Concerns about plastic ingestion are growing, and for good reason. From food packaging to kitchen tools, plastic shows up in places it doesn’t belong and some of it ends up in our bodies. While avoiding it entirely isn’t realistic, reducing how much we use at home is a smart place to start. Making a few easy swaps in the kitchen can cut back on exposure and help limit the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills.
Switch to Reusable Silicone Bags Instead of Disposable Plastic Ones
Plastic sandwich and freezer bags are convenient, but they’re also one of the biggest sources of single-use waste in most kitchens. Replacing them with reusable silicone bags is a simple change that holds up to daily use. They’re safe for the freezer, dishwasher, and microwave, and you can use them for everything from packing lunches to storing leftovers.
Cover Food with Beeswax Wraps Instead of Plastic Wrap
Beeswax wraps can replace plastic wrap in most everyday uses, especially when storing produce or covering bowls. They mold to the shape of containers with the warmth of your hands and can be rinsed clean and reused for months. This swap not only cuts down on waste but also makes your fridge look a little more pulled together.
Store Leftovers in Glass or Stainless Steel Containers
Glass and stainless steel containers last longer than plastic and don’t absorb food stains or smells. They’re better for both the environment and food storage, and they can often go straight from the fridge to the oven or table. Making this switch gradually is an easy way to reduce plastic use without replacing everything at once.
Use a Refillable Coffee Filter or Pod
Single-use coffee pods and disposable filters contribute more waste than many people realize. A reusable metal filter or refillable pod can handle daily use without the landfill impact. They also let you choose your own coffee grounds, which saves money and often results in a better cup.
Swap Plastic Cooking Tools for Wood or Bamboo
Wooden spoons, spatulas, and even cutting boards hold up well to daily cooking and don’t wear down the way plastic does. They’re also less likely to melt or warp when used on hot surfaces. Over time, switching to wood or bamboo tools helps you avoid plastic breakage and cuts down on the number of synthetic materials in your kitchen.
Buy Dry Goods from Bulk Bins When You Can
Purchasing grains, nuts, spices, and baking supplies from bulk bins helps avoid unnecessary packaging. Bringing your own jars or cloth bags makes it even easier to cut out plastic altogether. While not every store has this setup, it’s worth taking advantage of when you find one that does.
Use Mesh or Cloth Bags for Produce
Instead of reaching for the thin plastic bags in the produce section, reusable mesh or cloth bags can handle your fruits and vegetables just as easily. They’re washable, lightweight, and allow airflow, which can actually help keep produce fresh longer in the fridge.
Switch to Reusable Cloths for Cleaning and Dishes
Paper towels and plastic-based sponges add up fast. Switching to reusable dish cloths or cotton rags reduces waste and holds up better with repeated use. You can toss them in the laundry and use them again and again, making it an affordable and sustainable upgrade for your cleaning routine.
Look for Frozen Treats with Paper or Wooden Sticks
Many frozen desserts come with plastic sticks that can’t be recycled. Choosing brands that use wooden or paper sticks, or making your own at home, helps avoid this type of waste. It’s a small change, but one that can make a difference when these items are regular staples in your freezer.
Use a Soda Maker to Cut Back on Plastic Bottles
Store-bought sparkling water and soda usually come in plastic bottles that pile up quickly. A home soda maker lets you make carbonated drinks without the extra packaging. It’s a one-time investment that pays off in both convenience and long-term waste reduction.
Choose Dish Brushes Made from Natural Fibers
Plastic scrubbers and brushes wear down quickly and end up in the trash. Dish brushes made from wood and plant-based bristles hold up just as well and are fully compostable at the end of their life. They work with your existing dish soap and look better on the counter too.
Buy Milk in Returnable Glass Bottles When Available
If your local market or dairy offers milk in returnable glass bottles, it’s a simple swap that supports reuse instead of disposal. Many places allow you to return the bottles for a deposit refund, and the packaging can be cleaned and used again instead of ending up in the recycling bin.
14 Ways To Repurpose Common Kitchen Scraps
Most of us throw away heaps of kitchen scraps every week without a second thought. However, many of these leftovers, from eggshells to orange peels, have surprising uses that can save you money and reduce your household waste. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden, whip up some homemade cleaners, or add extra zest to your cooking, there’s a plethora of uses for what you might otherwise toss in the trash. Here are fourteen ingenious ways to repurpose common kitchen scraps into something spectacular.
Read it Here: 14 Ways To Repurpose Common Kitchen Scraps
12 Leftover Hacks To Make The Most Of Your Food
We’ve all been caught staring into the fridge at the sad remains of last night’s dinner, wondering if those limp carrots can be salvaged or that forgotten yogurt is best suited for the trash. But before you toss those potential ingredients, hold on! With a few clever tricks, you can transform those leftovers and forgotten bits into delicious new meals.
Read it Here: 12 Leftover Hacks To Make The Most Of Your Food
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.