There’s something deeply satisfying about opening a kitchen cabinet and seeing products made of clean, safe materials instead of a rainbow of plastics. What began as a small project to reduce our family’s plastic usage has evolved into a complete kitchen transformation that’s not only better for the environment but has made our home our daily routines more intentional.

Today, I’m sharing my journey to reducing plastic in our home — the simple swaps that have made a meaningful difference in our home and might inspire you to take your first steps toward a more sustainable kitchen.

Why I Decided to Reduce Plastic

The decision to minimize plastic in our kitchen wasn’t made overnight. Like many of you, I’d been reading concerning reports about microplastics in our food, water, and even our bodies. As a parent, I became increasingly aware of how many plastic items surrounded my children daily, especially during mealtimes.

What started as a health concern quickly expanded into an appreciation for the beauty of natural materials and the satisfaction of owning fewer, better things that are built to last.

The Small Swaps That Made a Big Difference

From Plastic Blender to Stainless Steel

My much-loved but well-worn plastic blender container was the first to go. The container had developed those tiny scratches that harbor bacteria and leach microplastics into smoothies. I kept my existing vitamix that we have had since our wedding, but got a new stainless steel container that works with the original unit. Not only does it perform beautifully, but it’s also incredibly durable and will likely outlast any plastic version by years.

Goodbye Drip Coffee Maker, Hello Chemex

Our plastic drip coffee maker had been a faithful morning companion, but I couldn’t ignore the hot water running through black plastic components daily. Switching to a glass Chemex with unbleached filters has transformed our morning ritual. The coffee tastes noticeably better, and there’s something almost meditative about the pour-over process that starts our day with intention rather than automation.

Wooden Cutting Boards for the Win

Plastic cutting boards are convenient but eventually develop deep grooves that harbor bacteria. Our new Caraway wooden cutting board set not only looks stunning on the counter but is naturally antibacterial and gentle on our knife blades. Plus, they double as beautiful serving boards when we entertain. This I found is probably one of the easiest swaps most homeowners can make today!

Stainless Steel Kids’ Tableware

The colorful plastic plates and cups that once filled our children’s cabinet have been replaced with durable stainless steel options. These will literally last a lifetime, eliminate any concerns about BPA or phthalates, and teach our children to value quality over disposability from an early age.

From Sponges to Coconut Scrubbers

Did you know that conventional kitchen sponges are typically made from plastic? Switching to coconut fiber scrubbers has been one of my favorite changes. They work better at removing stuck-on food, dry quickly (preventing bacterial growth), and can be composted when they’ve reached the end of their life.

Beyond the Kitchen: Extending the Mindset

Once you begin the plastic-free journey in your kitchen, you start noticing plastic everywhere. We’ve gradually extended our swaps to include:

• Glass or Ceramic food storage containers instead of plastic
• Beeswax wraps instead of plastic cling film
• Cloth produce bags for grocery shopping
• Wooden cooking utensils instead of plastic versions
• Silicone or parchment baking mats instead of disposable plastic wrap
• Bamboo disposable utensils for hosting
• Cloth bath loofahs instead of plastic ones

Tips for Starting Your Own Plastic-Free Journey

If you’re feeling inspired to reduce plastic in your own kitchen, here’s my advice:

• Start small and don’t feel pressured to replace everything at once. Begin by swapping out items as they wear out or when your budget allows.
• Focus first on items that come into direct contact with food, especially hot food or drinks.
• Look for secondhand options—many high-quality glass, stone, wood, and stainless steel kitchen items can be found at thrift stores or online marketplaces.
• Remember that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Even reducing plastic by 50% in your kitchen makes a significant difference.

Our plastic-free kitchen journey is ongoing. I still have plastic items that work perfectly well, and I’ll use them until they need replacing. Sustainability isn’t about waste—it’s about making better choices moving forward.

I’d love to hear about your own plastic-free swaps or which changes you’re considering implementing in your home. Share in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other toward healthier homes and a healthier planet—one kitchen drawer at a time.