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Zero Waste Kitchen: 32 Plastic-Free Kitchen Products

zero waste kitchen products

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Creating a zero waste kitchen is much easier than you think.

The truth is that I used to buy many unsustainable products that create unnecessary plastic waste in the long run.

From toxic detergents in plastic bottles and synthetic sponges to plastic wraps.

Luckily, when I learned about zero waste, I was curious about how to make my kitchen more eco-friendly.

I easily found that there are sustainable zero waste kitchen products and alternatives to nearly all unsustainable kitchen items.

Below, you will find the most essential & eco-friendly kitchen products that will help you create an (almost) zero waste kitchen! 

The products are divided into 5 categories to find specific items easily:

  • Zero Waste Kitchen Products: Cleaning
  • Zero Waste Kitchen Products: Food storage 
  • Zero Waste Kitchen Products: Cooking
  • Zero Waste Kitchen Products: Shopping / On the go
  • Zero Waste Kitchen Products: Other

Note: I mainly link to Earth Hero and Amazon. They are US-based, but to find most items internationally, check Life Without Plastic (Europe) & Wearth London (UK).

Now, let’s begin with the list!

32 Zero Waste Kitchen Products For A Plastic-Free Kitchen:


Zero Waste Kitchen Products: Cleaning


1. Dish brush 

Key features:

  • Plastic-free 
  • Fully recyclable and compostable
  • Removable head

Zero waste dish brushes:

  1. Curved Dish Brush (non-removable head)
  2. Handcrafted Dish Brush (removable head) & Dish Brush Replacement Head
zero waste kitchen products

The conventional sponges for washing dishes are made of synthetic fibers. They pollute waterways and aren’t biodegradable, so they sit in landfills for decades.

The sustainable dish brush is made with better materials and is long-lasting – you can use each brush head for 1-3 months.

It is made with sustainably harvested wood and stiff Tampico plant fibers. Additionally, you can get a brush with a removable top part, so you can keep the handle and change only the dish brush head.

2. Loofah sponge

Key features:

  • Fully compostable and biodegradable, in a backyard or commercial composting within 30 days
  • Non-scratch fibers

Loofah sponges:

zero waste kitchen products

The loofah sponge is made of 100% plant-based fiber material and can last up to 5 weeks! Loofah is also completely unprocessed and chemical-free. 

Once it’s no longer usable, you can compost it in your backyard or commercial composting facility.

3. Reusable cleaning cloths

Key features:

  • Reusable
  • Absorbant & long-lasting
  • Dishwasher and laundry safe 

Reusable cloths:

zero waste kitchen products

Paper towels are incredibly wasteful, and millions of trees are destroyed to create this single-use product.

Reusable cleaning cloths are ideal for spills and cleaning different surfaces, and most are designed to dry out quickly, without breeding bacteria or creating odor. Choose reusable cleaning cloths made of 100% organic cotton whenever possible.

4. Latex cleaning gloves

Key features:

  • Durable and slip-resistant
  • Your hands won’t feel sticky and wet since they are lined with cotton from the inside 
  • Quick-drying

Latex gloves:

zero waste kitchen products

Latex cleaning gloves like these ones are made from ethically sourced latex made from natural rubber and cotton. The gloves are ideal for cleaning dishes, oven cleaning, scrubbing the bathroom, etc. They are 100% backyard compostable (cut them into small pieces first).

5. Natural scrubber pads 

Key features:

  • Fully compostable
  • Eco-friendly & reusable
  • Affordable

Eco-friendly scrubber:

zero waste kitchen products

Eco-friendly scrubbers are 100% fantastic reusable and plant-based, made of natural fibers, 100% plastic-free, and fully compostable. 

They won’t scratch aluminum, stainless steel, or enamel surfaces and are ideal for cleaning pots, pans, sinks, bathtubs, etc.

