11 Swaps for a Plastic-Free Kitchen

You've probably heard about how plastics seem to be everywhere, even our food. From cooking tools and utensils to cleaning and packaging products, our kitchen  can be a big source of plastic and microplastics in our homes.

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If you're trying to cut down on the amount of plastic in your home, the kitchen is a great place to start. The next time you need to buy more dish soap or replace your sponge, there are plenty of plastic-free, low-waste swaps out there. Our Commons experts have rated dozens of brands to find the most sustainable options for your home.

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Plastic-Free Dish Soap and Detergent

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As dissolvable tablets, concentrates, or bar soaps, waterless dish soaps are typically plastic-free. Several brands offer great swaps for your jug of liquid soap or dishwasher detergent.

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Plastic-Free Sponges

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As plastic sponges degrade, microplastics shed into your dish water and onto your dishes. But there are some fantastic, plastic-free alternatives out there. Many have a soft side and a scrubby side, for ultimate cleaning power. Here are some top-rated brands offering plastic-free sponges:

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Trash Bags

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Trash bags are one of those products that have to be made of some kind of plastic. Because they need to be water resistant and flexible, there's not a great 1:1, totally plastic-free swap for them. But you can opt for trash bags made from 100% recycled plastic or compostable plastic so you reduce the amount of virgin plastic you're buying. Here are some brands with low-plastic trash bag options.

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Food Storage

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Over time, plastic food storage containers release microplastics into our food. If you have plastic containers, avoid microwaving or heating them to slow degradation. If you're looking to replace some of your plastic food containers, these brands offer glass and metal options.

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Cooking Tools

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Commons hasn't rated home goods brands yet, but for some general guidance, look for utensils and cooking tools made from stainless steel or wood. Pots and pans made from stainless steel or cast iron are typically free from plastic coatings, so those are a safe bet as well. Thrift stores are great places to score long-lasting, plastic-free cookware! Just be sure to avoid nonstick coatings.