The kitchen is a place we visit multiple times per day (some of us more that others). It’s where we gather for family meals and holidays, and it’s a haven for those who love to cook or bake.

We make decisions about what we eat every day, and perhaps that includes the nutritional value or healthiness of our food. But how often do we consider the toxicity or eco-friendliness of tools and vessels we use to store, prepare, and serve that food? Many materials used in kitchen products such as cookware, bakeware, and utensils contain harmful substances that can leach into our food and environment.

Learn how to go green with your appliances here.

Choosing non-toxic, eco-friendly kitchen products

Plastic is one of the worst offenders that compromises both considerations of health and sustainability in the kitchen. This fossil fuel-based synthetic material is manufactured with numerous chemicals and many of those have been shown to be harmful to our health. These chemicals make their way into our bodies by leaching into food or via consumption of tiny microplastic particles. In fact, it is estimated that we ingest 5 grams of plastic every week! Reducing the use of plastic kitchen supplies can significantly lower exposure to harmful chemicals and microplastics.

Learn more about microplastics and the impact on our health here.

Choosing non-toxic products, especially cookware, is a crucial component of a healthy kitchen. There are several important things to look for on labels and product descriptions to decrease your exposure to harmful chemicals in kitchen products. When evaluating kitchen products, especially those that come into contact with food, look for labels indicating the absence of the following chemicals. These are common culprits associated with health risks:

Chemical	Why to Avoid	Where Commonly Found
BPA (Bisphenol A) / BPS (Bisphenol S)	Linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns	Plastics, food storage containers, canned food linings
Lead	Toxic, can cause neurological & developmental issues	Ceramics, glazes, crystal, old or imported cookware
PFAS/PFOA (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)	Persistent environmental toxins, linked to cancer and other health issues	Non-stick cookware, food packaging
Phthalates	Hormone disruptors & reproductive toxins	Plastics, vinyl, food packaging, utensils
Cadmium	Toxic heavy metal linked to kidney & bone damage	Ceramics, glazes, paints
Melamine	Can leach into food, especially under heat, and is linked to kidney issues	Plastic dinnerware and utensils
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	Contains phthalates & other toxic chemicals	Plastic wraps, containers, and some kitchen tools
Formaldehyde	Carcinogenic & can cause respiratory issues	Some composite woods, adhesives in cutting boards or handles

Certifications & Standards for non-toxic kitchen products

Besides evaluating kitchen products for the absence of the above chemicals, numerous third-party certifications and standards exist for products and materials that come into contact with food. These verify that products do not leach harmful chemicals into food and serves as a resource to substantiate non-toxic claims made by companies.

Note that the term ‘Food Safe’ is not regulated by the FDA or any other organization, so the presence of this label alone is not necessarily an indication of safety. Look for statements like “complies with FDA regulations for food contact” or “meets FDA standards under 21 CFR.”

The following endorsements are the best to to look for when seeking non-toxic kitchen products:

NSF Certification (National Sanitation Foundation)

FDA Compliance (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

EU Food Contact Materials Regulation (EC No 1935/2004)

REACH Compliance (EU Regulation)

Prop 65 Compliance (California Proposition 65)

SGS or Intertek Testing (Third-Party Labs)

ISO Standards (e.g., ISO 22000 for Food Safety Management)

Non-toxic kitchen products are both healthy for us and good for the planet. Whatever items you choose, always select the highest quality your budget allows so that you aren’t frequently, or even ever, buying replacements while promoting a healthier, sustainable kitchen environment.

Common materials used in kitchen products

Having a general understanding of the sustainability and safety of kitchen products is valuable, but learning the basics of the most common materials you will encounter in cooking tools and products will further help you make more informed and mindful purchases.

After researching this page, I am sorry to report that finding quality, non-toxic, eco-friendly kitchen products may be a difficult chore in some cases. Some products may be made from very eco-friendly materials, but are not as durable and may have to be replaced more frequently. Some items are very safe and non-toxic, but not recyclable and ultimately must end up in a landfill. This is an unfortunate theme prevalent throughout the journey of attempting to find any product that meets all the right criteria, and we just have to do what we can to make the best choices at hand and decide which qualities we are willing to make concessions on.

Plastic

Plastics to avoid completely	Why	Common suspects
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), #3	Harmful additives like phthalates or lead	Plastic wraps, containers, utensil handles
Polystyrene (PS)/aka styrofoam, #6	Can leach styrene, a possible carcinogen	Disposable utensils, plates, cups
Polycarbonate (PC), unmarked or #7	Often contains BPA or similar chemicals	Older reusable water bottles, containers

Best practices to improve safety of plastics includes:

• Limiting Heat Exposure. Avoid microwaving plastic or using it with hot foods, as heat increases chemical leaching.

• Replace When Worn. Discard plastic items with cracks, discoloration, or scratches, as these can harbor bacteria, increase leaching, and shed microplastics into your food and the environment.

Sustainability of plastic

Plastic should be avoided due to its many downfalls, including fossil fuel dependence, high carbon emissions, chemicals used, microplastics, and non-biodegradability. Recycle worn or broken plastic products as available in your area, or possibly through manufacturer programs.

Learn more about plastic recycling here.

Silicone

Silicone is not technically plastic, although it shares some similarities. It is not petroleum based like plastic, but is also not made from natural rubber. Silicone is a synthetic polymer made from silica (sand), oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. While it doesn’t break down into microplastics like traditional plastics, silicone is not biodegradable. It is technically recyclable, but near impossible to find somewhere to do it. Because of this end of life issue, silicone should also be avoided in the kitchen as much as possible.

However, there are a handful of silicone items I make an exception for in my own kitchen because they are the best alternatives to single use items like ziploc bags, parchment paper, and cupcake liners. I also use a silicone scraper spatula as I don’t think any other material matches the function of silicone in this capacity.

Despite the issues regarding silicone’s end of life, this material is considered very safe for food use. The best silicone has been cured with platinum, which results in a purer, more stable material that is considered safer for food contact and is more resistant to extreme temperatures, making it less likely to leach chemicals. Platinum silicone is preferred because it is more durable, flexible, and non-toxic than lower-grade silicones.

In addition, look for FDA-tested silicone, which is rated food-grade and has undergone testing to ensure safety for food contact.

Sustainability of silicone

While silicone is very safe for kitchen use, its non-biodegradability and limited recycling options make it a material best used sparingly.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is one of the most common materials used in kitchenware, from cookware and bakeware to flatware, cooking utensils, and kitchen gadgets. It is also one of the safest and most eco-friendly materials. Stainless steel is inherently non-toxic and rarely has a coating of another material.

