Who doesn’t want a zero garbage kitchen? This is a rhetorical question, of course. A lovely kitchen with only zero waste kitchen essentials! But what I’ve noticed is that most people seem to be intimidated by the phrase ‘zero waste.’ First of all, zero waste doesn’t mean absolutely zero waste. That’s literally not possible, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Secondly, every bit of effort counts; reducing your kitchen waste by even 5% is preferable to doing nothing. (Having said that, though, the ideal situation would be if everyone worked their way towards a 80-90% zero waste kitchen.)
Would it help if you could start off with a simple list of essential zero waste items for everyday use? Here’s a guide to the kind of things you could use for everyday purposes instead of single-use or disposable plastic or even paper. The aim is to minimize throwing things away, replacing plastic in the kitchen, and to make sure the waste you create is increasingly organic stuff that you can readily compost in your kitchen.
Sounds good?
One last thing: Please don’t buy something just for the sake of buying. Always keep the impact on the environment foremost in your mind, and try to make wise decisions regarding what you purchase. If you have reusable items in your kitchen already, then you’re doing great – and this list can be saved for use later on. But if you’re using a lot of plastic, you may want to swap out with the options below – at your own time and pace.
Zero Waste Kitchen Essentials
Here are some zero waste kitchen essentials that can get you started on your Zero Waste journey!
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
Pots & Pans for the Zero Waste Kitchen
Looking for some useful pots and pans that will last for your entire lifetime? These basic items are required for most of the cooking that we all do, but the specific sizes and designs are entirely dependent on your needs.
10″ Cast iron skillet
15″ Cast iron skillet
12″ Non-stick ceramic skillet
Check out some more iron pots and pans for your zero waste kitchen.
Plastic-free Kitchen Products for Food Storage
Mason Jars
Chic and eco-friendly, these multi-purpose mason jars are every kitchen’s highlight.
WECK Jars
These glass jars are very versatile – you can use them for storing food, baking, canning, and more. And the thick glass isn’t just utilitarian, it’s good looking, too!
Stoneware Kitchen Canisters
Ah, so pretty! Heavy, solid containers to store your perennial items:
This canister set is gorgeous, too!:
Stainless Steel Lunch Box
This is the perfect alternative to plastic takeaway containers. It’s a leak proof stainless steel lunch container, for when you pack food for the office. You can also bring this along the next time you head out for a meal. So when you need to pack your food, or doggy-bag something after a meal at a restaurant, you can use this!
Coffee & Tea Storage Jars
Keep your coffee beans and grounds and your tea leaves dry, while also shunning the plastic, with these beautiful storage jars. (Remember to buy in bulk as much as possible).
Snapware Glass set | Mixing bowl set (with lids) | steel bento box
Essential Kitchen Utensils
Eco-friendly Non Toxic Bamboo Utensil Set
If you’re looking for safe utensils, you can’t do better than these non toxic bamboo cooking utensils. Healthy, elegant and long-lasting, they’re the perfect alternative to plastic ladles and spoons.
Or, this elegant set, with a holder included:
Measuring cups & spoons | Grater | Spatula | Tongs | Tea infuser | Whisk
Juicers and Coffee Makers
Making your own juices, smoothies and coffee/tea helps reduce the use of takeaway cups and things. And you can make them the way you like them:)
Heavyweight Glass Juicer Reamer (manual)
French Press Coffee Maker
If you’re a coffee person, then mechanical coffee makers are probably your jam. You can make your ethical coffee in this French press and enjoy a great morning!
Water Bottle
Please stop buying disposable plastic water bottles. And please do not reuse plastic water bottles. Get something like this insulated water bottle, and forget about the chemicals and waste associated with plastic. It’s such an easy step to take.
Travel Coffee Mug
After plastic water bottles, the thing we buy most frequently is disposable coffee cups. Get a travel coffee mug like this one and stop buying single-use coffee cups at the coffeeshops. Also learn how to brew zero waste coffee.
Zero Waste Appliances for the Kitchen
Try not to opt for brands that use built-in obsolescence. We don’t need anything that will fall apart in a year or two and require a new model to replace it. Take a look at these high quality appliances that will last for years and years. You don’t need them all, of course – just what is required in your kitchen.
High-powered Blender
Convection Oven
Mixer
Food Processor
Crock Pot
Secondhand Kitchen Appliances
Try to buy top-quality appliances that have been refurbished. Kitchen Aid has a section on their website specifically for secondhand & refurbished appliances. Or, try the ‘Like-New’ refurbished products at Amazon Renewed.
Storage Bags
Cotton Produce Bags
How to reduce the use of plastic bags? By using awesome cloth, of course! These unbleached cotton drawstring pouches will let your produce breathe and therefore keep them fresh for longer.
Mesh Grocery Bag
These mesh bags are perfect for carrying your groceries without the need for plastic!
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Washable Cotton Bread Bag
This bread bag is made of durable canvas! Zero waste FTW!
100% Unbleached Cotton Cheesecloth
You can use this cotton cheesecloth for several purposes, including making cheese or yoghurt (vegan or not!), and even for coffee filtration. It’s reusable, lint-free, and food-grade.
Zero Waste Kitchen Cleaning & Dishwashing Essentials
Anti-Microbial Kitchen Towels
Not only will these super absorbent towels soak up spills faster than paper, they are way better for the environment.
Natural Fiber Pot Brush
These brushes are ready for some heavy duty kitchen cleaning. This natural fiber dish scrubber can be used for other types of scrubbing as well. Plus, it’s heat resistant and handcrafted!
Compost Bin
Oh my, this ceramic countertop compost bin is just so pretty! There are other, more important, reasons to get it, of course. But its looks don’t hurt.
To actually clean your kitchen, check out EcoRoots’ Zero Waste Cleaning Kit. Also try Meliora’s All Purpose Home Cleaning Spray.
Buy and use organic, heavy-duty cleaning products from any of the following zero waste brands and marketplaces:
We hope this post helps you move towards a more low waste kitchen overall.
Please share this post, and spread the love <3
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
Everything on this list is on my list of zero waste products you’re eating your money on!!! All these different storage items can be substituted by using jars that you buy at the grocery store so you get 2 uses out of them! Try to be mindful about the info you’re spreading
Hi Abby,
You’re right. The point is to show the various options available. Of course using what you already have is the best option. I’ve specifically said in this post that we shouldn’t buy just for the sake of it, but in order to fulfill a pressing need.
Most of us can make do with never buying anything new ever again. But for those who need to buy something new, buy the item(s) that makes sense – like the suggestions in this post. There’s no ‘one solution for all.’
Thanks for stopping by!:)