22 Eco Friendly Kitchen Products for Sustainable Living: Budget Options Included
The kitchen is my happy place. My creative zone.
And WOWZA, I used to hold the tightest grip against change especially when it came to the way I did things in the kitchen.
Switching to eco friendly kitchen products wasn’t lightin’ my fire if you catch my drift.
I remember when I made the switch to cast iron pans. Honestly, it wasn’t self-motivated. It was all because of my much more eco-conscious partner. Thanks babe. xoxo
God, I hated them at first. Didn’t understand them. There are rules on how to use these things?? UGH.
BUT…
The fried eggs that came outta that shiny dark skillet were something I couldn’t argue with.
I wish I could say it was my fervent passion for sustainability that led me to my initial shift to a more sustainable kitchen, but I’d be fibbin’.
I will say though – once I took that first, scary step, it was all downhill after that.
Piece of teflon-free cake. (double chocolate, thanks.)
I’ve learned a lot since that day. My “casty” is a well-oiled machine with lots and lots of miles. And it was the first domino in the avalanche of eco friendly kitchen product swaps that ensued.
I’ve done you a solid and rounded up my favorite swaps in the kitchen.
But there are two rules with this article:
- Pick one swap to implement and let yourself celebrate that! One swap is a big deal. And you never know, it could lead to a whole freaking avalanche!
- Do whatever you want with this article! Who cares about rules?
The Best Budget Eco-Friendly Alternative Kitchen Products:
1. Sustainable Cutting Board
Chop, chop!
It’s something you use A LOT in your kitchen and it’s a great swap to start with.
Plastic cutting boards can leach nasty chemicals into your food, not to mention, they’re terrible for your kitchen knives.
A sustainable cutting board is a better option for your kitchen.
Sustainable cutting boards are made from materials such as bamboo or cork, which are renewable and biodegradable.
They are also durable and long-lasting, making them a great beginner’s investment for your kitchen.
Check out my brand picks for the best sustainable cutting board: Totally Bamboo, ChopValue, PublicGoods
2. Non-Toxic Tea Kettle
In the kitchen, things tend to get pretty hot. And that’s a recipe for toxic disaster if you’re not working with the proper stuff.
When it comes to your tea kettle it’s no different.
Traditional tea kettles are often made with non-stick coatings or plastic components, which ooze harmful chemicals into the water when heated.
Stainless steel, ceramic, and glass are your best bets for non-toxic materials here.
Check out my brand picks for the best non-toxic tea kettle: Quickone Takei, Alessi, Cafe
3. Reusable Paper Towels
Unfortunately, disposable paper towels are a common household item that many Americans use on a daily basis. These single-use paper products contribute to significant waste in landfills and are just downright unnecessary in most situations.
The history of paper towels dates back to the 1900s. It took a lot of time and convincing but they were eventually adopted in place of cloth towels for “sanitary purposes.” In today’s age of high-quality washing machines and dishwashers, we can safely use cloth towels for most things that paper towels are commonly used for.
You can find them made from reusable cloth materials such as bamboo, cotton, or linen. After one is soiled, you wash it! You can use these paper towels over and over again, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
I use mine for so many different tasks, from cleaning spills, wiping surfaces, and drying dishes. They really come in handy!
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paper towels and tissue paper made up about 7.58 billion pounds of waste in 2018. So make the switch to reusable paper towels already! You can do your part in reducing this waste.
In addition to being eco-friendly, reusable paper towels are also a healthier option. Traditional paper towels are often treated with chemicals such as bleach and chlorine, which can harm both humans and the environment.
Reusable paper towels are free from these harmful chemicals, making them safer for you and your family.
Overall, reusable paper towels are an excellent investment for anyone looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle. They are cost-effective, versatile, and better for the environment and your health.
Check out my brand picks for the best reusable paper towels: Marley’s Monsters, Grove Collaborative, and Etee.
4. Trash Talk: Single-Use Plastic Bags Alternatives
Single-use plastic trash bags are a major contributor to the global plastic pollution crisis. They take hundreds of years to decompose and end up in landfills, oceans, and other natural habitats, wreaking havoc on natural ecosystems and the wildlife that inhabit them.
Fortunately, there are many alternatives to these single-use products that are more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Reusable pail liners are one alternative to single-use plastic trash bags, which are made of durable, water-resistant, and washable materials like polyurethane laminate fabric (PUL). Use them, wash them, and then reuse them!