Key Differences Between 304, 316, and 18/10

Feature	18/10 Stainless Steel	304 Stainless Steel	316 Stainless Steel
Chromium Content	18%	18%	16-18%
Nickel Content	10%	8-10%	10-14%
Molybdenum	None	None	2-3%
Corrosion Resistance	High	High	Very high (better against salt and acids)
Applications	Cookware, cutlery, flatware	Cookware	Premium cookware

Other things to look for in stainless steel include:

1. Polish and finish. High-quality stainless steel usually has a smooth, polished finish that’s free of rough edges or imperfections. Low-quality items may have uneven finishes, rough spots, or visible seams.
2. Rusting or discoloration. If you notice rust spots, discoloration, or dullness, it’s likely lower-quality stainless steel. High-quality stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, though it may still need to be cleaned properly to prevent buildup.
3. Weight and thickness. High-quality stainless steel often feels heavier and thicker due to its durability. If it feels flimsy or bends easily, it may be lower quality, especially for cookware or utensils where thickness improves performance.
4. Price and Brand. Quality stainless steel, especially in kitchenware, typically comes at a higher price due to its durability and manufacturing standards. While price alone isn’t a definitive indicator, very inexpensive stainless steel products are often lower quality.

Being aware of these signs can help you choose stainless steel items that are more durable, resistant to rust, and safe for long-term use.

Nickel in stainless steel cookware, especially grades with higher nickel content like 18/10, 304, or 316, may leach in small amounts during cooking, particularly with acidic foods (e.g., tomatoes or vinegar). While this is considered safe, some people may have a nickel allergy and should opt for nickel-free or low-nickel stainless steel (e.g., grade 18/0 or 430, which contains no nickel); or choose another material altogether.

Sustainability of stainless steel

Stainless steel is very durable, and any product made from this material is likely to last for many years, if not forever. This quality makes it an outstanding choice for longlasting kitchen products that will not likely need replacing in your lifetime. Like all metals, stainless steel can be recycled indefinitely without compromising quality. Stainless steel is one of the most highly recycled materials in the world; an average stainless steel object is composed of about 60% recycled material. The metal recycling process saves substantial amounts of energy compared to manufacturing products from virgin materials and reduces the need to source them from the earth. Therefore, seeking items with a high percentage of recycled stainless steel is the most eco-friendly choice.

Learn more about metal recycling here.

Aluminum

Aluminum is widely used in kitchen products like cookware and bakeware due to being lightweight and affordable, as well as being an excellent heat conductor. However, its lightweight quality makes cookware prone to warping and damage, especially uncoated varieties. In addition, it is highly reactive to acidic foods, which can cause aluminum leaching foods, which not only imparts a metallic taste but is a potential health concern.

Aluminum is prevalent everywhere in our environment, so it cannot be avoided entirely. There have been numerous questions regarding its impact on a variety of health issues such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and fertility, and study results vary and are generally inconclusive. As the amount of aluminum ingested from cookware is minimal, but it is a personal decision whether you want to avoid this material. Fortunately there are some safer versions of aluminum to consider.

• Anodized aluminum. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that hardens the surface, increasing the durability and corrosion resistance while rendering it nonreactive.
• Clad cookware. Clad aluminum is coated in a nonreactive material such as stainless steel or a nonstick coating. A fully clad pan is a layer aluminum sandwiched between layers of steel, preventing aluminum leaching while enjoying its heat conductivity ability. Nonstick coatings are less reliable as they must remain intact to be effective; if the coating gets scratched, the aluminum becomes exposed. At this point cookware should be replaced.

Most aluminum cookware contains a non-stick coating, so this, more than aluminum leaching, is where focus on non-toxic cookware should be focused. Teflon, PFTE, and PFAS are commonly used and are toxic for people and the environment and should be avoided; more on that below.

Many aluminum bakeware products are anodized; some baking sheets may not be, and according to America’s Test Kitchen, this is perfectly acceptable because if baking cookies, less aluminum is extracted because the food is drier, less acidic, less salty, makes less physical contact with the metal, and spends less time cooking.

Sustainability of aluminum

Aluminum is derived from bauxite, a process that is energy-intensive and environmentally disruptive. Look for companies sourcing aluminum responsibly or using certified sustainable practices, such as through the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI).

Like stainless steel and other metals, aluminum is infinitely recyclable without losing quality. Its recycling process may be the most efficient of any material on the planet, saving up to 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminum from bauxite. Products made from recycled aluminum are a very eco-friendly choice.

Glass

Glass is an exceptionally safe material for kitchen use because it is non-porous and does not leach chemicals into food. However, there are two chemicals to watch out for and ensure any glass product is free of.

• Lead – Caution should be used with vintage or crystal glassware, as well as imported products, which may contain significant amounts of lead.
• Cadmium – Sometimes used in decorative paints or glazes on glassware, particularly in older or imported items.

Make sure products are labeled as lead- and cadmium-free.

There are three types of glass typically found in kitchen glassware.

• Soda-lime glass – Most glass falls under this category, which is less expensive to manufacture and is adequate for daily use. However, this type of glass is more prone to cracking or breaking under sudden temperature changes.
• Tempered glass – This is soda-lime glass that has been treated with heat or chemicals to make it 4-5 times stronger than regular glass in terms of impact resistance, and more resistant to thermal shock. Pyrex is probably the most well-known example of this type of glass in the kitchen.
• Borosilicate Glass is a specialized type of glass containing boron trioxide, making it the most resistant type of glass to thermal shock. It is typically more expensive than soda-lime glass and found in high-end drinkware and bakeware.

Sustainability of glass

Regular soda-lime glass is very eco-friendly material, as it is infinitely recyclable. Producing items from recycled glass uses only 35% of the energy compared to producing glass from virgin materials. If you are able to find glassware containing recycled glass, that is an even better option. Recycle broken glass via municipal programs,. making sure to check local regulations, as some may not accept colored glass or have other restrictions.

Borosilicate and tempered glass are another story. These have a higher melting point and cannot be recycled with regular glass, and finding specialty recyclers that process them is a tall order. I am not aware of any companies that offer recycling of their products (Pyrex does not), but you can always check with specific manufacturers.

Learn more about glass recycling here.

Ceramic/Stoneware

Ceramic is a popular material for kitchen products, including baking dishes, due to its durability, versatility, heat retention, and aesthetic appeal. Its sustainability and safety depend on factors like manufacturing practices, glazes, and recycling potential.

Sustainability of ceramic

Ceramic is derived from clay, and while this an abundant, natural material, mining and processing can lead to environmental damage if not managed responsibly.

Look for certifications that verify proper environmental management.

• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) – Ensures the mining company has systems in place to minimize environmental impact.
• B Corporation Certification – Assesses the overall environmental and social responsibility of a company, including its sourcing practices.
• Fair Trade Certification – Though less common for clay, some artisanal products may include this label to indicate fair wages and safe working conditions for miners.

Manufacturing of ceramic uses large amounts of energy. Firing ceramics in kilns requires high temperatures, which consumes significant energy. Seek brands that use renewable energy or more energy-efficient production methods. Some manufacturers implement closed-loop systems to recycle water and materials.

Ceramic is not recyclable in most municipalities. Some independent companies may repurpose broken ceramics for construction aggregates, mosaics, or crafts.

Wood & Bamboo

As the only plant-based material found in kitchen products, wood and bamboo are very safe and eco-friendly choices in the kitchen–providing certain criteria is met. From a sustainability standpoint, the most important aspect of choosing a wood and bamboo products is seeking those that utilize wood from responsibly managed forests that limit deforestation and illegal logging, protect biodiversity, and engage in fair labor practices.

