10 Plastic Free Kitchen Alternatives To Help You Go Zero Waste At Home

February 17, 2023

Are you looking to avoid and replace plastic in your kitchen? We are here to help you with what we believe are the ultimate zero waste kitchen essentials. Say goodbye to plastic bags, plastic wrap, microfibre sponges and more and say hello to natural plant based bristle kitchen brushes, reusable silicone sandwich bags and how to go plastic free when storing your food.

You can shop our full plastic free and eco friendly kitchen collection here.

1. Pure Castile Soap £3.95

Pure Castile Soap by Bean & Boy.

If you are wondering what to use instead of washing up liquid in a plastic bottle, this Bean & Boy traditionally-made Castile Soap is a fantastic solution as a zero waste dish soap. It can be used directly on dishes when washing up or grated and added to warm water in a glass jar to make liquid Castile soap which can then be used for numerous household cleaning items. If you want to know more, read our blog post What is Castile Soap & How To Use It.

2. Compostable Sponge Cleaning Cloths from £5.50

Four Yellow Compostable Sponge Cleaning Cloths.

This set of four 100% plastic free cleaning cloths are super absorbent, durable and reusable and a perfect alternative to disposable single use paper towels. The cloths do not emit micro-plastic pollution, unlike classic sponge cloths either. Use as a general cleaning cloth, dishcloths or instead of kitchen roll to wipe up spills. They are made from cotton, wood pulp and flax meaning they are compostable at home making them eco-friendly and great for the environment, plus each sponge lasts around 3 months.

3. Coconut Kitchen Twin Pack Scourer £4.75

Coconut Kitchen Twin Pack Scourers by EcoCoconut.

We love this biodegradable, plastic free scourer made from sustainably farmed coconut husk's which is the outside of dried coconuts. It is designed to meet all of your kitchen scrubbing needs from removing mould, being non-scratch and naturally anti-bacterial. It's great for the kitchen sink or bath! All of EcoCoconut's coconut fibre products, their packaging and shipping materials are 100% plastic free which also includes the labels and tape so it's the ultimate zero waste kitchen purchase.

4. Wooden Dish Brush from £3.50

4cm Redecker Wooden Dish Brush.

A hard dish brush with stiff plant based tampico bristles ideal for pots and pans. Our favourite alternative to plastic handle and nylon bristle dish washing brushes meaning no micro-fibres down the plug hole and it's our best seller too. The brush head is also replaceable and you can purchase the heads individually here.

5. Silicone ZipLock Bag from £8

Clear Silicone Ziplock Bag 1000ml by Green Island.

If you are looking for how to avoid those pesky plastic sandwich bags and tackle food waste at the same time, this is your answer. These sand derived silicone pouches will store anything from cut fruit and vegetable to leftovers and liquids in your fridge or freezer. Use instead of a plastic container or cling film to fight single use plastic waste. They are airtight and leakproof ensuring your food stays fresh for longer and your kitchen is mess-free. They a microwave, oven and dishwasher safe too. Available in 1000ml or 1500ml. Fancy silicone bags in funky colours? Check out the stasher bag here.

6. Silicone Stretch Lids (x6) £13.95

Six Clear Silicone Stretch Lids by Green Island.

What to use instead of cling film? We have the perfect solution. These super silicone stretch lids are a great way for reducing and replacing plastic waste in your kitchen and for keeping your food fresher for longer. They have an airtight seal and so are great for covering bowls, cans, jars and half cut fruit like melon or even your half cut onion. No mess, no waste.

7. Stainless Steel Sandwich Box from £30

Stainless Steel Sandwich Box with Bamboo lid and Olive wrap around strap by Black and Blum.

This stainless steel sandwich box by Black+Blum is a robust, 100% plastic-free design solution to a plastic container with a naturally anti-bacterial bamboo lid which can be used as a cutting board or serving board. When shopping, take the sandwich box with you to avoid plastic packaging and use alongside your organic cotton produce bags. You can say hello to plastic free lunches on the go with this container.

8. Vegan Wax Food Wraps from £10

Two Vegan Food Wraps Small with 'keep it fresh' multi coloured writing on.

Another alternative to cling film to help reduce food packaging! These vegan food wraps are handmade using organic cotton and are a natural way to protect and keep your food fresh. They are the vegan version of a beeswax wrap. Use the warmth of your hands to seal around bowls, sandwiches and loaves of bread. These amazing wraps are the stickiest vegan wraps we have tested and they are reusable for up to a year and longer if you use a Vegan Wax Refresher Block. At the end of their life they are compostable or can be used as nifty firelighters.

9. Vegetable Brush £4

Two part Vegetable Brush with tampico and union fibre by redecker.

Beechwood vegetable brush with plant fibres designed to clean all types of vegetables gently and thoroughly. This is a great plastic free alternative. Each brush has a stiff side for potatoes and root varieties and a softer side for more sensitive vegetables. Made from Tampico which is a very robust fibre, good elasticity and optimum water absorption. Also made from a blend of Palmyra Fibre and other plant fibres to make Union Fibre which is renowned for its hardness and resilience and why it is great for scrubbing vegetables.

10. Organic Marseille Soap Bar £5.50

marseille soap bar.

Marseille Soap Bars are a natural all-purpose palm oil free dish soap. They are designed to wash laundry, washing dishes, body wash, shaving soap, stain remover, general household cleaning as well as an being an indispensable travel companion.

What about food shopping?

Try to avoid plastic packaging when shopping for food, try your local farm shop or farmer's market. They usually have a much greater range of package free loose fruit and veg and many have lots of cupboard staples and fresh bread too.
For your cupboard essentials such as pasta, oats, dried fruit and even peanut butter, search online for a zero waste store near you and don't forget your reusable produce bags and mason jar. There seems to be one opening every week at the moment which is amazing! If not, try Plastic Free Pantry online.
For frozen food, check out Field Fare Frozen Foods to see if their scoop your own frozen food is stocked near you. They have loose peas, fruit and even chips and hash browns without plastic packaging.
For tea lovers, did you know tea bags contain plastic? Check out the UK Loose Leaf Tea Company for loose leaf tea posted plastic free.
What about plant based milk you say? Make your own oat milk in under 5 minutes using our recipe.

The Kind Store team try and test all products that we stock, so you can be certain that what you are buying is high quality, works well and loved by us. We source all products using our ethos via our sustainable principles, so you can trust that what you are buying is kind to animals, people and planet. We stock items from UK independent makers and suppliers to ensure our products are eco-friendly. Discover hundreds of vegan, natural, sustainable and cruelty-free products.

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