11 Easy Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps You Can Make Today
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Ever opened your kitchen trash and cringed at the mountain of plastic, food scraps, and packaging staring back at you?
Transitioning to a zero waste kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing convenience or spending a fortune. In fact, with just a few simple swaps, you can save money, reduce waste, and feel amazing knowing you’re doing your part for the planet.
Whether you’re a total beginner or already dabbling in eco-friendly living, these 15 easy zero waste kitchen swaps will help you cut down on single-use plastics, food waste, and unnecessary clutter.
From reusable beeswax wraps to compostable sponges and bulk food shopping hacks, we’re covering all the sustainable basics you need to know to start today.
Why Go Zero Waste in the Kitchen?
Your kitchen is one of the biggest waste zones in your entire home. From single-use plastic wrap to food that goes bad before you remember it exists, the average kitchen creates a surprising amount of trash. In fact, over 30% of household waste comes from food and packaging alone!
But here’s the flip side: your kitchen is also the best place to start reducing waste. With just a few easy changes, you can drastically cut down on:
- Plastic pollution
- Food waste
- Unnecessary spending
- Toxins from harsh cleaning supplies
Imagine swapping wasteful habits for eco-friendly alternatives that actually work better, last longer, and look way cuter on your countertops.
The best part? Going zero waste in the kitchen doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about progress over perfection—and every little swap you make adds up to something big.
So, if you’re ready to simplify your space, save money, and feel good every time you open your fridge or pantry, you’re in the right place.
11 Easy Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps You Can Make Today
1. Ditch Paper Towels for Reusable Cloths
Paper towels might be convenient, but they’re a major source of unnecessary waste—and money down the drain. The fix? Reusable paper towels (aka “unpaper towels”). Use them for spills, drying dishes, wiping counters—literally everything.
I love these so much — they’ve totally replaced paper towels in my kitchen. They’re soft, super absorbent, and come in the cutest patterns. I throw them in the wash and use them again and again.
2. Replace Plastic Wrap with Beeswax Wraps
Say goodbye to that sticky roll of plastic wrap! Beeswax wraps are breathable, reusable, and perfect for covering leftovers, wrapping sandwiches, or storing cheese. Plus, they’re way more aesthetic.
This is one of my favorite swaps ever! These beeswax wraps actually work, smell amazing, and make your fridge look Pinterest-worthy. They mold perfectly around bowls, blocks of cheese, or half a lemon. Goodbye, cling wrap.
3. Store Everything in Glass Jars
Plastic containers are often hard to clean, stain easily, and let’s face it—they crack over time. Glass jars (like mason jars or saved pasta sauce jars) are the zero waste MVPs.
I’m obsessed with these glass jars — they’re the ultimate zero waste kitchen upgrade. I use them for bulk items, leftovers, smoothies… even salad dressings! They’re sturdy, airtight, and make everything look so clean and organized.
4. DIY Your Cleaning Products (Or Let Blueland Do It for You)
Most store-bought kitchen cleaners come in plastic bottles filled with harsh chemicals—and let’s be real, they’re not doing the planet (or your lungs) any favors. The good news? Making your own natural kitchen cleaners is super simple. Just grab some white vinegar, baking soda, water, and a few drops of essential oil (I’m partial to lemon or lavender) and boom: you’ve got a powerful, non-toxic cleaner that works.
But… if you’re a little on the lazy side like me (no shame!), there’s a shortcut I absolutely swear by.
Blueland is my go-to zero waste cleaner. I’m seriously obsessed—you get sleek, reusable bottles once, and then just drop in one of their refill tablets with water. That’s it! The scents are so fresh and clean (hello, Iris Agave!), and my kitchen has never looked—or smelled—better.
5. Swap Out Sponges for Compostable Dishcloths
Conventional kitchen sponges are full of microplastics and bacteria. Ew. Instead, use Swedish dishcloths or natural loofah sponges. They’re super absorbent, machine washable, and fully compostable at the end of their life.
I didn’t know I could love a dishcloth… but here we are. These Swedish dishcloths are super absorbent, dry fast, and replace both paper towels and sponges. Best part? They’re fully compostable when you’re done.
6. Use Silicone Baking Mats Instead of Parchment Paper
Baking cookies, roasting veggies, or heating up leftovers? Instead of tossing parchment paper every time, grab a silicone baking mat. It’s non-stick, reusable, and fits perfectly on your sheet pans.
