Guest Idea: 5 Everyday Kitchen Swaps To Reduce Plastic Waste

Kitchens are often the major source of plastic waste in the home. From packaging material to disposable items, a surprising amount of single-use plastic enters our homes and ultimately, our landfills and oceans.

The plastic crisis won’t stop until people stop using plastic. But the good news is, when it comes to living a sustainable lifestyle, you can start right in the kitchen. From striking out single-use plastics to hosting gatherings that are low on waste, sustainability is easier than it seems. And, compostable products can be a great addition to your eco-friendly, zero-waste kitchens.

 Global plastic waste is set to exceed 1 billion tons by 2025, which could reach 1.7 billion tons by 2060. Even though awareness has been increased, plastic waste continues to grow. The U.S. is one of the world’s biggest contributors. Data is still emerging in 2025 based on past figures; Americans produced about 287 pounds of plastic waste per person per year, making it the world’s largest plastic waste producer. Furthermore, as little as 5% of that plastic is ever recycled, and most of it ends up in landfills or pollutes ecosystems.

Here are simple and green swaps you can make to take steps toward a zero-waste kitchen.

Swap Disposable Plastic Plates with Compostable Bagasse Plates

Those single-use plastic plates that are so handy at parties, picnics, or a quick meal to eat, while saving you some time, come at an expensive cost to the environment. According to reports, over 40 billion single-use plastic utensils and plates are thrown away each year in the U.S.

Rather than using plastic disposable plates that get mushy under weight and take almost forever to break down, switch to compostable plates. Such compostable products are usually made from sustainably sourced materials like upcycled sugarcane bagasse or bamboo.

Bagasse is a by-product left behind once juice is extracted from sugarcane stalks. Some brands use this sweet-smelling waste and carve high-quality disposable plates out of it. While plastic disposable plates are made from plastic, which may take centuries to break down, these plates are compostable. Bagasse plates are designed to break down into nutrient-rich compost within just a few weeks after disposal.

Reduce Food Waste with Smart Storage Solutions

Did you know that up to 40% of the food produced is wasted every year? To follow a lifestyle that’s easy on the planet, switch to smart storing solutions that don’t rely much on plastics. You can reduce food waste by planning your meals right.

Buy and cook what you need, and store leftovers in disposable eco-friendly products like clamshells or resealable bags. These products take up less space and are also certified compostable in most cases. You can also prevent spoilage by storing the veggies properly. Store herbs in water, potatoes in dark places, etc, to reduce vegetable waste. Lastly, you can compost the vegetable and fruit peels as well.

Ditch Plastic Straws—Choose Compostable Instead

Besides using compostable products like bagasse bowls and plates, you can also make the switch to compostable straws. Whether you love sipping on your FAV iced coffee or your kids want to drink up some cool, icy soda, compostable straws are made from plants, not plastics.

Unlike plastic straws that stay in our environment for over 500 years, compostable straws break down into compost fast. Taking just 90-180 days to break down in a compost bin, certified compostable straws are a better alternative to single-use plastic straws.

Choose Compostable Brushes & Sponges

Most kitchen sponges are made from plastic. They are a poor choice for the planet, and laced with microplastics and toxins that get stuck on your plates.

Instead, you can replace them with loofah, made from natural fibers, or brushes made from bamboo. You can also use washable cotton cloths for wiping off the dirt from kitchen counters.

Switch to Compostable or Reusable Drinkware

Whether it’s your first cup of hot coffee or an icy-cold Americano, use compostable or reusable drinkware instead of plastic-and-paper (they are often combined) disposable cups. Compostable cups are usually made from plant materials and carry compostability certifications—learn what to look for.

Besides the sustainability attributes, these cups are also non-toxic, durable, leak-proof, and non-absorbing.

Sustainability does start at home. With these easy kitchen swaps, you can go compostable and ditch using single-use plastic products. Whether you want to make your everyday meals easy and without doing the dishes later or simply want to host low-waste gatherings, compostable products are a great alternative to single-use plastic or paper products.

About the Author: EcoSoul is a sustainable tableware, drinkware, kitchenware, and home essentials brand. We’re on a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to a sustainable lifestyle by creating products for all made from Earth’s most renewable resources. Our objective is to make sustainable home essentials that allow customers to make plastic-free and tree-free choices in everyday life.