second to pick up fallen trash and to recycle rather than throw away.
I’ve also lately been inspired by “no waste” lifestyles. I’m not quite at the point of accruing only a mason jar’s-worth of trash for an entire year, but I am interested in reducing my waste.
So I’ve been examining the places in my home that generate trash.
And like many, a lot of my home’s trash comes from the kitchen.
I’m pretty good about recycling any plastic containers or cans that pass through my door, but it my little daily uses that continue to add up.
This includes things like:
– Paper towels
– Plastic wrap
– Tin foil
– Plastic sandwich bags
So I recently added a few more sustainable kitchen products to my home, and I’m excited to share them with you today! Hopefully they’ll give you inspiration to make your home even more eco-friendly!
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. For details please visit my Disclosure page. Thank you!
8 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products
Reusable sandwich bags
Other than paper towels, one of the things I probably use the most in my kitchen is the plastic sandwich bag. They’re perfect for keeping sliced fruits and veggies fresh, as well as for taking snacks on the go.
But every time I throw a plastic sandwich bag away, I cringe a little. We use them for such a short amount of time!
So instead, I just got these Bonsai Cove reusable silicone bags. A pack includes three different sizes, and they can easily be turned inside out for washing.
If you’re like me and need to cut down on your plastic sandwich bag use, try these!
Beeswax Wrap
I also hate throwing away plastic wrap. These Bonsai Cove beeswax wraps are perfect for covering a bowl of salad or wrapping up leftover foods. They actually come in a pack with the silicone bags I mentioned above!
Food storage containers
Another key way I’ve cut down on using plastic sandwich bags is by putting food in reusable storage containers. While I still mostly have plastic, I’m working on making the switch to glass containers. They’ll last longer and eliminate the chance for unhealthy substances to leach into your food from plastics.
Silpat baking sheets
I’ve been using these as long as I can remember. Silpat baking mats are amazing because they are non-stick – but actually! No need for tin foil or parchment paper (or unnecessary oils!) when roasting veggies in the oven!
Produce shopping bags
While reusable grocery bags have been around for awhile, I still dislike wasting the little produce bags from my shopping trips. Try out these reusable produce bags instead! One pack includes 15 total bags in 3 different sizes. I absolutely love the material and am so glad I have these!
Reusable cloths
As I mentioned earlier, paper towels are probably the biggest source of kitchen waste in my home.
I was recently inspired by how we clean the counters at Starbucks, where I just started working part-time. Instead of one-time paper towels, we use clean cloths that we put in a bin to get washed once they’re dirty. It’s so simple! My next Amazon purchase will include some durable cloths for kitchen cleaning. Why not try them out?
Eco-friendly cleaning spray
When you’re cleaning, the last thing you want to be doing is polluting your home and the surrounding environment. So get an eco-friendly cleaning spray like Mrs. Meyer’s multipurpose spray. While you’re at it, they also have dish soaps and hand soaps. My favorite scent is the lemon verbena, but there are tons of other nature-inspired scents too.
I love this brand, and so does the environment (because it’s certified biodegradable)!
Bamboo cutting board
Last but not least, a bamboo cutting board is a great way to decrease your home’s plastic use. Much more durable, bamboo will last you longer than a typical plastic cutting board. And you don’t have to feel bad about throwing it out when it’s ready to be replaced. I have and love this one by Indigo True!
Are there any other eco-friendly products you use and love? Please share in the comments below!
As much as I try, I am still probably a hazard to the environment! Thanks for these tips on how to do better in my kitchen
All it takes is a little planning and commitment! You’ve got this!
THese are such great ideas! I am guilty of using too many disposable products and these are some great ideas for some small swaps.
Exactly, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference! Thank you so much!
I love all these ideas! I am slowly trying to turn over my things into more eco-friendly options, and this is a big help!
Thank you!! So glad you found them helpful!
So many great eco friendly products out there. I love my bamboo cutting board. Thanks for the tips
Thanks Abbey! I know, right?? Bamboo cutting boards are great!
Yes! I love this post! It was my New Years resolution this year to go green. Love these tips, thank you!
What a great New Years resolution! Thank you for making the world a more sustainable place!
I need to look into the bamboo cutting board! I use cloth towels and storage containers now – such a quick and simple swap!
The Indigo True ones are the way to go! And good for you! I wish I’d made the switch a long time ago, but at least better late than never!
Such a great round-up! Especially love those produce bags.
Thanks so much Amy! The produce bags are really excellent. I’m a huge fan!