Another consideration for wood and bamboo products is the use of non-toxic finishes and glues. Avoid items that have been finished with polyurethane, varnishes, or other coatings that contain VOCs, as they may not be food-safe. Instead, seek those finished with food-safe mineral oil, beeswax, or natural oils such as tung or linseed oil.

Formaldehyde is the most common toxic substance of concern in wood glue; seek out products that are labeled formaldehyde-free or check with manufacturers. VOCs, phthalates, and isocyanates are additional chemicals that may be present in adhesives.

Sustainability of wood & bamboo

Sustainably harvested wood and bamboo are fantastic options in the kitchen. While these products require more care, they are durable and longlasting. In addition, their biodegradability is a significant benefit.

Sustainable kitchen brands

Eco-friendly kitchen products are a fine balance between long-lasting items of good quality and those made sustainably with non-toxic, renewable materials. Investing in quality kitchen products, even if it means spending a bit more upfront, is always worthwhile. High quality products will last longer, needing less frequent replacements, and are generally healthier for you as well as the planet. Choose reputable brands and thoroughly research your options, particularly for larger purchases.

I like to use America’s Test Kitchen’s suggestions for all products kitchen-related. It’s like Consumer Reports (which is also a great resource) but dedicated solely to cooking and baking. Their product ratings don’t take sustainability or toxicity considerations into account, but I find it to be a good starting point for finding products that are both quality and user-friendly. There have been a couple duds over the years, but overall I have really been happy with the recommended items that I have purchased.

Bambu

Caraway

Caraway is best known for their non-toxic ceramic coated cookware, but they also produce ceramic-coated bakeware and food storage containers as well as other kitchen essentials. The company prides itself on manufacturing their sustainable kitchen products in world-class factories based in China, all of which adhere to strict ethical manufacturing practices and maintain the required standards for BSCI or SMETA. Packaging is completely plastic-free, consisting of 100% recycled cardboard and low impact inks.

Nordic Ware

Sustainability is a core component of the Nordic Ware mission. The 75 year-old company manufactures their non-toxic products at their factory in the USA, where they meet and exceed EPA regulations for air and water, engage in energy saving practices as manifested by their installation of a large array of solar panels, and waste reduction with robust recycling practices. Shop with Nordic Ware for a large selection of cookware, bakeware, and cooking tools.

Made In

Manufactured in ethical factories located in the USA and Europe, Made In products utilize high quality, non-toxic materials in their kitchen products. The company uses sustainable shipping materials and practices in addition to offering a free mail-in recycling program for your old cookware.

Made Trade

Made Trade is a marketplace for all kinds of sustainably and ethically produced home goods and clothing, which includes a variety of sustainable kitchen and dining products. This women-owned and Climate Neutral certified company supports numerous small businesses in selling their products, which have to meet at least two of the following criteria: Fair Trade, Handcrafted, Made in the USA, BIPOC owned, Sustainable Materials, Recycled/Upcycled, Vegan, and Women owned. You can shop with filters for which values are most important to you.

Zwilling

Founded in 1730, Zwilling is one of the oldest brands in the world and is home to some of the most recognizable and reliable names in kitchenware: Staub, Henckels, Demeyere, Ballarini, and Miyabi. Factories for these companies are located in Japan, India, and throughout Europe. The company is highly committed to sustainability and provides extensive information on their website, including detailed sustainability reports and action plans.

Non-toxic cooking utensils

The simplest place to start for non-toxic kitchen utensils is by eliminating anything plastic. Cooking with plastic utensils, especially at high temperatures, can release harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, or other toxins. Over time, the plastic can break down and potentially release microplastics into food. This risk increases with utensils made from lower-quality plastics or those that are not heat-resistant.

In October 2024, a study found that the black plastic used to make kitchen cooking utensils, among other products, contain large amounts of toxic flame retardants, which can leach into food.

To reduce exposure to these chemicals and microplastics, it’s best to switch to alternatives like stainless steel, silicone, or sustainably harvested bamboo or wood.

Stainless steel utensils

Stainless steel utensils tend to be more sustainable than plastic alternatives due to longevity and recyclability. They are low maintenance as well, making them a convenient option.

There are many choices out there, and if you can afford it, try to stick with 18/10 stainless steel and pieces that feel more solid and durable than cheap, lightweight ones.

I own several Cuisinart 18/10 stainless steel cooking utensils. They are sturdy, functional, and visually appealing. They are also moderately affordable at $10 apiece, and they will probably last you forever.

If you are looking to splurge, All-Clad utensils are a sure bet for quality, coming from a long-time high-end reputable kitchen brand.

Bamboo utensils

Wooden utensils

Choices for wooden cooking utensils abound, and while they are all good non-toxic, biodegradable choices, those made from sustainably sourced wood are the most eco-friendly option.

Popular woods utilized for utensils include cherry, teak, acacia, and olive.

• The Caraway Utensil Set includes five FSC-certified birch wood utensils.
• Crate & Barrel offers a variety of FSC-certified acacia utensils, as well as others.
• Jonathan’s Spoons are sourced from FSC-certified cherry wood and are handmade in Pennsylvania. Their ‘Spootle‘ garnered a best wooden spoon review from America’s Test Kitchen.
• The Rustic Flitch shop on Etsy sells a 5-Piece Olive Wood Utensil Set, sourced from “wood from very old olive trees that have come to the end of their natural fruiting life and have already been replaced with younger, more productive trees.”

Silicone cooking utensils

Stainless steel, wood, or bamboo utensils can handle most kitchen tasks effectively, and because of this, I believe silicone utensils should be reserved primarily for scraping, as no other material matches the efficiency of a silicone spatula for this purpose.

My favorite silicone spatulas are made by GIR. The company specializes in silicone kitchen products, which are made from platinum-cured pharmaceutical grade silicone, nylon fiberglass, and stainless steel. Products are independently tested to meet FDA guidelines and are free of BPA, BPS, chemicals, toxins, and heavy metals. They are functional and durable and are offered in a variety of fun colors.

However, I have noticed that after years of use, my silicone spatulas eventually start to crack and lose small particles, which I imagine end up in whatever I am cooking and ingested. At this point they should obviously be replaced; unfortunately silicone spatulas are not biodegradable or recyclable.

Non-toxic cookware

Between concerns of aluminum toxicity and PFAS, non-toxic cookware is a hot topic these days. With so many options on the market, understanding the pros and cons of different materials is essential for making informed, health-conscious choices. In this section, we will go over the basics; watch for an upcoming post dedicated to this topic very soon.

The problem with non-stick pans

Perhaps the type of pan with the most health and environmental concerns, the tradition nonstick pan has come under fire, and rightly so. Most nonstick pans are made from aluminum, and the cooking surface is coated with Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of chemicals designed to resist grease, oil, water, and heat. When a pan is scratched or heated above 500°F, PFAS can release toxic compounds, contaminating food and the surrounding air.

Commonly known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly persistent in both the human body and the environment. These compounds have been found in human blood and are associated with significant health risks, including kidney disease, high blood pressure, and cancer. Once absorbed, PFAS remain in the bloodstream for years, with levels decreasing by only half over four to seven years. In the environment, their resilience results in lasting contamination of air, water, and soil, taking up to 1,000 years to break down.

