Did you know Ziploc is being sued because the bags leach microplastics into our food? If you weren’t already motivated to ditch plastic, this is your sign to create a more sustainable kitchen. I used to keep some Ziploc bags around, we would wash and reuse them many times, which felt like a greener option than single-use. As soon as I became aware of how bad microplastics are for us, I knew it was time to find a better way.
I stopped using paper towels over 5 years ago. This was the gateway to a more sustainable kitchen. Now don’t get me wrong, I still keep an emergency roll in my hall closet for really nasty jobs, but they are rarely used. Once we saw how easy this swap was, it opened the doors for all the rest. Below are my favorite swaps, and a few tips for cultivating a sustainable kitchen.
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I dare you to name something that can’t be stored in a jar!
Over the past 5 years, I have been slowly detoxing my kitchen (and life). Getting rid of single-use products when I can and prioritizing materials like glass, stainless steel, food-grade silicone, and cast iron has been huge for this effort! Here’s what I use now:
Swaps and ideas for a sustainable kitchen
Instead of plastic zip bags, use silicone: I’ve been using silicone bags for years, but this Spring we finally took the plunge and swapped over completely. I purchased this set and we have been loving it so far! I especially love the gallon sizes for freezing.
Instead of using plastic Tupperware, switch to glass: Yes, plastic containers can also leach plastic into your food, so grabbing a set of glass ones is the way to go. I started by finding them at estate sales before I also bought a stackable set. This is a great sustainable kitchen swap, plus glassware doesn’t retain smells or stains and will last much longer!
Use mason jars: This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make your kitchen safer and more sustainable. I reuse condiments, honey, skincare, and candle jars all the time. I also keep an eye out for good jars at garage sales and thrift stores! My best tip is to buy nice lids and seals to update your thrifted jars. These are my absolute favorites.
Get a rag bucket going: You don’t need to buy anything special, I just retire some old dish towels and find cloths at garage sales for my rag bucket. We have a bucket for clean rags and a one for dirty rags so it’s a closed system.
Instead of “non-stick”, use stone, stainless steel, cast iron, or enamel cast iron for cooking and baking. These materials are not only free of chemicals, but they also last a very long time and can be passed down for generations.
For the love, stop using plastic cutting boards! I feel like this one needs no explanation; switch to solid wood, made without glue or fillers ASAP. Every time you continue to cut on plastic, plastic is getting into your food!
Invest in a few cloth napkins: you can make your own, find a few here and there at garage sales, or buy a beautiful complete set.
Use a stainless steel water filter: Ditch the plastic jugs, bottles, pitchers, and filters as soon as you can and use a stainless steel, gravity fed filter (or whole-house filter if you play that way!)
Buy in Bulk: Using canvas bags or glass containers to fill and refill at a local bulk store is a great way to reduce plastic use and save some money! If local bulk isn’t an option for you, check out Azure Standard for great bulk options!
Keep reusable bags on hand: If you always have a canvas tote ready to go, it’s easy to move, store, buy, or carry food and containers. I keep a few in my kitchen for transporting meals or snacks, harvesting, foraging, or grocery shopping.
Tips for cultivating a more sustainable kitchen
- Pick one thing to do at a time. Usually the slower the transition, the more sustainable the change, so take your time and don’t try to swap everything overnight.
- Prioritize. For some people it’s much more important to be plastic free than chemical free, for others they want to eliminate single-use paper products. Decide what matters most to you and start there so you don’t get overwhelmed or break the bank.
- Keep a few plants in your kitchen to purify the air. You will also want to occasionally open the windows and air everything out. Kitchens can have a lot of smells, gasses, and more that need to be aired out.
- Reuse materials that are safe and durable like glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood, instead of buying new.
- Remember, you can shop second hand or used to find lots of great swaps for your non-toxic, sustainable kitchen. Clean and green does not mean you need to spend a ton of money.
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