Replacing plastic in the kitchen does more than declutter your drawers—it reduces toxic chemicals and microplastics in your food while keeping harmful materials from washing down your drain and into the environment.
Here are some swaps I’ve made in my own kitchen:
Cleaning & Care
- Coconut coir scrubbers instead of plastic sponges
- Dishwasher detergent tablets instead of plastic-wrapped pods or liquid detergent in plastic bottles
- Bamboo-handled scrub brush with Arizona thistle fiber head instead of plastic-bristled brushes
Cutting Boards
- Wooden cutting boards for everyday use (my dad made several sizes for my kitchen!)
- Metal alloy cutting board with titanium coating for meat and onions—I use the Tivano board and love that it’s dishwasher-safe
Utensils
- Wooden and metal utensils—my cherry wood spatulas and spoons need just an occasional rub of mineral oil to stay beautiful
Storage
- Glass containers with bamboo lids – Perfect for storing dry foods like nuts, pasta, and crackers. Plus, you can see what’s inside at a glance!
- Glass containers with snap-on plastic lids – I’ve tried a few brands, and Rubbermaid is my favorite for durability and ease of use.
- Bee’s Wrap – This reusable food wrap is made from cotton coated with beeswax, organic plant oil, and tree resin. It’s flexible enough to cover bowls or wrap food, and it replaces single-use plastic wrap. Recently discovered that wrapping zucchini keeps it fresh for up to 2 weeks. My first set lasted two years before I needed to replace it!
- Lunchskins paper sandwich bags – These work for about 99% of what I used to store in plastic baggies. They’re especially great for packing kids’ snacks.
Trash Bags
- Compostable trash bags instead of heavy-duty plastic ones. While they’re not perfect—many require commercial composting facilities that most cities don’t have—they’re still a step in the right direction. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good! I’m currently using Plastno Waste Bags.
Food
Finding food in glass containers can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible! I’ve had success at Sprouts, where I’ve found ketchup, peanut butter, honey, teriyaki sauce, and even soup in glass jars. As a bonus, once they’re empty, I reuse the jars for storage around the house.
Where to Find Many of These Products
Desert Refillery, a locally owned Arizona company, is a wonderful resource for eco-friendly kitchen essentials. Their Phoenix location is fun to browse, or you can order easily online. I recommend them simply because I love supporting local businesses and have discovered so many great products there.
What changes have you made in your kitchen? Every swap makes a difference!