20 Easy zero waste kitchen swaps that will also save you money
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Ready to save the planet and your wallet?
See how easy it is to make affordable zero waste kitchen swaps that will help you eliminate disposable products from your life.
Human actions have long been creating an irreversible burden on our planet.
From the decimation of habitats to mountains of pollution, humankind has left a devastating trail in its wake.
As we continue onward into this new era, it is more important than ever that we actively work towards restoring balance and protecting nature for generations to come.
Despite global events beyond our control, we can all make a difference.
Every choice and every action counts: small changes add up to have an immense impact on improving the world around us—a reminder that hope is always alive.
It’s okay if you’re not already living a zero-waste lifestyle; it can be hard to make the transition.
If your kitchen is still generating some unnecessary waste, why not take small steps towards sustainability?
Here are ten simple swaps that will help get your kitchen on track without requiring too much effort or stress!
Do you want to check more money-saving items, here are 130 purchases that save money over time.
20 easy zero-waste kitchen swaps
(This article contains affiliate links, if you purchase any product with the links I provided, I may earn a small commission, thank you.)
French press
For those who love their cup of joe, why opt for wasteful single-use K-cups and filters when you can brew a delicious blend at home with your own stainless steel french press – no need to buy expensive filters either!
And if you’re out on the go, bring some coffee in a reusable travel mug: not only are they convenient but will also save money spent on takeout.
Reusable K-cups
Instead of saying goodbye to the beloved and expensive Keurig machine, you can now keep it while helping reduce waste by investing in reusable cups.
These stainless steel alternatives are made from food-grade material so not only will they last a long time but they also open up more possibilities for your morning coffee routine – say hello to ones that don’t come with single-use K-cups!
Meal containers
Eating out may seem like a convenient solution, but it can end up depleting your finances.
With meal-prepping you get the convenience of having food ready to eat and the assurance that each dish is made with quality ingredients in accordance to one’s budget – making it both healthy for your body and wallet!
Dedicating time just once per week will allow you to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals all month long without breaking the bank.
For a hearty, delicious meal without breaking the bank, try boiled white rice with stir fry or classic pasta and meatballs smothered in tomato sauce.
To keep your dishes fresh for future use as well as conservation-mindedness, opt for glass containers or stainless steel ones that will last you indefinitely!
Reusable paper towel
Who would have thought it possible?
Reusable paper towels – reducing waste and allowing you to save money while protecting the planet.
From cotton, offering up years of use thanks to their durability even with a few stains over time; or bamboo fiber, which can replace regular throw-away versions for six months before needing replacement – these reusable paper towels offer an innovative way to do your part in keeping our world green!
Make a small switch in your kitchen to reduce paper waste – swap out single-use paper towels for zero waste options like washable cloths and bamboo rolls.
Even if you stick with the traditional product, using it more sparingly will make those packs last much longer!
Reusable bags
Our oceans are becoming increasingly polluted with plastic, an issue that could have devastating consequences both to marine life and humans.
Every square mile of ocean is estimated to contain up to 46k pieces of single-use bags which can wreak havoc on delicate ecosystems while creating the dangerous microplastics left over when they break down in our waters.
What will it take for us all to work together towards a more sustainable future?
As we unknowingly consume microplastic particles in our seafood, it’s no wonder that countries around the world are taking charge to reduce plastic pollution.
Instead of using disposable bags for shopping trips, Organic Cotton Mart provides a sustainable alternative: their uniquely designed heavy-duty square carry bags will not only keep your groceries secure from spills but also let you do the environment good with every use!
Water bottle
Our current pattern of excessive plastic consumption is costing us not only in terms of environmental damage, but also our financial resources.
17 million barrels of oil are used each year to make single-use plastic bottles that have an abysmally low 23% recycling rate – demonstrating how difficult it is for many types of plastics to be recycled, unlike materials like glass and metal.
It’s time we reevaluate the impact our reliance on disposable containers has had on the environment and work toward more sustainable alternatives.
Cutting down on single-use plastic has become easy with the variety of reusable bottles available.
Whether you opt for glass, stainless steel or even a standard plastic bottle, each one is an environmentally conscious choice!
Plus they’re durable enough to last many refills – making reducing your environmental footprint as simple and affordable a task as can be.
HydroFlask offers an array of stainless steel bottles, ranging from a modest 14 ounces to a generous 64-ounce capacity. Each bottle comes complete with three lids and two reusable straws!
Say goodbye to your broken bottle worries with a glass bottle with silicone sleeve!
You can keep up to 20 ounces of liquids perfectly safe, so you don’t have to worry about a shatter even in the most precarious conditions. Get glass that lasts today!
Water filter
Ready to save money and help the environment?
Invest in a water filter for your reusable bottle! A pitcher with a replaceable filter offers an inexpensive option, or upgrade to Pur’s convenient filtration system.
Remove contaminants like mercury and pesticides while enjoying clean drinking water – all without costing you extra cash at the store every time.
Cutlery set
For those looking to save money while living a healthy lifestyle, say goodbye to plastic cutlery with its six million U.S.-per-day waste contribution and embrace reusable utensils – along with an ecofriendly cotton napkin!