6. Dishwashing soap bar

Key features:

  • Lathers easily & long-lasting
  • Safe and chemical-free
  • Vegan & palm-oil free 

Dishwashing soap bars:

zero waste kitchen products

Liquid dishwashing soaps come in plastic and often contain ingredients that aren’t the best for your skin.

These eco-friendly dish soap options are plastic-free, non-toxic, and long-lasting.

It contains vegetable oils like castor, coconut, sunflower, and sometimes essential oils for scent. 

7. Dishcloth

Key features:

  • Machine washable & easy to keep clean
  • Long-lasting & compostable

Zero waste dishcloth options:

zero waste kitchen products

Conventional dishcloths are made from plastic, and they aren’t recyclable. These eco-friendly alternatives are long-lasting, absorbent, quick-drying, and machine washable.

They are the ideal swap for paper towels and sponges made of cellulose, cotton, and non-toxic vegetable dye. Once they are no longer usable, you can throw them in your compost bin.

8. Dishwashing tablets

Key features:

  • No artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, or dyes
  • Compatible with all dishwasher types
  • A water-soluble film made of polyvinyl alcohol

Plastic-free dishwashing tablets:

zero waste kitchen products

These plastic-free dishwashing pods have a biodegradable formula (and pod shell) and eco-friendly, chemical-free ingredients with water-soluble film. They can remove grease, fight stains, and clean your dishes! 

9. Countertop spray cleaner

Key features:

  • It contains no chemical additives, including phthalates, parabens, ethyls, or sulfates
  • Plastic-free & eco-friendly product 
  • Earthy Edith’s is a zero-waste company, creating little to no waste at their production facility
  • You can choose between 3 different sizes
zero waste kitchen products

Cleaning sprays contain chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution, and they can be poisonous if ingested and harmful if inhaled or touched. This natural, chemical-free spray works perfectly well without the dangerous aspects. 

It is made with natural ingredients and essential oils and packaged in durable glass reusable bottles. Once you’re done with it, you can get a refill, reuse the glass bottle, or recycle it.


Zero Waste Kitchen Products: Food storage


10. Silicone baggies

Silicone bags are reusable, durable, freezable, and the ideal eco-friendly swap for plastic bags (such as Ziplocks and other similar single-use items). They are made with 100% pure platinum-grade silicone and can be reused for many years.

While silicone is tricky to recycle, Stasher has a take-back program to repurpose used silicone bags.

Key features:

  • Freezer & microwave and oven safe
  • Dishwasher safe
  • BPA-free, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic
32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

11. Stainless steel container

Why it’s better: You can reuse stainless steel containers endlessly, plus they are 100% recyclable.

You can use them for meal plans, store different foods and leftovers, use them as a container when buying something from different stores, freeze things, and much more! They will help you to reduce A LOT of single-use waste. 

Materials:  100% non-toxic, stainless steel food storage containers

End of life: Throw it in your metal recycling bin

Key features:

  • Various sizes 
  • Freezer & dishwasher safe
  • Reuse endlessly

Zero waste containers:

32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

12. Wax wraps

Plastic foil is wasteful, single-use, and quite useless. A wax wrap can keep your food fresh, and you can reuse them repeatedly! They are made with cotton-hemp blend fabric & plant-based waxes, oils, and natural tree resin.

To increase their life, wash the wax wraps with cold water & a bit of soap, hang dry or pat dry with a dishtowel. Since heat can destroy them, keep wax wraps away from heat, including hot foods, dishwashers, microwaves, and ovens.

Key features:

  • Washable, reusable, and biodegradable
  • 100% plant-based and vegan

Wax wraps:

32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

Zero Waste Kitchen Products: Cooking


13. Silicone baking mats

Silicone baking mats are reusable, so you can avoid wasting single-use baking sheets. The mats are washable & non-stick, and durable, and made of food-grade silicone.

Notes: Sometimes it can be a bit hard to clean, and some things leave stains, but overall, I think they are a great low waste alternative, especially if you bake a lot.

