Sustainable Swaps for a Greener Kitchen

As we celebrate Earth Day and environmental sustainability this month, let’s prioritize making small, thoughtful changes to our daily habits and choices that help reduce our carbon footprint and support a healthy environment. One easy place to start making those small daily changes is in the kitchen. Here are 5 things you can start practicing today to support a healthy you and a healthy planet.

Swap paper towels for reusable cloths.

Yes, paper towels are convenient for cleaning up messes and drying your hands, but paper towels produce a lot of waste. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that paper towels and tissues create about 7.6 billion pounds of waste each year! Cloth towels can be used, washed, and reused multiple times. Cloth towels are durable and absorbent and can withstand heavy-duty kitchen tasks. However, remember to frequently wash your cloths to avoid spreading bacteria around your kitchen!

Swap plastic storage containers for glass or stainless steel containers.

Plastic food storage containers are convenient and affordable but have a shorter use life than their more durable counterparts, glass and stainless steel. Plastic containers stain, absorb odors, and wear out over time – they can even melt if they get too hot! Although glass and stainless steel cost more upfront, they are safer and more sustainable options for storing food. Reheating food or storing hot food in plastic containers is not recommended because chemicals may leach from the hot plastic into the food.

Reduce food waste.

Food waste is another area that can be prevented in the kitchen. It is estimated that in the US 30-40% of the food supply is wasted (USDA). By being mindful of how much food you throw away, you can reduce the amount that ends up in landfills. Meal planning is a great tool to practice in your kitchen each week. Meal planning helps you purchase only what you need and use the food you buy and leftovers promptly to prevent food waste. Buying in bulk may seem like a good option, but only if you use it before it goes bad! Utilize your freezer to extend the life of items like bread, cooked grains, fruits, vegetables, and even herbs.

Reduce plastic use.

About 30% of all plastics ever made globally remain in use, while 60% are in landfills or loose in the environment (Center for Sustainable Systems, University of Michigan).

• Swap plastic wrap and plastic baggies with reusable options. Products like beeswax are reusable, washable, and compostable. Silicone baggies and bowl covers are other reusable options.

• Take your own bags to the grocery store or farmer’s market. It is estimated that 100 billion plastic bags are used in the US each year, and many of them end up in landfills. Once it is in the landfill, it may take up to 1,000 years for the plastic bag to degrade into smaller plastic particles (Center for Biological Diversity)! Taking your own cloth bags or opting for paper bags when purchasing goods will help reduce our plastic consumption.

Learn more tips for skipping the paper and plastic when storing your fruits and vegetables here: https://youtu.be/kgGZta7JNOs

Use safer cleaning products.

In case you missed our March Knowledge for Life, I shared tips for spring cleaning your kitchen – including using safer cleaning products! There are many products that you already have on hand that make great natural cleaning agents.

Contact us with your food, nutrition, and food safety questions at foodhelp@jocogov.org or 913-715-7000.

by Chelsea King, Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent, 2026