I never had the experience of growing up on a farm, engaging in activities like composting food scraps—truth be told, I’m not sure we ever recycled. However, in my mid-20s, I developed a keen interest in bloggers who embraced a zero-waste lifestyle. My own quest for a more sustainable way of living began with health worries, sparked by my growing knowledge about food and plastic waste. Gradually, I began introducing more sustainable practices into my kitchen. This transformation wasn’t an instant one; quite the opposite, attempting to replace everything simultaneously can be overwhelming and isn’t a viable approach to sustainability. Within a year, my kitchen had transformed into a plastic-free sanctuary that was simple to maintain, and this sustainable setup has been in place for almost a decade. By changing my perspective and making some budget-friendly changes, you, too, can achieve a plastic-free kitchen.
It’s undeniable that many products designed with sustainability in mind come with a higher price tag, thanks to the premium materials and the labor-intensive craftsmanship involved. But I’m not recommending that you drop a small fortune on an electric composter just yet. To get started, consider these essential sustainable kitchen items that cost under $20.
– Peachy Clean Silicone Dish Scrubbers: $17
– Silicone Kitchen Reusable Baking Cup Liners: $14 (originally $15)
– Nellie’s 3-Pack Swedish Dishcloths: $16
– Doppeltree 2-Pack Reusable Organic Cotton Pour-Over Coffee Filters: $10
– Sfiuyds Pack of 12 Reusable Paper Towels: $18
– Stasher 2-Pack 4-Ounce Food Storage Pocket: $14
– Food Huggers 5-Piece Reusable Silicone Food Savers: $18
– Food Huggers Set of 4 Cheese Huggers: $16
– No Tox Life Dish Block: $15
– Akeeko 9-Pack Reusable Food Wax Wraps: $14
– Totally Bamboo 2-in-1 Wooden Measuring Spoon: $10
One study reveals that kitchen environments harbor more germs than toilets, largely due to the presence of kitchen sponges, which are the primary reservoirs of active bacteria in the home. That’s quite the revelation, and it’s more than enough reason to discard your kitchen sponge permanently. Another concerning factor is that these sponges are often made from polyurethane, an oil-based plastic that doesn’t biodegrade.
In contrast, this silicone dish scrubber is less porous, which means it retains much fewer bacteria and pathogens. This translates to less odor and a longer lifespan. Most silicone sponges can last for years, and this one dries quickly, made from non-abrasive silicone, making it suitable for cleaning glass, plastic, stone, and wood. Plus, it emits a refreshing, peachy fragrance.
Baking has become even more eco-friendly with this set of 24 reusable cupcake liners. Made from nonporous silicone, each liner is crafted from food-grade silicone that is nontoxic and BPA-free. This set, which is packaged without plastic, is also dishwasher safe and resistant to odors. These liners can serve as muffin tins and are a sustainable, plastic-free, and reusable alternative to disposable aluminum or paper cups. They’re also microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and, of course, oven-safe, and eliminate the need for greasing or nonstick sprays.
These Swedish dishcloths reduce the need for both sponges and single-use paper towels. Composed of 70% plant fibers and 30% cotton, each cloth can absorb up to 15 times its weight in liquid. They last from nine to 12 months and can be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine. They’re not just sustainable—they’re also a significant time-saver in the kitchen.
While I’m not a fan of caffeine, my husband is a daily coffee drinker, and the pile of coffee filters ending up in the trash was unsettling. This pack of two reusable pour-over coffee filters was an ideal solution. Two organic cotton filters can last a year without needing to be rinsed after the first use. They are compatible with various filter types, including Hario V60, Chemex, Kalita, and origami-style filters made from ceramic, glass, and even plastic drippers. (I hope to see you swap out your plastic drip coffee maker in the future!)
Keep exploring for more sustainable kitchen swaps you can implement for under $20.