Key features:

  • Washing machine safe (top rack only)
  • Non-stick baking mat
  • No need for oil, cooking sprays, or parchment paper

14. Silicone cupcake cups

Like the silicone mats, the silicone cupcake cups are better because you can use them hundreds of times, for baking and even freezing things. They are also made of food-grade silicone, and you can bake food, up to 400F.

Key features:

  • Can last you a lifetime
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • No more throwing away paper cupcake liners!

15. Cutting board

The cutting board is plastic-free and made from sustainably harvested bamboo. They are light, durable, and if you take good care of them, they can last you a lifetime.

Key features:

  • Finished with food-safe mineral/wood oils
  • Biodegradable

Bamboo cutting boards:

32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

16. Veggie peeler

This veggie peeler is 100% recyclable, ad it is fully plastic-free, made of stainless steel. If you take good care of it, it can last you a lifetime!

Key features: 100% recyclable & plastic-free

17. Cotton oven glove and hot pad

Organic cotton uses significantly less water in production, and it isn’t contaminated with toxic chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides, as traditional cotton. That’s why choosing an organic cotton oven mitt is the most sustainable option.

Key features:

  • Organic cotton & EKO Certified
  • Machine washable 
32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

18. Silicone spatula

This silicone spatula is plastic-free, chemical-free so that no chemicals will leach inside your food. The handle is 100% molded bamboo, and the spatula is made from silicone. Silicone is a durable material, so the spatula is meant to last years.

Key features:

  • Safe to use in non-stick pans and won’t melt, or stain
  • Does not absorb flavors
  • BPA free

19. Waste-free coffee 

Choosing to drink your coffee waste-free is another great zero waste kitchen tip, which will help you to prevent a lot of waste. You can use a Reusable K cupFrench press, or Moka pot, to enjoy waste-free and plastic-free coffee!

Pros:

  • Reusable
  • Plastic-free
  • Waste-free
32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

20. Bread maker

If you would like to make homemade bread, you can get yourself a bread maker, which will make the whole bread-making process so much faster. You can find awesome second-hand deals on eBay and make freshly baked, plastic-free, fluffy bread at any time.

21. Silicone freezer tray

A silicone tray is ideal for freezing, it can’t break, it is flexible and non-toxic. It is BPA & PVC-free, dishwasher safe, durable, and heat-resistant.

32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

22. Nut milk bag

By getting a nut milk bag, you can make delicious and healthy nut milk at home! This nut milk bag is specially designed for homemade nut milk, and it is made from GOTS Certified Organic Cotton. (the packaging contains plastic; I couldn’t find a plastic-free option, so if you know some, please share in the comments below!)

Key features:

  • Machine washable for easy cleanup
  • Perfect for making any type of homemade nut milk

23. Nut milk maker

Recycling TetraPaks is a difficult process, and many milk cartons are ending up in landfills. Making homemade plant milk can be a bit time-consuming, but if you invest in a plant milk machine will make the process easier and faster! 

You can also use a blender to make plant milk at home. I tried both options and I prefer using my second-hand Soyabella machine.

Note that you making nut milk at home will taste different than the store-bought, and you will need a bit of time to find how you enjoy the homemade nut milk the most (consistency, flavor, etc.)

Pros:

  • Fantastic nut milk in less than a minute
  • Super simple – just press a button, and you have your nut milk

Find how to make plant-based milk with Soyabella works here, and a comparison of Soyabella & Almond Cow (+ which one I prefer and why).

32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

Zero Waste Kitchen Products: Shopping & On the go


24. Reusable bags

You can reuse them endlessly, and they will help you avoid single-use plastic bags. Use what you already have, or invest in sturdy, long-lasting reusable bags.

Key features:

  • No bleach, toxic dyes, or chemical additives
  • Machine washable (cold water)

Reusable bags:

32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste
Upcycled & handmade

25. Produce bags

You can use produce bags for your veggies, fruits, and shopping in bulk – anything from seeds, and nuts, to legumes. You will avoid using plastic or paper bags, and you can wash and reuse the produce baggies endlessly! 

