16 Zero Waste Alternatives For Your Home And Kitchen

The kitchen is one room that has the highest amount of disposables in the house. The goal of every household should be to have a kitchen free of waste or close to that since we can’t 100% achieve that zero waste lifestyle, yet.

Besides some of these leftovers and kitchen containers are harmful to the health. If you are innovative, it will be easier for you to replace those used plastic bags, food containers, clothes, and what have you with other utensils in the kitchen.

Once you can successfully swap these disposables with other kitchen alternatives, you are one step away from achieving your zero-waste goals. 

If you observe closely, plastics are the materials that often get disposed of in your kitchen. It could be plastic bags, wraps, coffee cups that have been emptied of their content and need to be discarded. A major way of keeping your kitchen clean is by doing away with these plastic materials but most importantly replacing them with environmentally friendly utensils. 

Top eco-friendly swaps for your kitchen

Making a significant change in your kitchen is easier said than done. These are some great alternatives you can count on to be a step closer to your zero waste goals.

1. Canvas totes

Plastic bags were not designed to handle too much pressure. On your way back from the store, you are left with no option but to stuff that bag with groceries which causes a tear and makes it useless afterward. Then you discard them and it takes time to disintegrate which can be harmful to your health.

An easy way to reduce health risks is by swapping plastic bags with a canvas tote bag for your groceries. They come in handy and make your shopping less cumbersome. Simply keep them in your kitchen for your next journey to the mall or store. 

2. Dishwashing block

A block of dish soap is a kitchen product you can’t do without in the kitchen. You need it to keep all your kitchen utensils clean. This soap contains chemicals like sulfates that are toxic to human health and the environment. These dish soaps are packaged in plastics which can be used once and are later recycled. 

To maintain an eco-friendly environment, alternate dish soaps with dishwashing blocks that are devoid of toxic chemicals. It lasts longer than dish soaps and doesn’t contain sulfate and paraben. 

3. Table cloth

Handkerchiefs can be used to clean up specks of dirt in the kitchen or carry hot lids and utensils. That’s much better than using paper towels that you need to get rid of after use. Table cloths can serve numerous purposes in your kitchen apart from the two listed above. Keep the handkerchiefs in a container and use them to your taste. 

4. Resealable Sandwich bag

To achieve a zero-waste kitchen, you need to do away with plastic bags and resolve to resealable sandwich bags. If you love packing your lunch in your backpack, you will appreciate this a lot and save yourself the stress of disposing of plastic bags. Sandwich bags are reusable and come in various colors to keep your kitchen looking lit.

5. Washcloths

Sponges aren’t eco-friendly because they have to be thrown away. The accommodation of used sponges can result in an untidy environment. You don’t want that because your goal is to have a zero-waste home and kitchen.

Sponges can be replaced with washcloths. A washcloth is used for cleaning up the mess in the kitchen and can be reused after it’s been washed. You can dispose of them when they have begun to wear off and tear. 

6. Glass spray bottles

In trying to save cost, people make spray bottles out of insecticide cans which can be toxic to the health. Glass spray bottles will serve the same purpose and help you observe proper hygiene. They will be useful for cleaning windows and kitchen surfaces.

7. Reusable coffee filters

If you can’t go a day without a cup of coffee, then you need to be intentional with the filter you use. A plastic filter will result in a mess because you have to dispose of it after each use. That’s why reusable coffee filters are recommended for coffee lovers.

This filter helps you maintain a clean environment as well as use the filtered coffee granules for compost in the garden.

8. Glass containers

Plastic containers affect the food you store in them. You are advised to preserve your leftover in glass instead of plastic containers. Plastics contain chemicals that can hamper your health after eating foods stored in them. Steel plates can be substituted for Plastic containers as they keep food safe for consumption. 

9. Vegetable bags

Vegetables are perishable products therefore you must keep them in a cool dry place to prevent quick spoilage. Storing your vegetables in plastic bags can cause them to decay quickly.

Instead, replace Plastic bags with vegetable storage bags. They will not only increase the shelf life of your veggies but also keep them fresh. The vegetable bag can be kept in the fridge to preserve it. This will cut off the waste or disposal of plastic bags and reduce food spoilage.

10. Mason jars

This is a plastic-free or zero-waste alternative. Mason jar is beautiful and versatile. Foods don’t need to get wasted as this jar can be used to store pickles, grains, and nuts. This jar consists of different brands so you can always find one to suit your needs and preserve foods from getting spoiled.

There will be a cut back on food spoilage as you can switch from the rubber-sealed to the screw-top jar to store your different meals for a long time.

11. Beeswax wraps

From time immemorial, plastic wraps have been used to pack foods. That means you will find it in the fridge, restaurants, classrooms, and most importantly the kitchen.

People often use wraps because they think there’s no alternative. Well, you have an alternative right here if you want to keep your kitchen Plastic-free. Beeswax wrap can be used in the place of Plastic wrap. Not only are they hygienic but can also be reused and washed reducing the number of wastes in your kitchen. 

12. Funnel sets

If you buy your food in large quantities, you will need a funnel set. Transferring your food from Plastic bags into glass jars can be cumbersome.

The use of a funnel will relieve you of stress and prevent unnecessary wastage of food. Some funnels can work for both fluid and dry foods. In case you want to strike it off the list of things you want to buy, remember that it will prevent your food items from spilling on the floor.

13. Fresh produce

Medically, fresh produce offers more health benefits than prepackaged meals. The nutrients that are contained in prepackaged meals will be diminished because of the additives that are present in the plastic bag. After these bags have been emptied, they will be ready for disposal.

Using prepackaged bags increases the amount of waste in the bin and this defeats the purpose of achieving a zero-waste kitchen. Substituting prepackaged meals with fresh produce contributes to a clean and healthy kitchen. 

14. Bamboo cooking utensils

Why will you make use of plastic cooking utensils when they can’t last long in your kitchen? A better alternative is a bamboo cooking utensil which is eco-friendly and lasts longer. Plastic utensils aren’t worthy of use and can melt if subjected to excessive heat and this is not healthy for your foods.

15. Charcoal water filter

Water filter is important to people who care about the kind of water that goes into their system. People often use plastic filters which have to be replaced after a while.

Rather than make use of these, it is better to resolve to use charcoals. Charcoal contains minerals that will give you strong teeth and bones (calcium) and will serve the same purpose that a plastic filter serves. They don’t need to be disposed of often unlike the plastic filter that can result in a mess. 

16. Steel water bottles

Having a plastic bottle you can drink from is convenient than standing up to get some water from the dispenser or tap. However, this seemingly convenient method is expensive and unhealthy. They contain chemicals that when consumed can be harmful to your health.

Swap Plastic bottles with steel water bottles. They can be used at home and can travel with you. They are easier to maintain and will decrease the use of disposable coffee cups when you crave some coffee.

Conclusion

You have to be deliberate about the type of kitchen utensils you use if you aim to have a kitchen void of wastes and plastics.

Plastic materials will have to be replaced with Mason jars, steel utensils, wooden utensils that are of higher quality. With these instructions adhered to, you will have an eco-friendly environment and see to the reduction in waste products in your home.

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