Teflon is the most well-known brand name for products coated in the chemical polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which falls into the PFAS category. This coating replaced PFOA, another type of PFAS, which was banned in 2013. Non-stick pans made prior to this should be disposed of.

Non-stick pans coated with Teflon are the most notorious for containing PFAS. A 2022 study done in Australia showed that a single scratch in a pan’s Teflon coating can potentially release 9,100 micro- or nanoplastic PFAS-containing particles; a broken coating could result in as many as 2.3 million tiny particles to be released during meal preparation, contaminating your food.

Best non-stick alternatives to Teflon

Having a reliable non-stick pan is vital in the kitchen for cooking delicate foods such as eggs, crepes, or fish. Beyond use for these types of foods, non-stick cookware should not be used as your main cooking vessel–especially those with a non-stick coating, which have a relatively short life.

Many pans with a non-stick coating are aluminum, which is second only to copper in heat conductive abilities. It is a very popular choice because of its affordability and light weight. When shopping for aluminum cookware, remember to look for anodized aluminum, which is much more durable, corrosion resistant, and nonreactive to foods. Most anodized cookware has a non-stick coating, whatever type of coating you choose, be diligent in verifying that it is free from PFTE or PFAS.

Ceramic or ceramic-coated cookware

Ceramic coated pans are the best pan alternative that resemble Teflon non-stick pans. Ceramic coating will wear away just as traditional PFAS/PFTE non-stick coating, but it has been demonstrated to be much safer.

• Caraway – Ceramic-coated non-stick cookware is FDA approved to be food-safe, and are free from chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium. Products are produced ethically in BSCI and SMETA manufacturing facilities, and packaging is completely plastic-free, consisting of 100% recycled cardboard and low impact inks. These pans were rated best overall nontoxic cookware by the Food Network, in addition to earning the top spot for Consumer Reports ‘Best Cookware Sets of 2024.’

• Green Pan – Ceramic-coated non-stick cookware are a very popular choice; America’s Test Kitchen rated The Valencia Fry Pan as the best non-stick ceramic skillet, and the full Valencia collection was named ‘best set’ by the Food Network. is for these pans are composed of hard anodized aluminum or 3-ply stainless steel and coated with Thermolon, the company’s patented non-stick coating, which is derived from silicon dioxide, found in sand. Products have been third-party tested and certified to meet FDA and EU regulations, and free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Green Pan’s factory generate 30% of its power from solar energy and it also has its own wastewater treatment plant, reusing treated water in a circular model.

• Our Place – Ceramic-coated cookware features a ceramic coating made without PFAS (including PTFEs and PFOAs), lead and cadmium. The Always Pan 2.0 is the company’s best seller, with a staggering 37K+ reviews; on the flip side, America’s Test Kitchen wasn’t too impressed. The core of this multifunctional pan is made with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum. It comes with a beechwood spatula and optional add-ons, including a steamer, tagine, fry deck, splatter guard, egg poacher, or flipping platter. Consumer Reports tested this pan for the presence of 96 different PFAS chemicals; none were detected.

Fully ceramic pans are a longer-lasting option since there is no coating to wear away. Potential downsides is they may be less durable and are not compatible with induction cooktops.

• Xtrema – If you want pure ceramic cookware rather than a ceramic coating, Xtrema is your best bet. This family-owned and operated company offers cookware made of 100% natural minerals, clay and water, fired in a natural gas fired kiln at over 2,000 degrees. They have been third-party tested to verify absence of PFAS, lead, and cadmium, and meet CA Prop 65 standards. Having no metal core, these pans are microwave safe, and can also go in the dishwasher and oven.

Cast Iron cookware

If you’re anything like me, the idea of using cast iron as a non-stick alternative might make you hesitate. I used to feel the same way. Who wants the hassle of seasoning a pan? And what even is seasoning, anyway? For the longest time, I had a cast iron pan gathering dust because I didn’t want to deal with it. But as I prepared to ditch my Teflon pans for good, I decided to give it another try—and discovered it’s not as intimidating as it seems.

The great news is that many cast iron pans now come pre-seasoned, so the hard work is already done for you. Just make sure coatings are made from food-safe, non-toxic natural oils. Building up a non-stick surface does take some time and patience, though. A cast iron pan won’t be ready for tasks like cooking eggs perfectly without sticking until it’s been used and cared for over time.

What makes cast iron even more appealing is its durability. These pans are made from a single piece of metal and are practically indestructible. They’re one of those rare things in life that truly improve with age, like a fine wine or a good whiskey. If cared for properly, they’ll serve you for a lifetime—and maybe even the next generation.

Cast iron is one of the safest cookware materials, as these are made with pure metal and generally lack any type of coating. It is possible for this cookware to leach iron into your food, which for most people is a dietary benefit. The only downside is that acidic foods such as tomatoes or wine react with the iron, which results in a metallic taste in your food and can erode the seasoning.

Check out tips on caring for cast iron here.

Luckily, the best cast iron is an easy pick. Lodge, perhaps the most well-known brand of cast iron pans, is consistently rated the best in this category from the likes of Serious Eats, NY Times, Food & Wine, and America’s Test Kitchen. And there is no need to break the bank to own a Lodge pan; they are very affordable. In addition to creating durable, high-performing products, this company has worked hard to decrease their carbon footprint. Pans are made from approximately 60% recycled materials and are third-party tested to verify the absence of PFAS, lead and cadmium. Lodge’s foundries are located in the USA, and traditional furnaces have been replaced by electromagnetic induction furnaces that use electricity to heat iron, using 25% less energy.

Enamel coated cast iron

Enameled cast iron is not considered non-stick, but does hold heat as well as uncoated cast iron and can handle acidic ingredients, and you don’t have to worry about seasoning. The biggest consideration with this type of cookware is the enamel itself, which can contain cadmium and lead, especially in brighter pigments such as red or orange, or older, vintage, or imported enameled cookware. While these are typically bound in the enamel and don’t leach under normal use, poorly manufactured or damaged/chipped enamel can pose a risk. As with any cookware, seek enamel marked as lead-free.

The beautiful, bright colors of Le Creuset are a longtime favorite of many cooking afficianados; AllRecipes, Food & Wine, Serious Eats, America’s Test Kitchen…and the list goes on. I had a Lodge enameled dutch oven that ended up chipping in multiple places along the edges, and I decided to splurge on this pricey brand. Le Creuset claims their enamel coating is chip-resistant, and so far, it has held up well. But the safety information on their website is lackluster, simply stating that they are “committed to product quality and safety, regularly conducting internal and reputable third-party laboratory evaluations. For nearly 100 years, our products have been consistently safe to use and comply with all federal safety regulations established by the Food & Drug Administration.” In addition, chemical disclosures for their enameled cast iron products are omitted. And to my disappointment, there is zero information regarding company sustainability online. Still, these are quality products that will last a very long time, and with an intact surface, is most likely a safe choice.

Staub enameled cast iron is another highly rated brand. As part of the Zwilling family, the company complies with US and EU standards and conducts third-party testing on all products, which are all CA Prop 65 compliant. Zwilling has a extensive sustainability report on their website detailing many green and ethical business practices.

Caraway, Green Pan, Made In, and Our Place all make enameled cast iron; while I can’t attest to the quality or performance, these are likely non-toxic options.