These are perfect for smaller trash bins around the house that you can then empty into a bigger one that will go out for collection. That’s far fewer single-use trash bags and a smart alternative.
Plant-based bags are another great alternative. They’re made from renewable resources such as cornstarch, potato starch, or sugarcane and are often completely biodegradable. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including lining waste bins and picking up pet waste.
Compostable bags are one of my personal favorite alternatives (after reusable liners and DIY) because they are designed to break down quickly in composting facilities.
It’s important to note that not all compostable bags are created equal. Some bags may be labeled as “compostable” but may not meet the standards for composting facilities.
It’s important to look for bags that are certified by organizations such as the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or the Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA).
Recycled material bags are made from post-consumer recycled materials such as plastic bottles or paper. They are another great option over plastic bags made with virgin oil.
Finally, DIY bags are a great option for those who want to get creative and want serious brownie points from Mama Earth. The best way to implement DIY trash bags into your daily rhythm is to have a designated place to collect bags that would be well-suited for your trash can.
I keep a stash of the paper bags I collect if I forget my cloth bag when I go to the store and need to use a paper one. These work well for smaller trash cans. If you’re on the lookout for bags that can function as trash bags, you’d be surprised how many just start popping up!
Bonus Pro Tip: Downgrade to a smaller trash can – more trips to the dumpster will encourage you to create less waste!
Check out my brand picks for the best alternatives to plastic trash bags: Marley’s Monsters, HoldOn, and UNNI
5. Sustainable Kitchen Sponges
Whether you’re looking to improve the sustainability factor of your kitchen game, or you just want to be smarter about spending your money – the alternatives to the iconic green and yellow sudser are the way to go.
When you consider the toxicity of the materials used in traditional sponges, coupled with their short life span in the kitchen, there’s not too much left to their appeal.
These sponges are made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane foam, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. In addition, traditional sponges are often treated with chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and may contribute to water pollution.
Your better bet is to shop for natural sponges made from renewable resources such as cellulose or loofah. These sponges are biodegradable and can often be composted after use. Plus, they’re durable and can be washed and reused multiple times!
This is one kitchen item swap that will make your kitchen much more environmentally friendly.
Check out my brand picks for the best eco-friendly kitchen sponges: Blueland, Zero Waste Outlet, Two Acre Farm
6. Sustainable Cooking Utensil Set
Choosing a renewable material like bamboo for your kitchen utensils is the sustainable choice.
Reclaimed wood is another responsible option and stainless steel is always a winner.
Check out my brand picks for the best sustainable cooking utensil set: Bambu Home, All-Clad
7. Food Huggers & Beeswax: Plastic Wrap Alternatives
Aluminum foil? Cling wrap? Come on!
It’s time to let it go, friends. The stuff is awful.
It’s made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which are not biodegradable and their production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of natural resources.
Fortunately, there are many eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic wrap that are more sustainable and better for the environment.
Beeswax wraps, for example, are made from cotton fabric coated with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. The brand picks I’ve listed below even use organic cotton! I’ve been using these for years for preventing food waste and I love them!
They’re washable and reusable and when the time comes they are also biodegradable and can be composted. I love Abeego’s suggestion to repurpose them as firestarters or twist ties once their food-saving days are over.
If you opt for the beeswax wrap, I recommend starting with small and medium sized squares. Abeego offers a set of five small squares and a set of three mediums.
Food huggers are another great option. They are small food-grade silicone covers that can be placed over the cut end of fruits and vegetables to keep them fresh. Food huggers are reusable and can be washed and used again and again.
Bonus feature: these alternatives keep your food fresher for longer. Preventing food from going bad quickly is a great way to cut down on food waste!
Check out my brand picks for the best alternatives to plastic wrap: EarthLove, Abeego, Food Huggers
8. Plastic-Free Coffee Maker
Plastic? Enough already!
The pesky, toxic stuff is everywhere.
If you look at your everyday users – like your java machine – you’ll want to go with the better option. Not just for your health but the planet’s too.
Check out my brand picks for the best plastic-free coffee maker: Bunn, Public Goods, Prima Coffee
9. Reusable Coffee Filter
Stainless steel is where it’s at when it comes to most sustainable and healthy kitchen items.
Reusable coffee filters are no exception.
It’s stainless steel all the way for me. And if for some reason, disposable is the choice you prefer, there are more sustainable options for those too.
Look for filters made from bleached and totally chlorine-free (TCF) paper. No chemicals dumped in our watersheds and none for your body either.
