We all want to reduce our plastic footprint, but for busy households, the “Zero Waste” lifestyle can feel overwhelming.
The good news? You don’t have to fit all your trash into a mason jar to make a difference. The most sustainable changes are the ones that are easy to stick to. Here are five simple swaps for your kitchen that replace disposables with smarter, longer-lasting alternatives—saving you money and time.
1. Beeswax Wraps vs. Cling Film Cling film is a single-use nightmare that cannot be recycled. The alternative? Washable beeswax wraps. They use the warmth of your hands to mold over bowls or wrap around cheese/sandwiches. They smell great, look beautiful, and last for a year.
2. Silicone Baking Mats vs. Parchment Paper If you roast vegetables or bake cookies, you go through a lot of paper. A silicone baking mat is a non-stick sheet that you use forever. Nothing sticks to it, and it wipes clean in seconds.
3. Glass Storage Containers vs. Plastic Tupperware Plastic containers stain, warp, and can leach chemicals when heated. Glass is durable, goes safely from freezer to oven, and lets you see exactly what leftovers you have (so you actually eat them).
4. Cellulose Dish Cloths vs. Paper Towels Paper towels are a huge source of kitchen waste. “Swedish Dish Cloths” (made from cellulose and cotton) are incredibly absorbent—one cloth can replace 17 rolls of paper towels. When they get dirty, just toss them in the dishwasher.
5. A Countertop Compost Bin Food scraps don’t belong in the trash (where they create methane gas). A small, filtered compost bin on your counter makes it easy to collect scraps for your garden or municipal collection. No smells, no fruit flies, just smarter waste.