Carbon Steel cookware

Carbon steel cookware has long been used by professional chefs but is becoming more popular in home kitchens. Like cast iron, this cookware naturally develops a non-stick surface after seasoning and repeated use, albeit quicker; it can also be purchased pre-seasoned. Carbon steel is also reactive with acidic foods and can leach iron into your cooking. Unlike cast iron, these pans contain carbon in addition to iron and as a result, this type of cookware is thinner and not as heavy as cast iron and is faster to heat.

De Buyer is among the most popular brand choices for carbon steel pans. Unfortunately, information regarding safety and sustainability on their website is lacking.

• Made In – Cookware meets US and EU food safety and manufacturing standards. Carbon steel is made in France and pre-seasoned with a mixture of shea nut oil and coconut oil.
• Lodge – Better known for cast iron, Lodge also offers carbon steel cookware.

Learn all about the most sustainable cooking oils, including the best way to dispose of used oil, right here!

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is widely regarded as one of the safest cooking materials, naturally free from PFAS. In addition to steel, chromium and nickel are added to provide important benefits such as increased corrosion resistance & durability. These can both be leached into food, especially when cooking acidic foods or at high temperatures, however both are safe and will not affect food quality.

Chromium is an essential nutrient, and leaching is well below dietary limits; nickel is not a nutrient but is not harmful unless you have an allergy, in which case you want to avoid this type of cookware or choose nickel-free stainless steel. Remember to choose high quality stainless steel (18/10, 304, or 316) for increased corrosion resistance and decreased leaching, as well as superior durability. Refer to the stainless steel section above for more helpful information on what to look for in stainless steel.

Stainless steel is is a moderate heat conductor, so in light of this limitation many pots and pans are made with a clad, or layered, bottom with more conductive materials like copper or aluminum enclosed in between layers of stainless steel. This core improves heat distribution without the downside of the reactivity that both copper and aluminum exhibit. Downsides of this method is that cookware is heavier in weight and more expensive.

As Lodge is to cast iron and Le Creuset is to enamel coated cookware, All Clad is to stainless steel cookware. This brand has been the holy grail of stainless for a long time; America’s Test Kitchen rates the D3 Fry Pans as their favorite stainless steel skillet, and the D3 line as the best stainless cookware set. Food & Wine, Serious Eats, Food Network, and the NY Times all agree. The quality and durability is outstanding, and products are made in the USA, but they do come with an expensive price tag. I replaced my old cookware with All Clad, piece by piece as it went on sale. I love this cookware, and I know it will be around longer than me.

I found Made In stainless steel cookware to be recommended regularly on quite a few websites; The Strategist named the Stainless Clad Set their top pick for cookware sets overall, while the Stainless Clad Saute Pan is America’s Test Kitchen’s favorite saute pan.

Frequently mentioned options that are more budget-friendly yet reliable choices are Tramontina (which is NSF certified) and Calphalon.

Keep your stainless steel cookware gleaming with Bon Ami Powder Cleanser. It does an amazing job at removing baked on grease stains. This product has been around since 1886 and uses simple, non-toxic ingredients. Its packaging is produced from 65% post-consumer material and is fully recyclable. Find more eco-friendly cleaning products here.

Copper

Copper is the best heat conductor of any cookware, heating and cooling quicker than any other type of metal, and is a favorite of many professional chefs. But for the average home cook, my opinion is that the other types of cookware are the way to go. Personally, it has never appealed to me because of its high maintenance requirements, reactivity to acidic foods, and most of all, the price. Still, high quality copper cookware is extremely durable and beautiful, along with offering exceptional heating ability, so if you are willing to shell out the money and are committed to caring for it, copper cookware is an excellent non-toxic, sustainable, durable, and high performance choice.

There are health concerns with copper leaching, which is why many copper pans are now lined with stainless steel or tin; America’s Test Kitchen prefers the former. Copper can also be found in the center of a multiclad pan, so you get the benefit of its heat conduction without the downsides.

As with any other metal cookware, those made from recycled materials are the most eco-friendly choices.

• Amoretti Brothers – This company operates in Mexico and employs local men and women equally (who receive fair wages, as verified by Made Trade) to handcraft their copper cookware from 100% recycled copper.
• Brooklyn Copper Cookware – tin-lined copper cookware has iron handles and contains 40-70% recycled copper and no other additives besides these three metals. The company focuses on minimizing their carbon footprint and offering transparency; there is a great read on copper sourcing and recycling on their website.
• Mauviel does not use recycled copper in their cookware, but this nearly 200 year-old French company is perhaps the most respected maker of quality copper cookware that will last for generations. America’s Test Kitchen chose the Mauviel M’Heritage M’200Ci Round Frying Pan as their favorite copper skillet.
  

Avoid harsh cleaners to polish your copper; lemon juice and salt are widely considered a very efficient, if not the best, method.

Did you know that food waste is the #1 type of waste in landfills? When food breaks down in a landfill, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Learn more about food waste and what steps you can take to decrease your contributions here.

Kitchen Tools

Stainless steel colander

Cutting boards

Stainless steel or glass cutting boards are generally not recommended because they tend to dull knives very quickly and their surface becomes slick, making knife control difficult.

Plastic cutting boards are inexpensive and low maintenance, but as you probably know by now, I am not a fan of plastic in the kitchen, or anywhere else for that matter. Any plastic will shed tiny particles (and possibly chemicals) into your food, but when you are cutting against that surface with a sharp object, that shedding process is only magnified. A 2023 study determined that plastic cutting boards are a “substantial source of microplastics in human food.”

Plastic is laden with numerous chemicals during the manufacturing process, and reducing exposure to microplastics is a worthwhile investment. Many of these chemicals have been shown to be carcinogens, endocrine (hormone) disruptors, affect organ function and pregnancy outcomes, increase inflammation, and possibly carry pathogens, among other health complications.

Go Green: Choose an FSC-certified wood, bamboo, or composite cutting board

The considerations with glass and plastic cutting boards make natural materials, namely wood and bamboo, the best cutting board material for both sustainability and function.

Contrary to popular concerns, wood (and bamboo) cutting boards can safely be used to cut raw meat, poultry, and seafood, according to the USDA. Plastic can harbor germs too, and hardwoods have natural antimicrobial properties and when properly cared for, are just as safe to use as plastic when it comes to concerns of foodborne illnesses. To avoid cross-contamination, use one board for these raw foods and a separate one for everything else. They are easily washed and sanitized, as highlighted below.

Wood cutting boards

Wooden cutting boards are a beautiful and sturdy addition to the kitchen. They are much gentler on knives than other surfaces and will last for years. The main drawback is their higher upfront cost, but they’re a worthwhile investment since they last significantly longer than plastic boards and require less frequent replacement.

From a sustainability standpoint, the most important aspect of choosing a wood cutting board is seeking products that utilize wood from responsibly managed forests that limit deforestation and illegal logging, protect biodiversity, and engage in fair labor practices. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is the most reliable way to verify wood for your cutting board has come from responsibly managed forests.

The best wood for cutting boards are hardwoods with tight grains, such as maple, teak, walnut, cherry, and acacia. These woods are preferred for their strength and longevity. Open-grain woods, such as oak, are not used for cutting boards because their surface is more porous, which would allow for deeper grooves that trap food particles, bacteria, and moisture.