Check out my brand picks for the best reusable coffee filter: OvalWare, Able Brewing. If You Care
10. Food Storage Containers w/ Lid (Glass, Stainless Steel & Silicone, Oh My!)
The usual suspects of the old days in food storage are thin, stainable, toxic and plastic. These food containers leach nasty chemicals into your food like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates and take hundreds of years to break down.
Not only are there several alternatives on the market now today, there are also creative ways to store food that don’t involve spending extra money!
BPA-free silicone bags, stainless steel, and glass storage containers are all excellent choices for storing and keeping food fresh and they come in a variety of sizes. Personally, I prefer the aesthetic of stainless steel, but when it comes to being kid-friendly, silicone is the way to go.
Something to keep in mind when choosing a material best for you is that only glass and silicone are microwave safe.
One perk of glass, that the others do not share, it is oven safe! (Except for high temperatures) I have tons of glass containers leftover from my days running a meal prep business. They were a perfect way to prepare meals ahead and reheat without soiling another dish!
My all-time favorite way to store food is to REUSE jars that were purchased with food in them from the grocery store. Pickle jars, sauerkraut jars, pasta sauce jars, etc. all make wonderful food storage containers!
When you upcycle these jars, you are reducing waste and giving them a second life. They are perfect for storing food to create a meal or for taking food on the go.
Check out my brand picks for the best eco-friendly food storage containers: Stasher Bags, U-Konserve, Glasslock
11. Dish Soap
The fluorescently colored dish soap that your mama used… well, friends, it’s toxic stuff. Let’s ditch those plastic bottles full of chemicals for good and switch to soap that doesn’t pollute the Earth when it washes down the drain.
There are several options to consider when choosing an eco-friendly dish soap. Some brands choose to offer their soap in containers made from recycled materials, but I prefer to choose glass bottles or even better, dish bars with minimal packaging.
Check out my brand picks for the best eco-friendly dish soap: Elva’s All Natural, ZeroWasteOutlet, Meliora
12. Sustainable Cleaning Products (Commercially Made)
This topic is a toughy. Notice that little voice that comes up as you read the words “plant-powered clean.”
Do you believe it??
We sure do like everything spic and span and sanitary don’t we? Can a sustainable cleaning product really get the job done? Isn’t it all those chemicals that kill all the germs?!
Now, now… times are a changin’ honey! We’re finding new ways to clean that do just as good of a job.
(Might I say better?)
I would certainly argue it if the end result isn’t harm against humans and the Earth.
Check out my brand picks for the best sustainable cleaning products: Branch Basics, Mrs. Meyers, Eco-Me.
13. DIY Cleaning Products
One option is to make your own DIY cleaning products using natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Making your own cleaning products is not only eco-friendly, but it can also save you money.
For my all-purpose cleaner, I mix equal parts vinegar and water in a glass spray bottle. I often add drops of citrus essential oil or whatever scent I want to smell while cleaning.
These DIY cleaning products are effective, non-toxic, and safe for the environment.
Check out my brand picks for the best DIY cleaning products: Dr. Bronner’s, Pure Baking Soda, The Good Fill
14. Compost Bin For Food Waste
Food waste is a major problem in the world today. When food waste is sent to landfills, it produces methane gas, which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem: composting.
Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter such as food scraps and yard waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
By composting your food waste, you are not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but you are also creating a valuable resource for your garden.
You can start composting by setting up a compost bin in your backyard or by using a countertop compost bin if you live somewhere with municipal green waste pick up.
Check out my brand picks for the best counter top compost bin for food waste: EarthHero, Bamboozle, MadeTrade.
15. Reusable Grocery Bags & Produce Bags
Single-use plastic bags are a major contributor to plastic pollution in the environment. These bags can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, and they often end up in the ocean, where they can harm marine life.
Reusable grocery bags and produce bags are made from durable materials such as cotton, canvas, or mesh. They are washable and can be used again and again, reducing the amount of waste generated by single-use plastic bags.
You’ll also save money in the long run, as you don’t have to keep buying new bags every time you go to the grocery store.
Check out my brand picks for the best reusable grocery bags and produce bags: Out of the Woods, ColonyCo, SeekBamboo
16. Plastic-Free Drinking Vessels: The Almighty Glass Jar
Glass jars are durable, reusable, and can be used for a variety of purposes, including drinking vessels. You can use a glass jar as a water bottle, a smoothie cup, or even a coffee mug. Glass jars are also easy to clean and don’t leach harmful chemicals into your drinks.
