Start your zero-waste lifestyle in the kitchen!

Today, we’re going to take you through some sustainable and zero-waste swaps that you can introduce into your kitchen. It doesn’t have to be difficult, and many of these items are pretty cool, too. Maybe you already have your reusable silicone straw or some paper towels to cloth towels to begin with, which is great! You’ll love the Thrash Backwards approved stuff we have for you today.

How to make your kitchen eco-friendly?

There are a lot of things you can do to make your kitchen eco-friendly. One simple way is to use reusable dishcloths and towels instead of disposable paper products. You can also purchase eco-friendly cleaning products, or make your own using natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.

Another great way to reduce your environmental impact is to compost food scraps. Not only does composting help reduce landfill waste, but it also creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used in gardens and landscaping projects. There are many different types of composting systems available, so find one that works best for you and start recycling your food scraps today!

Read on to discover some eco-friendly kitchen essentials that are much better for our environment and health!

Organic Bamboo Cooking Utensils

Let’s start with your cooking utensils. Since these items are used daily, you want something both sturdy, and sustainable. 

These 100% natural bamboo cooking utensils are even tougher than real wood! They are way better for the environment since bamboo is super fast-growing and doesn’t require much space. They’re also a breeze to cook with since the utensils are nonstick and heat resistant, plus they are a great accompaniment when traveling or camping because the utensils are so lightweight.

The set comes with six pieces, including two spoons, salad tongs, a flat and slotted spatula. If you like the idea of eco-friendly kitchen utensils, then I have a feeling you’ll enjoy reading about our reusable travel utensils, as well!

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Reusable Cloth Bread Storage Bags

You probably are aware that the plastic stuff your bread loaf comes wrapped in, isn’t exactly great for the environment. But did you know that it does nothing to keep your bread fresh either? If your bread is left poorly unwrapped in your cupboard or bread holder, chances are, it will go stale quickly or you may attract some unwanted visitors! (Like flour bugs from our proper flour storage piece!)

These No products found. are just the things you need to keep your bread and flour fresher for longer and away from sunlight. This will also allow your freshly baked loaf to breathe better while also keeping it away from ants or other pests.

Not to mention you’ll be reducing your plastic consumption and living a more waste-free life! I like that the bags are 100% linen, which is very natural and will last for years to come.

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Non-Toxic Vegan Dish Soap Block

I love all things vegan and cruelty-free, so I was excited to hear about the non-toxic vegan dish soap. This block of soap can replace your commercial branded dish soap, and it will do just as well of a job, if not even better!

It’s designed to cut through tough grease while remaining gentle on your hands since aloe vera is one of its ingredients. Plus, the bar of soap is totally unscented for those of you who don’t like strong fragrances, and it can even be used as laundry detergent, clean your carpet with, or take off labels of jars.

Lastly, the vegan dish soap blocks are cruelty-free, plastic-free, paraben-free, and biodegradable, so you’re really investing in a product that’s great for the environment and your health.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Beeswax Reusable Food Wraps

Replace your saran wrap or aluminum with beeswax wraps!

These ethically produced wraps are made out of 100% natural beeswax, GOTS-certified cotton fabrics, and organic jojoba oil. Not only are they a better alternative to plastic wraps, but they are also naturally self-adhesive and can wrap around any type of container.

Once you’re done with it, you can wash the wraps under cold water with a little soap and air dry after. What’s even better is that they can be used for up to a year if well taken care of, making it a great long-term investment!

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Biodegradable Cleaning Sponge

Probably a few of us have one or two kitchen sponges lying around in our kitchen. Personally, I used to go through a ton of them before realizing the negative impact these commercial sponges have on the environment. This is especially true during production, where each block is soaked in bleach to make the sponge’s color brighter and remove excess dirt. Not to mention how they aren’t naturally biodegradable and are piling up on our landfills.

Biodegradable cleaning sponges are definitely the way to go. They are made from 100% plant-based materials, and these sponges include a natural coconut fiber scrubber for those tougher stains. The pack includes 10 of these eco-friendly choices to last you a while.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Kitchen Compost Bin

What better way to recycle than to have your own kitchen compost bin? It doesn’t have to be complicated either. Simply throw all the leftover fruit, veggies, coffee grounds, etc., into this cute and convenient bucket before bringing them to the outdoor composter.

The bucket holds up to 1.3 gallons, and it includes a functional lid and two extra-thick charcoal filters to prolong the supply. Each filter should last up to 16 weeks, so you don’t need to worry about leaving it for long periods.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Compostable Trash Bags

Ditch your plastic trash bags in favor of these compostable ones.

The pack includes up to 50 15-gallon trash bags to last you a while. They are way better for the environment since they naturally decompose, leaving behind only nutrient-rich humus, CO2, and water. I like the idea of compostable trash bags since you’re basically giving back to the earth what you have taken from it.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Reusable Paper Towels

Paper towels are another thing that most households go through a lot. Therefore, it makes sense to switch to these reusable paper towels that are just way better for the environment and more natural.