Reputable sustainable brands include TeakHaus, The Boardsmith, JK Adams, and Wood for Chef.

Composite cutting board

Not technically wood, composite cutting boards like the popular Epicurean cutting boards are made from many layers of craft paper. According to their website, “Epicurean’s unique material is made from many layers of high-quality custom craft paper. Rolls of paper are infused with resin before being cut to length and laid by hand. Each sheet is carefully stacked, alternating the direction of the paper to achieve the ultimate balance and stability. The stacks are pressed under even heat and pressure, bonding the layers of paper together and curing the product. The sheets are then slowly cooled to produce a solid, stable food-safe sheet material.”

These cutting boards are less maintenance that their wood and bamboo counterparts, as they are dishwasher safe and do not require oil. Another added bonus is that these cutting boards are very budget-friendly, starting at $15.99.

Bamboo cutting board

Bamboo cutting boards are harder and less porous than hardwoods. Bamboo absorbs very little moisture and resists scarring from knives, so they are more resistant to bacteria than other woods.

Cutting board oil

Proper maintenance is key to prolong the life of your wood or bamboo cutting board. Minimizing water exposure by handwashing and drying is paramount to preventing your wood or bamboo cutting board from cracking or warping. Regularly applying cutting board oil to wooden or bamboo surfaces is another vital maintenance task. If water does not bead on the surface of your cutting board or the surface looks dull, you need to condition them, usually after every several uses.

Food-grade mineral oil is the most common oil used for this purpose, and nearly all cutting board oils contain it. Since mineral oil is petroleum-based, I wanted to find alternative products made from natural ingredients that are not packaged in plastic.

Check out my blog post “The Best Cutting Board Material for a Non-Toxic, Sustainable Kitchen” for more details on choosing an eco-friendly cutting board.

Cutlery

When it comes to knives, both the blade and the handle materials and quality must be considered.

Knife blades

Traditional kitchen knife blades are made from steel, most commonly stainless or carbon steel. We’ve discussed stainless steel on this page, but to understand the difference, let’s review what steel contains.

• Carbon. This element is what transforms iron into steel, and the steel used for knives typically contains a high amount of carbon, which lends to its hardness and durability.
• Chromium. Added for corrosion resistance. Stainless steel contains at least 13% chromium.
• Molybdenum. Increases strength, but not added to all steel.
• Vanadium. Another additive for increased strength and wear resistance in premium blades.
• Other elements. Additional elements added may include nickel, cobalt, manganese, silicon, niobium, tungsten, and copper.

Carbon steel differs from stainless steel in two main ways. First, the carbon content is higher, which makes these types of knives much stronger and durable, and result in sharper knives that do not dull as easily and are easier to sharpen. The second difference is that carbon steel does not contain chromium, which makes it susceptible to corrosion and rust; these knives require more care than stainless steel knives. These types of knives are typically more expensive than those made from stainless steel.

Knife handle materials

Knife handles come in a variety of materials, each offering unique properties in terms of durability, grip, aesthetics, and maintenance. These materials can be either natural, composites, or fully synthetic.

The most common natural material used for knife handles include bamboo or various types of wood. Wood handles can be aesthetically appealing and have a comfortable grip with a warm touch. Sustainability depends on wood sourcing, with the best options coming from FSC certified wood from responsibly managed forests. Plain untreated wood or bamboo handles are biodegradable.

The biggest downside to wood knife handles is that they are more prone to cracking or warping and require a little extra maintenance. Some wood handles may be modified or stabilized with resin for increased moisture resistance. This results in a more durable handle, but resins and epoxies are petroleum-based, and these handles have a higher carbon imprint from manufacturing and are no longer biodegradable.

You may also encounter animal products such as bone, horn or antler.

Metal handles are usually made of stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium. They are durable and easy to clean, but can feel heavy and or slippery. Any metal is, of course, recyclable.

Perhaps the most popular of the composite materials are micarta and G-10. These are both extremely durable and long-lasting types of knife handles. Make sure they are labeled as ‘food-safe.’

• Micarta is formed from layers of a substrate that is compressed and set in resin, which is non-toxic when cured. The substrate can be natural materials such as linen, canvas, or other materials like fiberglass or plastic. This manufacturing process results in handles that are very durable and grippy even when wet, but more expensive. The resin used is phenolic resin, which is petroleum-based and makes this type of handle non-biodegradable; it is also not recyclable. Some companies may offer plant-based resins.
• G-10 is made in a similar fashion, but with fiberglass and epoxy resin. It is also very durable and resistant to moisture, but being petroleum-based, is not biodegradable nor is it recyclable.

Plastics and polymers are very lightweight, resistant to moisture, and affordable. They are less durable and being petroleum-based with the potential of shedding microplastics are not the most eco-friendly options. Polypropylene is one of the most common plastics used in knife handles, while ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a popular thermoplastic polymers.

Knife recommendations

• Famous for the Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox has been selling cutlery since 1884. In addition to quality products, sustainability is a core company value. For example, leftover steel scraps are gathered and returned to suppliers where it is recycled back into steel, and wood for knife handles is sourced in Europe to reduce transportation emissions. Knives and many other products are NSF certified. I have several Victorinox knives, and they are among my favorites. They are also very affordable. America’s Test Kitchen loves Victorinox knives: the slicing knife, chef’s knife, paring knife, and steak knives are all winners of their categories, and others are runner’s up or recommended.

• Henckels is part of the Zwilling brand family, a longstanding trusted name in kitchenware. Henckels knives are NSF certified and made with sustainable materials: most wood, including knife blocks, utilize FSC®-certified wood, with all wood certified by 2030; plastic handles will contain at least 75% recycled materials. The company utilizes renewable energy, is Gold Standard certified carbon neutral, and is transitioning to plastic-free packaging. Learn all about the company’s knife forging process here.

Metal measuring cups & spoons

This is simple: stainless steel all the way. I have had the same set of Williams-Sonoma measuring cups and spoons for over 20 years and I will probably have them forever.

There is a wide variety of measuring cups and spoons to choose from: Target measuring cups and spoons are inexpensive, while cups and spoons from brands such as Williams-Sonoma, Le Creuset, and All-Clad will be very good quality, but will cost significantly more.

As for liquid, Pyrex measuring cups are probably the most commonly used. I’ve got them in 1-cup, 2-cup, and 4-cup sizes and they make measuring liquids simple and quick and are very convenient to throw in the dishwasher when you’re done. You can purchase the set of 3 from Target for $22.99.

Small appliances

Look for blenders, food processors, and other small appliances with glass containers or BPA-free plastic components to avoid potential chemical leaching. Buy energy efficient models as available.

For appliances with a non-stick surface such as electric griddles and waffle makers, avoid PFTE as you would with non-stick pans; instead try a non-toxic ceramic coating.

• Green Pan small appliances

• Our Place small appliances

• Bella small appliances, including electric griddles, waffle makers, air fryers and more, are coated with their EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating that’s made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead and cadmium.