Check out my brand picks for the best plastic-free drinking vessels: Mason Jars, Ball Jars, Weck Jars
The Best Investment-Worthy Eco Friendly Kitchen Products
Like my father-in-law says, “A good quality tool is always worth the investment.” I think that stands true for household tools just as much as it does for any other tool.
And really, sustainability and saving money are closely linked. By investing in good quality eco-friendly products, you can avoid the need to constantly replace them with new ones, which not only saves you money but also reduces waste.
17. Non-Toxic Cookware
You’ve heard about Teflon right? It’s pretty gnarly…
When heated (ummmm…) it leeches all kinds of delicious (not!) and toxic chemicals into your food and releases harmful fumes into the air. Gnarly.
Non-toxic cookware is made from materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic – these materials are safe to bring to high temperatures. Phew!
Eco-friendly cookware is often made from recycled materials and is designed to be durable and long-lasting.
Check out my brand picks for the best non-toxic and eco-friendly cookware: Xtrema, Caraway, Made In
18. Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Bakeware
Ohhh! This is where I get to tell you about the joy of cast iron!
Did you even know about cast iron for baking??? I’m talkin’ to the bread lovers out there…
Fact: A good dutch oven will change your life.
Don’t let your baked goods get sidelined – they’re JUST as important as the main course.
Here’a a final question for you: Does a toxic muffin really taste as good as one baked in non-toxic bakeware?
Check out my brand picks for the best non-toxic and eco-friendly bakeware: Caraway, Le Creuset, Great Jones
19. Healthy & Non-Toxic Air Fryer
You’re either in one of two boats: You already have one and LOVE it (but is it non-toxic?), or, you don’t already have one and don’t get what everyone goes crazy over.
If you’re in the second boat, consider yourself lucky. Because if you come IN to the air fryer game with the non-toxic version, you’re basically a badass.
#winning
Check out my brand picks for the best healthy and non-toxic air fryer in this article. For the best Stainless Steel air fryers check out this article.
20. Green Dinnerware
When it comes to green dinnerware, there are plenty of options.
The list of safe materials is varied: Ceramic, Stoneware, Porcelain, Bone China, Stainless Steel, and glass all pass the test.
It’s not just plastic that you need to look out for. (I know, can plastic just disappear already so we can stop talking about it?!)
Dinnerware is a particularly tricky one because someone had the brilliant idea once to make DECORATIVE ONLY dinnerware. And they made it toxic as hell.
It’s not always easy to spot but should have a label that says so.
In my opinion, it’s best to be safe and stick to brands that you can trust, whether you buy them new, thrifted, or preloved on Etsy.
Check out my brand picks for the best green dinnerware:my My Place, Public Goods, Made Trade
21. Waffle Maker
The golden rule of waffle making (according to Lauren Eaton – check the url, amigo) is not to EVER mix that irresistible scent of fresh-pressed golden perfection with the toxic fumes of a non-stick waffle plate.
PLEASEEEEE for the love of waffles!
They don’t mix. Waffles don’t deserve that mistreatment and neither does your body or the planet!
Check out my brand picks for the best non-toxic waffle maker: Green Pan, All-Clad, Appalachian Cast Iron
22. Non-Toxic Rice Cooker
You’re starting to get the gist here right?
Cooking = HOT
If the appliance gets hot, it better be made right – or else. Or else what? Or else yucky food is what!
Seriously, I’m convinced you can taste it…
Check out my brand picks for the best non-toxic rice cooker: Oyama, Lotus Foods, Tatung
Why Choose Sustainable Kitchen Products?
Choosing sustainable kitchen products is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run. They are often made from durable materials that last longer than traditional products, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Sustainable kitchen products can also help you reduce waste and conserve resources. For example, using reusable grocery bags and produce bags can reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by single-use bags. Using a compost bin for food waste can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a valuable resource for your garden. There are many ways to make your kitchen more sustainable, and choosing eco friendly kitchen products is a great place to start.
Conclusion: These Are The Best Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products For Every Budget
I’ve broken the list down into two categories: Budget-friendly, and investment worthy.
As you’ve seen, there’s something for everyone.
From reusable grocery bags to non-toxic cookware, there are many sustainable swaps you can make in your kitchen to reduce waste and conserve resources.
You don’t have to drop all your dough (pun intended) to be ballin’ in your green kitchen. Simple and cheap swaps add up and go a long way.
Investing in eco-friendly kitchen products, whatever their price range, is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run.
Love the planet, love yourself, and love your kitchen. Make some swaps today!
