Household Swap Series: Near Zero Waste Kitchen Ideas

The new year is the perfect time to reset and make small changes that make a big impact. The kitchen is one of the best places to begin a zero waste journey. It’s a place that’s become rather disposable, so it’s easy to find simple, realistic swaps that can dramatically reduce household waste. Zero waste is about progress, intention, and choosing better, more sustainable options.

Rethink Daily Kitchen Essentials

Think about the everyday items you use. Paper towels, for example, are a big source of kitchen waste. Buy natural fiber compostable paper towels or replace them all together with reusable cloth towels, old T-shirts cut into rags, or washable “unpaper towels.” This switch can eliminate hundreds of trashed paper towels each year. Keep a small basket or drawer for clean cloths and a designated bin for used ones to make the habit easy and convenient.

Sponges are another popular swap. Synthetic sponges are typically made from plastic shedding microplastics as they wear down. Natural sponges and scrubbers made from loofah, coconut, cellulose, and cotton clean just as well and can be composted at the end of their life.

You can also rethink dish soap and cleaning products. Solid dish soap bars or refillable liquid soaps reduce plastic packaging. Use your local bulk shop when available, and you’ll cut down on waste while supporting local businesses.

Reduce Food and Packaging Waste

Food waste makes up a big, sloppy portion of household trash, but a few intentional changes can help. Planning ahead plays a major role in zero waste living.

Did you know? The average household in the United States throws away over $3,000 in uneaten groceries and takeout per year.*

Creating a meal plan and shopping with a list helps prevent overbuying and forgetting to eat fresh food. Choose fresh produce without packaging, buy in bulk when possible, and bring your own reusable produce bags to help reduce unnecessary waste before it even enters your home.

Another way to combat packaging waste is swapping single-use plastic storage bags for reusable alternatives like glass containers, stainless steel tins, or silicone baggies. Reusable bowl covers are great replacements for plastic wrap or aluminum foil and work great for leftovers.

Composting is another powerful kitchen habit. Whether you use a backyard compost bin, drop-off program, or curbside pick-up program, composting food scraps keeps unnecessary waste out of the landfill and creates rich soil to use on the garden. Even composting select items like coffee grounds and vegetable peels can make a meaningful difference.

*Per Yale Climate Connections  

Tackling Trash and Single-Use Items

Take notice of what ends up in your trash can. Identify if something in your trash can be composted or recycled. It is possible you can dramatically reduce the amount of garbage you have by diverting some materials you currently toss. You’ll end up using less trash bags and some people discover they’ve been using too large of a trash bin.

Single-use items like plastic cutlery, napkins, and takeout containers can be avoided with a little preparation. Keep reusable napkins, utensils, and to-go containers on hand. Make a simple “reuse” kit for your vehicle. Having these items available when eating out makes it easier to say no to disposables. If you’re catering to a larger group, use our reusable serviceware rental program to ensure you have enough place settings for all your guests – we have sets for up to 200 people!

Progress Over Perfection

Creating a near zero waste kitchen is a journey, not a checklist. The new year offers a fresh opportunity to build habits that are kinder to the planet and easier on your budget, too. Start with a few simple swaps like reusable sponges and cloth towels, reducing food waste, and be more mindful of packaging. Soon, you’ll create a kitchen that works for you. Small, consistent choices add up, and every step forward is worth celebrating.