I use these literally every week—for cookies, fries, sheet pan dinners, you name it. Nothing sticks, they wipe clean in seconds, and they’ve saved me so much money on foil and parchment paper.
7. Bring Reusable Produce Bags to the Grocery Store
You know those thin plastic bags in the produce aisle? They’re used for about 5 minutes before ending up in landfills forever. Swap them for reusable mesh or cotton produce bags you can use over and over.
These are a must-have in my zero waste kit. They’re super lightweight but hold a ton—apples, carrots, leafy greens, even bulk grains. Plus, cashiers love them because the tare weights are right on the tag.
8. Ditch Disposable Coffee Pods for Reusable Filters
Love your morning coffee but hate the waste from single-use pods or paper filters? Go for a reusable coffee filter or refillable pod instead. Your brew stays just as strong—and your conscience stays clean.
This Reusable Coffee Filter changed my morning routine. I just fill it with my favorite ground coffee and go. Tastes better, costs less, and is way more sustainable.
9. Replace Plastic Utensils with Stainless Steel or Bamboo Sets
Tired of flimsy plastic forks with your takeout? Keep a cute reusable utensil set in your bag, car, or lunchbox. Bamboo or stainless steel options are sturdy, lightweight, and way more planet-friendly.
I’m obsessed with this set—it goes everywhere with me. It’s lightweight, fits in my purse, and has everything I need: fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, even a straw. No more sad plastic cutlery.
10. Compost Your Food Scraps
One of the biggest ways to cut kitchen waste is to start composting. Whether you have a backyard or live in a tiny apartment, there’s a composting system for you.
This little bin lives on my kitchen counter, and I love it. It holds veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells… It’s cute enough to leave out and makes composting ridiculously easy.
11. Freeze Leftovers in Reusable Silicone Bags
Tired of digging through a freezer full of mystery foil packets and plastic baggies? Same. Reusable silicone freezer bags are the perfect upgrade. They’re leakproof, freezer-safe, and way sturdier than disposable bags.
I use these every single week. They’re perfect for freezing leftovers or packing snacks on the go. They seal tight, stand up on their own (yes!), and clean up in the dishwasher. Total freezer glow-up.
Ready to Start Your Zero Waste Kitchen Journey?
Whew! That was a lot of game-changing swaps—but here’s the secret: you don’t need to do all 11 at once. Start with just one or two of the zero waste kitchen swaps that feel easiest for you (reusable paper towels or silicone bags :), and build from there.
Going zero waste isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making small, intentional choices that add up over time. Every swap you make means less plastic in landfills, less money wasted, and a kitchen that actually feels better to be in.
So whether you’re swapping cling wrap for beeswax, composting your coffee grounds, or finally remembering those produce bags at the store—you’re making a difference.
FAQs About Zero Waste Kitchen Swaps
What is a zero waste kitchen?
A zero waste kitchen is a space designed to reduce as much trash and single-use plastic as possible. It focuses on reusable, compostable, and recyclable alternatives—like glass containers, bulk shopping, and DIY cleaners—so that nearly everything used either gets reused, composted, or recycled instead of thrown away.
How do I start transitioning to a zero waste kitchen?
Start small. Choose one or two easy swaps like replacing paper towels with reusable cloths or switching plastic wrap for beeswax wraps. From there, you can gradually adopt more sustainable habits like composting food scraps or shopping at bulk food stores. The key is progress, not perfection.
Is zero waste expensive?
Not at all—many zero waste swaps actually save you money over time. Reusable products like dishcloths, silicone bags, and storage jars might cost a little more upfront, but they last for years and replace disposable items you’d otherwise keep buying. Plus, shopping smarter and wasting less food can significantly cut your grocery bill.
Can I go zero waste if I live in a small apartment?
Yes! A zero waste kitchen is totally possible in a small space. Focus on compact solutions like a countertop compost bin, collapsible shopping bags, and stackable glass jars. You don’t need a huge pantry or a backyard compost pile to make a big impact—just smart storage and simple swaps.
What should I avoid in a zero waste kitchen?
Try to avoid single-use plastics like cling wrap, disposable sponges, plastic bags, and individually packaged snacks. Also, keep an eye out for excessive packaging and harsh chemical cleaners. Swapping these for reusable or homemade alternatives can instantly reduce your kitchen waste.