For an extra layer of convenience, why not invest in a stainless steel cutlery set that comes with its own carrying case?
That way you’ll be prepared if ever you decide to dine out at a fast food spot – no plastic needed!
No need to buy something new either; just bring some items from your home kitchen.
Be ready for any eating experience life throws at you!
Jars for bulk items
Staying sustainable has never been easier than now, with bulk-buying of goods a perfect way to reduce waste and help the environment.
Buying glass jars for everyday staples in large quantities can go a long way: you get your items without having to worry about plastic packaging or wasteful branding – plus it ends up being more economical!
Once this pandemic passes, everyone should consider utilizing their local store’s bulk section as an eco-friendly alternative.
Compostable dish sponge
Conventional dish sponges can threaten our oceans by releasing microplastic pollutants into the water.
Switching to natural fiber versions, such as cotton or vegetable scrubbers, are an easy and simple way for us all to help protect our environment from these damaging chemicals!
Silicone food bags
Tired of single-use plastic bags clogging up your trash?
Go green and save some dough with nifty silicone food storage bags!
Made from 100% food grade silicone that’s easy to clean in the dishwasher yet prevents any liquid leaks – plus it’s reusable so you can use again and again without harming our environment.
Reusable straws
Rid yourself of single-use plastic forever by investing in reusable straws!
Stainless steel and glass are both popular options for a durable solution, while silicone is perfect if you’re looking to keep kids safe.
Folding varieties take up even less space when it’s time to pack away the sipping accessories.
Silicone ice trays
Ditch those pricier, wasteful bagged ices and be prepared for the chill with food-grade silicone ice cube trays.
From cubes to whisky balls to skulls – whatever weird shape you want is at your fingertips!
Check out all of these fun tray designs today and stay cool in style this summer.
Reusable tea filter
For an eco-friendly afternoon ritual, ditch the tea bag and opt for a reusable infuser!
You’ll save money in the long run while also protecting our planet thanks to steeping your favorite sips without plastic or other unrecyclable materials.
When it comes to enjoying a cup of fresh and flavorful tea, an increasingly popular option is Rozalia – a small shop on Etsy
She sells bulk size loose-leaf variety boxes, they have superior taste in comparison to the traditional bagged kind.
Ethical shoppers can take comfort knowing that their purchase reflects fair trade practices as well as carbon and plastic neutrality!
Compostable bottle brush
Cleaning up after refreshments is a breeze with compostable bottle brushes!
Easily recycle the metal handle when it’s time to toss out this handy tool – and don’t forget you can also give its brittles another life in your compost bin.
Refillable cleaning bottle
Want to DIY natural cleaning solutions at home?
Look no further than these trendy, protective glass bottles seen everywhere on YouTube.
For added safety, opt for a bottle with a silicone sleeve – an extra layer of insurance against slips and falls!
Recyclable dish soap
Are you looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional dish soap packaging?
Instead of buying plastic bottles that will eventually be thrown away, buy a solid dish soap packaged in recyclable paper cartons.
It can easily be poured into a dispenser or used directly from the box – so your dishes stay clean and your conscience stays clear.
Compostable trash bags
For people living a zero-waste lifestyle, tackling the kitchen trash can seem especially challenging!
Designed with both European and U.S consumers in mind – these bags offer an eco-friendly solution for large families too: they’re non toxic as well as 100% compostable; just be sure you keep them cool and only buy what you’ll use within nine months!
Plastic wrap & parchment paper replacements
Fed up of the constant waste and expense caused by plastic wrap, parchment paper and aluminum foil?
We’ve got an answer – use robust bee wax wraps which can be composted after a year’s usage.
Alternativey, switch out your regular baking mats for silicone ones from Silpat: not only offering better protection but also easy to clean with no need replacement!
Vitamix Foodcycler Composter
Have you ever wanted to strive for a zero-waste lifestyle, but weren’t sure how?
The key is reducing food waste – in the U.S alone it adds up to over 81 million pounds! What do we do with all those leftovers that can’t be reused?
Composting comes into play; whether outdoors or indoors using small stainless-steel bins complete with carbon filters so no worries about smell.
Get composting and start down your path towards becoming truly zero-waste today!
With the Lomi, even those lacking access to traditional facilities can reduce their waste by a whopping 90% – condensing vegetable peelings, bones and more into nutrient-rich fertilizer.
This small yet powerful appliance packs big results with its one cubic foot design and carbon filter lid that means no foul odors from stored leftovers in the 64 oz bucket!
Making the switch to a zero-waste lifestyle may seem daunting, yet taking small steps such as making kitchen swaps can make considerable inroads towards reducing our global waste problem.
Getting started is easy and impactsful – let’s do it!
What are some zero-waste swaps you apply in your kitchen? Share your knowledge in the comment section below.
I hope these simple swaps help you reduce your waste in the kitchen and save money each month.
This post contains an affiliate link(s). As an affiliate, I may earn a small advertising /referral fee if you purchase through my link, without any extra cost to you, and it helps keep this little blog afloat. Thanks so much for your support!
