How to Use Less Plastic in Your Kitchen: 6 Simple Tips

Let’s be real—plastic is everywhere. It sneaks into our shopping carts, wraps itself around our leftovers, and lurks in our fridges and pantries. But here’s the good news: cutting back on plastic in the kitchen doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, with a few easy swaps, you’ll be well on your way to a greener, cleaner, and (let’s be honest) much more aesthetically pleasing kitchen.

Ready? Let’s do this!

Why Should We Cut Back on Plastic?

Plastic waste is a huge problem—especially in the kitchen. Did you know that food packaging makes up a large portion of our daily plastic use, much of which ends up in landfills or the ocean? Reducing plastic not only helps protect our environment by cutting down on waste and microplastics, but it can also mean fewer harmful chemicals in your food. Plus, let’s be honest—swapping out plastic for glass jars and reusable wraps makes your kitchen look way more stylish!

By making a few simple swaps, you can help cut down on unnecessary plastic, keep your food fresher, and even reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals found in plastic packaging. Plus, let’s be real—glass jars and reusable wraps look way better than crumpled plastic bags.

Consider making a switch away from your go-to plastic bags that you use when packing lunches or stowing away snacks. While they might mean no dishes to wash and easy storage, they definitely don’t bode well in the long run. Instead, try out reusable containers made from glass or stainless steel for a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly way to store your food!

Instead of grabbing a plastic container or wrapping up leftovers in plastic wrap, try:

• Beeswax wraps – These nifty little covers mold around your food and containers just like plastic wrap, but they’re reusable and way more charming.
  
• Reusable silicone bags – Ditch the plastic baggies for a set of these. They’re perfect for snacks, meal prep, and even freezing leftovers.
  
• Glass containers with airtight lids – ideal for fridge and freezer storage (only if labeled 'freezer-safe').
  
• Glass jars – Not only do they keep food fresh, but they also make your fridge look like a Pinterest dream.

Bonus: You can reuse jars from store-bought sauces and jams instead of tossing them!

Grocery shopping is one of the sneakiest ways plastic creeps into our kitchens. But a few easy swaps can make all the difference:

• Bring your own storage bags – Say goodbye to those flimsy produce bags. Mesh or cloth bags keep your fruits and veggies plastic-free.
  
• Buy food in jars instead of cans – Glass is easier to recycle, reusable, and free of any weird can linings.
  
• Opt for bulk bins – Fill up reusable containers instead of buying individually packaged goods.

Meal planning isn’t just great for saving time—it also helps cut down on plastic waste. When you plan your meals in advance, you can:

• Buy in bulk – Avoid individually wrapped portions by purchasing pantry staples in larger quantities.
  
• Reduce impulse buys – Last-minute grocery runs often mean grabbing whatever is available, which usually includes plastic-heavy packaging.
  
• Use what you have – Planning around ingredients you already own reduces food (and packaging) waste.
  
• Get inspired with SideChef’s meal plans – Create your own or check out our weekly meal plan for easy, delicious ideas that help you shop smarter.

Create your own meal plan and plan your meals with ease!

Some kitchen items are meant to be used once and tossed, but you can easily swap them for better options:

• Reusable straws – Whether you’re into stainless steel, bamboo, or silicone, anything is better than plastic.
  
• Cloth napkins and towels – Less paper waste, more durability, and they make your table look fancy.
  
• Compostable sponges and dish brushes – Because plastic ones just break apart and add microplastics to the water.

Drinks are a huge source of unnecessary plastic, but a few simple changes can help:

• Use a refillable water bottle – Keeps your drink cold (or hot) and cuts down on single-use bottles.
  
• Bring a reusable coffee mug – Coffee shop paper cups? Actually lined with plastic. A stylish travel mug is the way to go.
  
• Make your own coffee and tea – Coffee pods and individually wrapped tea bags add up to a lot of waste. Try a French press or loose-leaf tea instead.

Food waste and plastic waste go hand in hand. With SideChef’s My Pantry feature, you can track what ingredients you already have, plan meals accordingly, and reduce unnecessary packaging waste. Less food waste means fewer plastic-wrapped last-minute grocery runs!

Small Swaps, Big Impact

Cutting down on plastic doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one change—maybe swapping out plastic wrap for beeswax wraps or bringing a reusable bag to the store—and build from there.

Before you know it, your kitchen will be a plastic-free haven (or at least less plastic-filled). Plus, with tools like SideChef’s My Pantry, you can be even more intentional about your food choices, reducing waste in more ways than one.

Looking for more ways to make your kitchen eco-friendly? Check out these sustainable spring-cleaning tips for inspiration!

So, what’s your first swap going to be?