• Hamilton Beach ‘Durathon’ Ceramic Griddle or Removable-Grid Belgian Waffle Maker – PTFE and PFOA free

Keep your small appliances clean to help them to keep functioning properly and lengthen their lifespan. Check out Consumer Reports tips on how to clean small appliances.

How to recycle small appliances

• IKEA will recycle small electrical appliances.
• Black + Decker small appliances can be recycled for free with Terracycle.
• Coffee brewers and SodaStream CO2 cylinders can be recycled at Staples.
• Metal appliances can be recycled for scrap.

Eco-friendly baking

Bakeware

Luckily, plastic is a rare find in baking supplies as are mostly composed of materials that can handle high heat such as glass, ceramic, and metal like aluminum and stainless steel.

Ceramic or glass bakeware is popular as a safer alternative to traditional non-stick or aluminum bakeware.

Non-toxic ceramic-coated bakeware

• Caraway – Ceramic-coated steel bakeware is FDA approved to be food-safe, and are free from chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium. Products are produced ethically in BSCI and SMETA manufacturing facilities, and packaging is completely plastic-free, consisting of 100% recycled cardboard and low impact inks.
• Green Pan – Ceramic-coated aluminum or steel bakeware have been third-party tested and certified to meet FDA and EU regulations, and free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Green Pan’s factory generate 30% of its power from solar energy and it also has its own wastewater treatment plant, reusing treated water in a circular model.
• Our Place – Ceramic coating on bakeware is made without PFAS (including PTFEs and PFOAs), lead or cadmium.

Non-toxic ceramic/stoneware bakeware

• Emile Henry – This French company hand manufactures their stoneware bakeware from locally-sourced Burgundy clay. Products are free from lead and cadmium, and all of the glazes meet California Prop 65. Bakeware has a very high thermal shock tolerance and are able to go from the freezer into the oven.
• Xtrema – This family-owned and operated company offers fully ceramic bakeware made of 100% natural minerals, clay and water, fired in a natural gas fired kiln at over 2,000 degrees. They have been third-party tested to verify absence of PFAS, lead, and cadmium, and meet CA Prop 65 standards. Having no metal core, this bakeware is also microwave safe.

Non-toxic aluminum bakeware

• Nordicware – Made in the USA by a company that prizes sustainability, shop Nordicware’s uncoated aluminum bakeware, which includes the Naturals collection, for aluminum bakeware that is free from PTFE and PFAS. Do avoid their products with non-stick coatings, as they do contain PFAS.
• Fat Daddio’s – Bakeware is made from 16 gauge anodized aluminum that is free of chemicals, extra materials and metals, harmful dyes, CFCs, PFAS/PTFE/PFOA, and is tested and certified by multiple agencies worldwide exceeding international safety standards.

Non-toxic glass bakeware

• Pyrex – Modern glass bakeware is free from lead, cadmium, and heavy metals, and, according to the company, is routinely tested at internationally recognized, third-party laboratories. Vintage Pyrex, on the other hand, is known to contain lead.
• Libbey – Glass bakeware is lead- and cadmium-free, third-party tested, and meets FDA and California Prop 65 guidelines. The company utilizes sustainable practices, including using at least 30% recycled glass in their products.
• Anchor Hocking – Glass bakeware is made in the USA and is lead, cadmium, and heavy metal free and CA Prop 65 compliant.

Cupcake liners

Go Green: Reusable silicone cupcake liners

Try BPA-free silicone baking cups that can be reused for zero waste baking.

• OXO Silicone Baking Cups – BPA-free, Set of 12 multi-color for $11.99. Also available at Target and Amazon.
• King Arthur Nonstick Baking Cups – BPA-free. Set of 12 red cups for $11.98
• Amazon Essentials Reusable Silicone Round Baking Cups – food grade, BPA-free silicone. Pack of 12 multicolor for $6.99

Compostable baking cups

I like If You Care Baking Cups, made with unbleached and chlorine-free FSC and USDA Biobased certified paper. They are industrially compostable.

Compost 100% paper cups unless grease-soaked.

Parchment Paper

Go Green: Silicone baking mat

Using a silicone baking mat is an eco-friendly, zero-waste substitute for both parchment paper and aluminum foil. According to Martha Stewart, they can be used up to 3,000 times…I’m all for eating 3,000 batches of cookies. In addition to the oven, these reusable mats can be used in the air fryer, microwave, fridge, and freezer.

Silpat, a French company, is known for creating the original silicone baking mat. These mats are composed of fiberglass, which distributes heat for more even cooking. The silicone outer layer is food-grade and free of BPA, phthalates, and peroxides. All Silpat mats are FDA, NSF and Kosher certified. The mats are offered in numerous sizes and shapes. The downside of these mats is that they are quite expensive, around $30 for one half sheet (regular cookie sheet sized) mat. They are America’s Test Kitchen’s favorite baking mats.

GIR silicone baking mats are a less expensive quality option. Like GIR spatulas, the baking mats are made with BPA-free 100% platinum-cured, pharmaceutical grade silicone.

Amazon Basics Silicone Baking Mats are a popular budget-friendly option at only $12.99 for a set of two mats. However, there is not much transparency about the quality of these mats other than that they are made from food-safe silicone.

Eco-friendly parchment paper

If You Care Parchment Baking Paper is the best choice if you need disposable parchment paper. It is sourced from sustainably managed FSC-certified forests, is totally chlorine-free, and certified backyard compostable. Available at Grove / Whole Foods / Target / Amazon

Any parchment paper can be reused multiple times.

Is parchment paper compostable?

Yes, parchment paper is ok to add to backyard compost.

Rolling pin

Go Green: FSC-certified rolling pin

As with any wooden product, the best choice is to purchase those made with FSC-certified wood that comes from sustainably managed forests.

• Crate & Barrel’s Straight Rolling Pin with Handles and French Rolling Pin are both composed of FSC-certified beechwood.
• J.K. Adams rolling pins are made from sustainably-managed hardwood forests in Vermont.

Make sure to use metal cookie cutters instead of plastic when baking your tasty treats.

Tabletop

Dishes

Dishes are commonly made from a variety of materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks depending on durability, aesthetics, and usage. Here are some popular options:

1. Ceramic: Includes earthenware and stoneware, both of which are sturdy and can be used daily. Stoneware is more durable and less porous than earthenware, making it resistant to chipping and scratching.
2. Porcelain: Also known as “fine china,” porcelain is a high-quality ceramic known for its smooth finish and durability. It’s typically more resistant to chipping and can be used for both formal and everyday settings.
3. Glass: Glass dishes, including tempered glass, are generally non-porous and resistant to scratches. Tempered glass is stronger and more resistant to thermal shock, making it ideal for microwaves and dishwashers.
4. Melamine: Melamine is a type of plastic that’s durable, lightweight, and commonly used for outdoor or casual dining. However, it’s not suitable for microwaves, as it can leach chemicals when exposed to high heat.
5. Stainless Steel: Durable, non-reactive, and often used in casual or outdoor settings, stainless steel dishes are resistant to corrosion and are dishwasher-safe.
6. Bamboo: Often used in eco-friendly and lightweight dishware, bamboo is sustainable and biodegradable. It’s usually combined with other materials for durability but may not withstand prolonged exposure to moisture.
7. Wood: Wood dishes have a natural aesthetic and are typically used for serving. However, they are porous, can stain easily, and require special care to avoid warping or cracking.
8. Bone China: Known for its lightweight, delicate appearance, and translucency, bone china is durable, chip-resistant, and often used in fine dining settings.
9. Plastic: Generally inexpensive, lightweight, and often used for casual or children’s dishware. Plastics vary in quality, with some BPA-free options safe for cold foods but not ideal for microwaves or high heat.
10. Enamelware: Made by coating metal (usually steel) with a layer of enamel, enamelware is durable, lightweight, and resistant to stains and rust. It’s popular for camping or retro-style settings.

