Going plastic-free in the kitchen does not mean throwing everything out and starting over. The easiest way is to replace things one at a time, as they wear out or run out. Here are 10 simple swaps that cover the items most of us reach for every day – food storage, prep tools, serving and cleanup.
1. Plastic cling film → beeswax food wraps
Cling film is used once and thrown away. Beeswax food wraps cover bowls and wrap sandwiches, cheese, fruit and vegetables. After use, wash them in cool water (never hot – the wax softens) and let them air-dry.
2. Plastic bread bags → a beeswax bread bag
If you buy bakery bread or bake sourdough at home, a beeswax sourdough bread bag is sized for loaves and baguettes, so the bread goes from the bakery to your counter without a plastic bag.
3. Plastic tubs and zip bags → glass storage jars
Pantry staples like coffee, tea, sugar, rice and pasta are easier to see and keep tidy in sealed jars. These acacia wood and glass storage jars come in five sizes from 400 ml to 1.6 L, so you can build a matching set over time.
4. Plastic cutting boards → bamboo or solid wood
Wood and bamboo boards are a natural alternative to plastic ones. For everyday prep, the bamboo fiber cutting board with a hanging hole comes in three sizes (up to 13 x 9.5 in). For something that doubles as a serving piece, the double-sided acacia wood board works for chopping on one side and cheese or bread on the other.
Care tip: hand-wash wooden boards, dry them standing up, and rub in a little food-safe mineral oil now and then so they do not dry out.
5. Plastic spoons and ladles → wooden utensils
A natural wooden cooking spoon and ladle in small, medium or large covers stirring, tasting and serving soups and sauces. Wood is gentle on pots and pans and simply needs a rinse and a dry after use.
6. Plastic straws → reusable bamboo straws
For smoothies, iced coffee and party drinks, carbonized bamboo straws (21.5 cm long) can be rinsed and reused. They come in wide smoothie or slim styles, in packs of 50 or 100 – handy if you host often.
7. Paper napkins → linen napkins
A set of 6 linen dinner napkins goes in the wash with your towels and comes back for the next meal. They also make a holiday table look finished without any disposable decor.
8. Plastic drawer trays → a bamboo drawer organizer
Once your utensils are wood and bamboo, keep them tidy with a multi-compartment bamboo drawer organizer for cutlery, knives and small tools.
9. Plastic produce baskets → woven bamboo trays
A handmade bamboo tray is useful for drying washed fruit and herbs, or simply for keeping onions, garlic and bread on the counter.
10. Use up what you already have
The most sustainable swap is the one you do not have to buy. Keep using the plastic containers you already own until they wear out, reuse glass jars from sauces and jams, and replace items with the alternatives above only when you need to.
Start small
Pick one or two swaps this week – beeswax wraps and a wooden spoon are an easy, low-cost start. You can find more ideas in our Home Decor and Best Sellers collections. Orders shipped within the U.S. get free standard shipping from $70.