Eco-Friendly Kitchen Swaps That Save Waste—and Might Save You Money

Living more sustainably and using less plastic is always a goal of mine, but often it can feel overwhelming especially if it involves swapping out many products you've been using in everyday life for years. So I thought, what if I chose just a few items to swap out, which ones would make the biggest difference in terms of the environment? I went to Melanie Mannarino, author of The Almost Zero Waste Guide for some guidance. This is her advice on being more eco-friendly in your kitchen without totally overhauling your routines.

Start with What's Easiest for You

You're more likely to stick to a habit that feels doable. That might mean swapping out a plastic-based product that you've already found a substitute for. In my kitchen, that's a resealable plastic bag: my husband tends to put leftovers in plastic bags but I always put them in bowls. So we make the effort to use the bowls more, and we also purchased resealable, compostable sandwich bags. You can even make your own reusable sandwich wrap. The bonus of doing what's easiest first is that you get an instant feel-good win and will be inspired to make more changes.

For the harder-to-kick habits, don't despair. Even just reducing how often you use those items helps. "I'll admit: I still have paper towels in my kitchen," says Mannarino. "I've made lots of other changes over the years—using glass storage containers instead of plastic, using reusable silicone zipper bags instead of classic disposable ones, using silicone baking mats instead of parchment paper—but shaking my paper towel habit is not easy," says Mannarino.

All is not lost; cutting back is better than nothing. "I supplement with dish towels of course but also Swedish dishcloths, that you can rinse and reuse and even toss in the washing machine." You can also purchase reusable paper towels.

Look at Items You Have with a Fresh Eye

So many things can be re-used instead of tossed out, and this helps reduce waste that goes to the landfill. "Glass condiment jars that once held mustards, olives, and jams can be washed and repurposed for homemade salad dressings and marinades, or your own pickled vegetables," says Mannarino. Even plastic food storage containers that have lost their lids or seem a little beat up can be washed and used to store first aid supplies, sunscreens, or even loose nails and screws.

Think About What You Use Most

Do you frequently use straws with your drinks? Consider purchasing a set of glass straws to have handy. Making an eco-friendly swap in items that you use most often will likely make the most difference in the positive impact you have on the environment.

"There's no beverage I love more than seltzer. And after years of buying case after case of 1-liter plastic bottles of the stuff, I jumped on the at-home seltzer-maker trend when they first came out," says Mannarino. "Yes, it meant I bought something new that would one day wear out and need to be disposed of. However, it's been 10 years plus at this point, and that machine keeps pumping out the fizzy stuff. The amount of plastic bottles I've avoided buying in that time could probably fill my entire house."

Keep The Plastics You Already Have

Unless a plastic storage container is compromised to the point where it's a food safety concern, don't suddenly throw all your containers in the trash, advises Mannarino. You're just clogging up the landfill. (Note: many of them are likely not recyclable—so check your local rules). Instead, use what you have as long as it has life in it and make the swaps along the way.