The kitchen is one of the biggest sources of household waste. Between food packaging, paper towels, and disposable cleaning products, it adds up quickly. The average American produces over 1,700 pounds of trash per year, and nearly 30% of that comes from packaging waste—much of it from the kitchen.
I’ve made some gradual sustainable changes in my kitchen over the years, and I’ve noticed that these small shifts also save me money in the long run. It’s a win-win.
If you’re looking for practical, low-waste alternatives that fit seamlessly into your routine, here are nine simple swaps to help reduce waste in your kitchen.
I’ve included links to some of my favorite products, but I don’t earn any commissions from them. If you try any of these products, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
1. Swap Disposable Paper Towels for Reusable Paper Towels
Paper towels are super convenient, but the average household goes through over 3,000 a year, most of which end up in landfills. When you switch to Reusable Paper Towels by Earthly, you’ll find they absorb more liquid than traditional paper towels and dry quickly. They’re durable and designed to last through multiple uses. When they start looking worn, just toss them in the wash, and they’re good to go again.
Try This: Reusable Paper Towels by Earthly
2. Swap Plastic Bottle Dish Soap for Solid Dish Soap
Most dish soap comes in plastic bottles, and while some can be recycled, only 9% of plastic actually gets processed—the rest ends up in landfills. Solid dish soap is a simple alternative that lathers just as well, lasts longer than liquid soap, and eliminates the need for plastic. If you pair it with a compostable dish brush, it’s an easy swap that cuts down on waste.
Try This: No Tox Life Dish Block
3. Swap Parchment Paper for a Silicone Baking Mat
Parchment paper is useful but wasteful—it’s single-use, and most brands have a nonstick coating that makes it non-compostable. A silicone baking mat replaces parchment paper and can be used for years. It’s nonstick, easy to clean, and eliminates the hassle of constantly buying new rolls.
Try This: Silpat Premium Silicone Baking Mat
4. Swap Plastic Wrap for Beeswax Wraps
Plastic wrap is convenient, but it doesn’t break down in landfills, and most people use it once before throwing it away. Beeswax wraps work just as well, molding around food and containers with the warmth of your hands. They’re reusable for up to a year, and when they finally wear out, they’re compostable.
Try This: Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Wrap
5. Swap Plastic Straws for Stainless Steel or Glass Straw
I was hesitant about switching to reusable straws because I didn’t want to deal with residue getting stuck inside. If that’s your concern too, a good straw cleaner is a must! The bristles remove anything left behind, so your straw is fresh and ready to use every time.
Try This: Hiware Reusable Stainless Steel Straws (Brushes Included
6. Swap Plastic Storage Containers for Mason Jar
Most plastic food containers don’t last—over time, they stain, warp, and crack. A classic Mason jar is a more durable alternative. They’re great for leftovers, pantry storage, and even meal prepping. They also seal airtight, which helps food stay fresh longer.
Try This: Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars
7. Swap Tossing Food Scraps for a Compost Bin
Food waste makes up nearly 40% of all food produced in the U.S., yet most scraps end up in the trash. A compost bin keeps organic waste out of landfills and can even be used for gardening if you have outdoor space. A small, sealed compost bin on the counter makes it easy to collect scraps without odor or mess.
Try This: EPICA Stainless Steel Compost Bin
8. Swap Disposable Coffee Filters for a Reusable Coffee Filter
Single-use coffee filters add up, but a reusable stainless steel or cloth filter is a simple swap. It lets more of the coffee’s natural oils through, which improves the flavor, and it lasts for years. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of filters again.
Try This: Barista Warrior Reusable Stainless Steel Coffee Filter
9. Swap Single-Use Cleaning Bottles for Refillable Cleaners
Most household cleaning products come in plastic bottles that are thrown away after one use. Refillable cleaning systems use concentrated tablets or refills that mix with water in a reusable bottle. It’s an easy swap that reduces plastic waste while still keeping your kitchen clean. Danielle Meyers’ Amazon review convinced me to try out this product, and I’m glad it did.
Try This: Blueland Refillable Cleaning Products
Final Thoughts
Making sustainable changes in the kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even small swaps like switching to reusable dishcloths or ditching plastic wrap can make a difference over time.
Which of these swaps are you planning to try first? Let me know in the comments!