These multi-purpose towels are ideal for spills, stains, wiping down counters, mirrors, or anything else you can think of, and they’re even soft enough to wipe a child’s mouth with as well! I like that the reusable towels won’t disintegrate or tear apart during cleaning, like paper towels often do. 

And the best thing of all, they’re reusable! You can wash and re-wash the 100% cotton flannel towels and air dry them to last even longer.

In the set, you’ll get ten reusable towels, one cute wooden holder, six napkin rings, and a reusable shopping bag (read more about our reusable grocery bags).

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Titanium Knife Set

Titanium knives are not only lighter and sturdier than steel, but they are also more corrosion resistant, as well. Plus, these beautiful rainbow-colored blades are suitable for almost any type of job, from cutting vegetables to slicing a steak – you name it.

This is a 5 piece knife set, and it even includes all-purpose kitchen shears and a wooden knife block.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Food Huggers

You’re missing out if you don’t have a set of No products found. in your kitchen!

The silicone covers flex and holds over your fruits, veggies, or dry goods by creating a tight air seal, eliminating the need for saran wraps or zip lock bags. These holders are way more sustainable than plastic Tupperware containers, and they take up less fridge space, too.

I also like that they are dishwasher safe, meaning you don’t need to worry about scrubbing them in the sink. Plus, the food huggers are very eco-friendly and help you cut down on your plastic consumption.

Reusable Food Storage Bags

Plastic and microplastics are littering our landfills and causing harm to our marine life. I still can’t get over the images of turtles and dolphins swimming with plastic bags wrapped around them, or worse.

Plastic food storage bags are one of the big culprits in plastic waste since they’re so easily accessible and convenient for lunches and leftovers. However, these reusable bags are a way better alternative that can save a staggering 350 + disposable bags in the long run!

The reusable bags are also more durable and 100% food-safe – meaning no extra chemicals or toxins are present.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers

Streamline your meal prep, or have a great alternative to plastic storage containers with these steel storage pots!

The pots are made out of high-quality, food-grade stainless steel, and they even have a beautiful finish. Plus, they come in three sizes, small, medium, and large, so you can stack them within each other to save on space.

You can use the storage pots in your slow cooker or somewhere to store your leftover food. There’s so much you can do with these, and they’re way better for the environment as well!

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Herb Savor Pods

I often buy herbs in bulk to use in cooking and have some leftovers for the next day. However, more often than not, I’m met with limp coriander that didn’t survive the night, and potted plants aren’t an option in my tiny kitchen.

So I was happy to read about these herb savor pods! These futuristic little pods keep your herbs fresh and alive for longer, and you can store them in the fridge. All you need to do is wash and dry your fresh herbs (or asparagus) and place them in the pod; after you need to add some water in the reservoir and make sure the stems are submerged in it. This should keep your herbs looking good for up to three weeks.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Glass Canisters With Bamboo Lids

Glass containers are an effective way to store your dry goods while also looking pretty chic! Plus, they are way more sustainable and eco-friendly than plastic containers, and glass doesn’t contain any toxins or other nasty chemicals.

The set includes five canisters, where you can store pasta, oats, rice, flour, and anything else you can imagine – with a bamboo lid to keep it closed. The canisters are airtight, which is a great way to keep your produce fresher for longer.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Silicone Baking Sheets

Your kitchen baking paper can now easily be replaced with silicone baking sheets. They’re great since you can reuse them repeatedly; plus, they are super easy to clean and dry.

Silicone is also a way more natural alternative to baking parchment and a more sustainable choice for our kitchens. Plus, sometimes things stick to the regular baking paper, which is pretty annoying. However, silicone is naturally smooth, and it’s easier to bake sticky treats like macarons, toffee, and caramel – yum!

In this set, you’ll have a single large pastry mat, two non-stick macarons/cookie mats, a silicone baking brush, and a silicone baking spatula.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bamboo Cutting Board With Trays

We’ve already gone over the incredible benefits of bamboo and how sustainable it is. This is why this bamboo cutting board is a great addition to any kitchen, big or small.

And it’s not just a simple cutting board; it also includes in-built shelves to keep things organized as you work. Plus, the set comes with bamboo lids and various types of graters, so you really do get everything in a single package!

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bamboo Dish Rack

Last but not least, we have an eco-friendly bamboo dish rack. The rack is 100% natural and will add a nice rustic touch to your kitchen’s decor.

This handy tool allows you to easily store freshly washed dishes without taking up too much space. It can hold up to 13 plates, and it’s pretty simple to clean and maintain as well. Plus, since many of the items we talked about are made out of bamboo, it’s a great way to stick with the theme, right?

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Have you already incorporated any of the eco-friendly items in your kitchen? What’s your favorite one from the list? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thanks for reading!