Key features:

  • Machine washable and reusable
  • Unbreakable, unlike jars 
  • Easily foldable to be extremely compact to carry
  • Various sizes
  • With or without holes (for fine ingredients, like flour, or small seeds)

Produce bags: 

26. Jars

You can simply reuse jars that you got from the shop. Wash the jars once you use their contents, and then use them to shop in bulk, freeze things, keep leftovers, etc. It is a great cost-effective option.

32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

27. Bread bag

You can reuse and wash this food-grade organic cotton bread bag, instead of using plastic ones. The bread bag is breathable and it will help you to keep your fresh bread for longer.

Key features:

  • Breathable
  • With no bleach, or toxic dyes
  • Washing machine safe

28. Cutlery set 

Perfect for lunch on the go, or whenever you need some reusable cutlery. You can choose between this cool double-sided bamboo utensil or this metal “spork” (between soon & fork!).

Key features:

  • Light-weight
  • Compact & easy to carry 
  • Heat resistant
32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

Zero Waste Kitchen Products: Other


29. Compost bin

Composting is a huge part of living a zero waste and eco-friendly lifestyle. If organic waste is dumped in the landfill, it cannot biodegrade, and what’s worse, it releases methane – a greenhouse gas that’s between 28 to 36 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.

There are various options when it comes to composting your food scraps, and while it may seem intimidating, it is easier than you think! 

Key features:

  • The silicone kitchen compost bin is an odor-free and freezer-safe door
  • Molded bamboo compost bin uses charcoal filters to absorb odors, and you can quickly transfer the food scraps to your local compost facility, or a backyard system
  • You can convert your food scraps into nutrient-rich compost

Zero waste compost bins:

Related articles: The 8 BEST Compost Bins For An Apartment & Apartment Composting: 7 Step-by-step guides

30. Reusable recycling trash bin

Using single-use plastic bags isn’t the best option when we have great alternatives, such as reusable trash bins/bags. You can easily divide the trash, and if the bins/bags are dirty, you can wash and reuse them! You can find reusable trash bags, made of post-consumer recycled plastics, or cloth fabric.

Key features:

  • Ideal for sorting different waste materials
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Reusable 

Reusable trash bins: 

31. Water filter

These charcoal sticks are an amazing & simple way to purify water. It is entirely plastic-free – the sticks are made from branches of sustainably harvested Japanese holm oak trees.

You can get slim personal sticks for your water bottle, or a single-piece solid one.

Key features:

  • Absorbs impurity from water
  • Improves the taste of water
  • Purifies the water in about one hour
32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

32. Zero waste cookbooks

These zero waste cookbooks are filled with zero waste practices, that can help you to reduce your waste.

The books will share great and interesting recipes, and in general – will give you food for thought (figuratively and literally).

Key features:

  • Great for chefs, and a cool gift idea 
  • Gives creative contemporary ways of cooking and dealing with waste
  • Ideas on how to cook with your food scraps 

Silo: The Zero Waste Blueprint by Douglas McMaster

Zero Waste Kitchen Products,plastic free kitchen products

Cooking with Scraps by Lindsay-Jean Hard

Zero Waste Kitchen Products,plastic free kitchen products

Conclusion

As you can see, there is an eco-friendly alternative to most conventional & wasteful kitchen items!

As I tried to include plenty of products, keep in mind that probably you won’t need all of these items. Additionally, If you already have some of these items, such as an oven mitt, then don’t buy a new “eco-friendly” one.

Purchase only if you truly need something, and remember that the goal of this list is to help you to find specific eco-friendly kitchen products, that are usually hard to find, and the accessible versions in your local stores are wasteful. 

Lastly, if you want to explore more cool websites, and items, I advise you to check my list with 46 zero waste online stores around the world!

Did I miss some cool zero waste kitchen products and plastic-free swaps? Let me know in the comments below!

32 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products (Ultimate List) - Almost Zero Waste

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