Zero Waste Utensil Swaps Kitchen Guide
Are you looking to your kitchen as your first or next step on your low-waste, plastic-free journey? It’s one of the best and easiest places to start especially when it comes to cooking and eating utensils.
For the most part, you probably already have everything you need in your home. We only recommend buying new things when you run out of what you already have, but if you are ready for that next step or being more natural is one of your priorities we have the best recommendations on zero waste utensil swaps for your kitchen.
Zero Waste Utensil Travel Cutlery
Use What You Have
The purpose of living a low waste life, is just that, producing as little waste as possible. So, it is counterintuitive to buy new things for this new lifestyle. We recommend using up any utensils you may have in your home.
For on the go cutlery, there is no need to buy a reusable set, you can simply use what you have at home (fork, spoon, knife) and take it with you on the go. If you have a small pouch or bag that can fit these utensils then use that too, but if you don’t you can buy a cute bag (like these on Etsy) to carry your travel utensils in to keep them together and clean if you are storing them somewhere like a purse, backpack, or car.
Shop Travel Cutlrey Kits
The one downfall to using your metal cutlery from home for travel is that they can be a little heavier and bulkier than desired for carrying around. If this is the case for you, then you can go ahead and purchase a nice kit of bamboo cutlery with a pouch.
We love this set from EcoRoots.
Reusable Straws
Something you might not have readily available in your home are reusable straws. If you are in the market for reusable straws, try to find bamboo straws first.
Bamboo is one of the best resources on this planet. It’s one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, therefore, there is less of an impact when they are cut down to make items. Bamboo also produces 35% more oxygen than trees and can absorb more carbon dioxide (source). Bamboo is also bacteria-resistant, which makes them great for food use. Read more on the benefits of bamboo here.
We love the bamboo straws from Jungle Culter on Etsy.
Zero Waste Flatware Swaps
If you are on the hunt for new cutlery and are looking for ways to lower your waste and be more environmentally conscious with this purchase, the best option is to buy second hand.
Most flatware is made of some type of metal, stainless steel, or silver. These materials are long-lasting and durable, they can last a lifetime and more.
Buying second-hand flatware is more environmentally friendly than buying new because you are giving a second life to items that were already produced.
You can easily find secondhand flatware at thrift stores, garage sales, or you can even ask family and friends if they have any extras lying around (they probably do).
If none of these options sound appealing to you, you can find vintage sets on Etsy.
Zero Waste Cooking Utensils
As mentioned above, the most sustainable thing to do when it comes to utensils is to use whatever you have for as long as possible. So, if you have lots of plastic cooking utensils, you should use those for as long as possible.
If however, you want to transition away from plastic because of its toxic attributes when it comes to leeching and such, don’t just throw out what you have.
Sustainable Options for Getting Rid of Cooking Utensils
- Upcycle what you have, maybe you can use plastic utensils in your garden or somewhere else in your home.
- Donate your used plastic utensils do. You can donate your used cooking utensils to a family member, thrift store, shelter, food bank, school, or anywhere that may do arts or crafts. Buy Nothing groups are also becoming more popular in communities around the world, find one near you and post about what you are giving away.
Low Waste Options to Buying Utensils
When you are ready to take the next step and get your hands on some new sustainable cooking utensils, there are a few options that you have.
First, we suggested getting things secondhand. Ask family or friends if they have any bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone utensils that you can have.
You can also go back to that local Buy Nothing group and see if anyone is offering cooking utensils there. If you don’t have a Buy Nothing group near you, you can look on the Nextdoor App or your local Facebook marketplace.
If you can’t find what you are looking for secondhand, or perhaps you aren’t comfortable enough to take that step yet (it’s okay, we don’t judge), then just make sure you are buying a sustainable material for your cooking utensils.
Shopping for New Bamboo Cooking Utensils
We love the bamboo utensils by Bambu. Bambu is a Certified B Corporation, meaning they meet the highest standards of accountability and transparency when it comes to environmental initiatives and social responsibility.
Bambu has all bamboo products that are USDA certified organic and that are also a part of 1% For The Planet, the company donates at least 1% of overall sales to nonprofits that fight to protect the planet.
We believe bamboo products are one of the most sustainable products you can buy (read above about the sustainability of bamboo). We like bamboo especially when it comes to cooking utensils because they are naturally stain-resistant and anti-microbial.
If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for in bamboo, our next suggestion is wood (any kind), stainless steel, and lastly, silicone. We do not recommend other kinds of plastic.
When you are ready to move on to purchasing new utensils, whether it be for on the go travel, flatware, or cooking, remember the 3 best options.
First, use up whatever it is you have at home. Second, buy secondhand. Third, buy bamboo products.
Always remember, the journey to a more sustainable lifestyle doesn’t have to happen over night.
