Eco-Living: Kitchen Essentials

Swap out disposable paper napkins for reusable fabric ones. There are so many places you could buy these from, just make sure you like the colours, fabric and or design, so you enjoy using them. I’d look on Etsy or Glassette!

There are three options if you want to go plastic-free in the cleaning department. One, you can purchase your own glass bottles online or from a local store, then buy zero-waste tablets that mix with water from companies such as Homethings or OceanSaver. Two, you can subscribe to companies like Kit & Kin that provide the bottles and the refills and you can select how often you want to top up. Or three, you can spend a little time on YouTube and learn how to make cleaning products yourself using natural ingredients! (We get ours from Kit & Kin!)

Replace cling film with beeswax wraps made from organic cotton infused with sustainably-harvested beeswax. Their natural antibacterial properties help keep food fresh for longer periods, reducing food waste and saving you money in the long run.

Stainless steel ice cube trays are a great durable and plastic-free option that freezes water faster, they also won’t absorb odours or flavours. Silicone trays are also a great alternative and come in so many fun shape. I have (and adore) the sphere tray from W&P Design.

Upgrade your bread storage to a reusable bag. Either made from cotton/linen, beeswax wrap, or 100% recycled plastic forever bag. Any option is better than the alternative of sandwich bags that eventually get gross, thrown away and a new one is used.

Say goodbye to disposable sponges with a reusable dish brush made from sustainable materials like bamboo or coconut husk. In addition to dishes, these brushes are ideal for cleaning fruits and vegetables, providing a sustainable alternative to disposable scrubbers.

Keep your food fresh and reduce single-use waste with reusable linen bowl covers. Crafted from high-quality linen fabric, these covers not just for bowls, these covers can also be used to wrap and store cheese, bread, or produce, reducing the need for plastic wrap or foil.

If switching to a solid dish soap, you’ll need a dish to match. If you want an eco-friendly material, you could choose from bamboo, coconut, enamel or ceramic.

Switch to solid dish soap bars to reduce plastic waste and minimise your carbon footprint. As an added bonus, some solid dish soaps come with added natural ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter, leaving your hands soft and moisturised after dishwashing.

Clean dishes sustainably with a coconut brush made from biodegradable fibers. Perfect for scrubbing pots and pans, these brushes are gentle on cookware surfaces while still effectively removing grease and grime.

Store your staples in glass containers like Kilner jars for a sustainable alternative to plastic. Their airtight seals make them ideal for storing homemade jams, pickles, sauces, or anything you want to keep fresh.

Replace plastic tupperware with stainless steel containers for a recyclable and eco-friendly option. Stainless steel containers are freezer-safe, allowing you to store leftovers or meal prep without worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into your food.

This is one of my favourite reusable kitchen items- instead of using aluminum foil or parchment paper for non-stick, switch to silicone mats. Aside from baking, these mats can also be used as non-slip surfaces for rolling out dough, as a liner for dehydrating fruits and vegetables, or roasting veg.