Who doesn’t want a zero garbage kitchen? This is a rhetorical question, of course. A lovely kitchen with only essential zero waste kitchen items! 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.)

And, finally, 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 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.

Essential Zero Waste Kitchen Items for your Home

Here are some essential zero waste kitchen items that can get you started on your Zero Waste journey! 

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1. Mason Jars for Storage

Chic and eco-friendly, these multi-purpose mason jars are every kitchen’s highlight.

2. 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!

3. Stoneware Kitchen Canisters

Ah, so pretty! Heavy, solid containers to store your perennial items:

This canister set is gorgeous, too!:

4. 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!

 

5. 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:

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6. 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).

7. 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.

8. 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.

9.  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.

10. Mesh Grocery Bag 

These mesh bags are perfect for carrying your groceries without the need for plastic!

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11. Anti-Microbial Kitchen Towels

Not only will these super absorbent towels soak up spills faster than paper, they are way better for the environment.

 

12. Washable Cotton Bread Bag

This bread bag is made of durable canvas! Zero waste FTW!

13. 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.

14. 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!

15. 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.

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I hope this post has helped if you’ve been wondering how to reduce plastic in the kitchen. I’ll cover some of the top eco friendly kitchen brands in a follow-up post, so keep an eye out for that.

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Read More About the Eco-friendly Home

5 Weeks to a Zero Waste Kitchen

Five Rules for Zero Waste Grocery Shopping

The Zero Waste Grocery Store

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THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.