From produce bags to storage jars, these shoppable products will help you keep plastic out of your kitchen.
Bridget is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. foil backed parchment paper
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Courtesy of Williams Sonoma, Food52, Amazon
If you're looking to reduce your plastic use, one of the best places to start is in the heart of your home. Many kitchen items, from the containers you store leftovers in to the utensils you use for stirring ingredients, can contain plastic. The good news is that we're living in a golden age of eco-friendly alternatives. From produce bags to glass storage jars, we're sharing the best and easiest product swaps to make if you want a plastic-free kitchen.
Ready to finally say goodbye to disposable bags? Swap them for these washable silicone pouches, which come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. This set, for instance, makes it easy to store everything from produce and snacks to soups (use the tiniest bag to freeze a single serving—and drop it into hot water when you're ready to eat). They're dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe—and you can buy them in sets or one at a time.
If you're not ready to invest in reusable pouches, you can still rid your kitchen of conventional plastic food storage bags with this compostable option. The bags are available in sandwich and snack sizes and are even microwave and freezer safe. You can wash and reuse them, but unlike your plastic sandwich bags, you won't feel bad about tossing them after a single use. They're designed to break down in your home compost in 12 to 24 weeks. We found that to be pretty accurate; it took just under six months to break down in our compost pile.
Made from organic cotton, these produce bags (which come in a set of eight) are your swap for the plastic produce bags you find at your local grocery. They have many other uses, too; stash them in your car and you can reach for them when you go to the farmers' market or want to bring home fresh bread from your local bakery. You can also use them to store produce in your crisper drawer—or for snacks. They're washable and durable and sure to become one of your new favorite eco-friendly items.
These BPA-free produce huggers are fun and practical, so you can skip the plastic wrap. It's easy to reach for the silicone circles in various sizes to keep onions, tomatoes, avocados, lemons, and other produce fresh after you've cut into them. They're available in all kinds of colors that mimic fruits and vegetables (and some that don't). Plus, they're dishwasher safe.
We try not to use cling wrap, but sometimes, it's necessary to save that extra piece of pound cake or to cover the pie for your holiday celebration. We found an eco-friendly compromise: Enter Compostic's Home Compostable Cling Wrap. Much like their food storage bags, this wrap will break down in a home compost within 12 to 24 weeks. We tested it and found it to be very clingy, so it requires a bit of patience and practice when wrapping food—but it's an excellent alternative to the traditional plastic stuff.
Made of organic cotton, beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin, these wax wraps are perfect for saving sandwiches and covering jars and other containers. Wash the wraps in cold water, let them air dry, and reuse them for up to a year—then compost them when they've reached the end of their life cycle.
Upgrade your pantry and cabinet storage by switching to glass storage jars. This set of glass containers with bamboo tops lets you easily see how much of every ingredient you have left. Although they are made of glass, the containers are durable and light—and are perfect for storing items purchased in bulk. We like that they come in a set of various sizes, including one tall enough to store spaghetti.
When upgrading your plastic food storage containers, consider a glass set from Pyrex. These dishes are made of durable tempered glass and are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. We love that this collection comes with plastic-free silicone lids, which also feel more secure and durable than standard plastic ones. They are heavier than the plastic options you grew up with, though, which is something to keep in mind if you want to use them to transport your work lunch.
Say goodbye to plastic spice containers and upgrade to an attractive storage solution perfect for buying spices from a spice shop or the bulk food section. These glass jars are so versatile and come with labels to help you easily identify your spices. Since they are magnetic, you don't need to store them in a cupboard or on a spice rack. You can organize your spices on the side of your fridge—or buy the Gneiss wall plate to display them.
Courtesy of Made In Cookware
If you’ve been relying on plastic cooking spoons, it's time to add at least one wooden spoon to your utensil holder. Durable wooden spoons are gentle on non-stick pans, but unlike plastic, they won't melt. We love the smooth edges and the broad concave spoon of this one, which is made of 100 percent beechwood. You'll find yourself reaching for it whenever you're mixing, stirring, or tossing ingredients.
Made of pharmaceutical-grade silicone, these tools are dishwasher safe, gentle enough for any non-stick pan, and heat resistant up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. You can buy them as a 3-, 5-, or 10-piece set, depending on your needs.
While you likely don't think of your kitchen sponge as plastic, many are made from chemically treated cellulose or plastic. This eco-friendly alternative is made from pure loofah plants, so they're completely biodegradable and compostable. They come flat but expand once you wet them—and they work so well you will never miss your old sponges.
air fryer paper The bristles on this plastic-free brush are sourced from Mexico's palmyra and sisal plants, while the handle is made from bamboo. The product comes with three replacement heads, and each head lasts up to six months, depending on usage.