Each material has different care requirements and best-use scenarios, so the choice often depends on your needs for durability, appearance, and eco-friendliness. Stay tuned for a future post on how to choose the most eco-friendly, non-toxic dinnerware.

Drinkware

Most drinking glasses are made from soda-lime glass and can withstand daily use. Higher end glass drinkware made from borosilicate is more durable, but more expensive. These materials are also generally safe from heavy metals such as lead, but it is always a good idea to seek brands with a lead-free label. Caution should be used with vintage, crystal, or painted glassware, which may contain significant amounts of lead and/or cadmium.

If you can find glassware that is made from recycled glass, that is an even more eco-friendly option. Libbey glassware contains around 30% pre-consumer recycled glass. Crate & Barrel offers some drinkware made from 100% recycled glass.

Non-plastic tumbler cups

Glass drinkware is easy enough to find, but what if you need something less likely to shatter, like with kids? Usually that answer is plastic, but when you’re seeking plastic-free drinkware alternatives, options are limited.

Stainless steel is my favorite material for plastic-free, non-glass drinkware. They are going to cost much more than plastic, but they are far more durable and long-lasting, free of microplastics, and infinitely recyclable. Plus, they are great at keeping beverages cold.

Klean Kanteen is a fantastic company centered around sustainability. They are a Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified, and a 1% for the Planet member. They offer 10oz and 16 oz cups made from 90% recycled 18/8 stainless steel. You can choose from a plain brushed finish or powder coating in lovely, chip-resistant colors. The 16-ounce cups have become a staple in our house.

Stojo makes LFGB Certified silicone cups with lids and heat sleeves made from BPA & BPS-free polypropylene; there are also no phthalates, leads, or glues. These would make great durable plastic-free cups for children.

I’ve tried cups made from a bamboo composite, but frankly I was not impressed. The feel is comparable to melamine, like this material, two of my cups cracked when dropped, defeating the purpose of a durable option that can be withstand kids. It doesn’t help that they were also very expensive.

Plastic straw alternatives

Stirrer options include products like these stainless steel stirrers, ones made from silicone, or find a fun design like these glass ones on Etsy. For compostable stirrers, try these bamboo ones made by Mini Skater.

Can you recycle straws?

Straws are generally not recyclable. The only option is to drop them off at a Subaru dealership, which have a partnership with Terracycle to accept straws, as well as plastic and styrofoam cups/lids, coffee pods, creamer capsules, and candy/snack wrappers. Check for participating dealerships.

Water pitchers

Finding a glass water pitcher is an easy enough alternative to a plastic one, but if you want a lid that is another story. Fortunately, I have found a few inexpensive options.

I recently purchased a Threshold 67oz Glass Pitcher with Stainless Steel Lid from Target for only $15. The glass is 100% borosilicate and is lead- and cadmium-free. There is a silicone gasket inside the lid with a pour and straining spout, but it is not entirely airtight or leakproof. The brand offers a similar glass pitcher with a wood lid, available in either 59 or 84.5 oz.

Water filter pitchers are plentiful, but most major companies don’t focus on sustainability. Brita does offer a free recycling program via Terracycle for their filters and pitchers, but there is a vastly better option.

LifeStraw is a Certified B Corp, which means they prioritize sustainable and ethical business models. They are also Climate Neutral certified and offset carbon emissions, and are involved in community projects to provide people worldwide with clean drinking water, and uses high quality materials in their products. The LifeStraw Home 7-Cup Glass Water Filter Pitcher is made from borosilicate glass and includes a silicone base. The filter The company claimes that theirs is “the only water filter pitcher that removes bacteria and parasites in addition to lead, microplastics, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), and 30+ contaminants all while dramatically improving the taste of your tap water. Retains essential minerals like magnesium and potassium that are good for your health.”

Flatware

Flatware is most commonly made from stainless steel.  18/10 stainless steel is the best quality to look for. It is durable and dishwasher-safe—a must for everyday flatware. Learn more about stainless steel above.

Disposable dinnerware & drinkware

Go Green: Minimize use of disposables

I’ve done my fair share of entertaining a crowd, so I totally get the appeal of disposable dinnerware. I’ve made it a goal to have an empty dishwasher and sink beforehand so that when the party is over, clean up is easier…we can just load it up. That’s not to say it always happens, and sometimes we’re just not up to doing a thousand dishes. When you’re playing host, do your best to use regular dinnerware. If you don’t have enough, consider borrowing or thrifting some inexpensive, and maybe fun or eclectic pieces for your gathering, after which you can redonate if you wish.

Best compostable paper plates

Many paper plates labeled ‘compostable’ are made of PLA sourced from sugarcane, and this is ONLY compostable in a commercial composting facility, which are rare.

Bambu is the best brand for home compostable disposable plates (and utensils). Made with FSC-certified, USDA Organic bamboo, these plates are USDA Biobased certified and CMA certified compostable. The company recommends cutting them into small pieces for faster composting. Enter ‘LETSGOGREEN’ at checkout to save 10% on your purchase. Also available at Grove.

Are paper plates recyclable?

Unless you are throwing out a clean, unused paper plate, they cannot be recycled. Even then, plates made with a waxy coating are not recyclable. And after being used, paper products cannot be recycled after being coated or soaked with food material.

Are paper plates compostable?

Paper products with a waxy coating cannot be composted. If made from 100% paper they may be composted, but if made from PLA, they have to be processed in a commercial composting facility.

Best eco-friendly party cups

It’s time to add a new party acronym: in addition to BYOB, let’s BYOCup; Yeti has fantastic travel barware, and the silicone STOJO collapsible cup is an easy portable option.

For guests that forget, and you don’t have enough cups and glasses to go around, provide them with a Ball Aluminum Cup that keeps your drink cold and is infinitely recyclable. They’re actually sturdy enough to wash and reuse.

The best paper cups are Repurpose Hot & Cold Cups, which are made from PEFC-certified paper and are certified Home compostable. They are also free of BPA and PFAS.

Best compostable utensils

Food Storage

Ziploc bags

Ziploc bags are one of those things that we have become so used to storing food and other items in that we may not even realize it. I get it, they’re convenient, and I acknowledge that in some cases they might be the only realistic option. But even those cases, there are better options. You’ll be surprised at how far you can get without using a single one of those clear plastic bags.

It is possible to wash and reuse zip top bags, which is not uncommon, although it is not recommended if they were used to hold raw meat. While reusing does increase the lifespan of these bags, and may decrease consumption overall, it still doesn’t change the fact that they are not biodegradable and will ultimately end up in a landfill. In addition, reuse causes them to break down quicker, which is concerning for increased leaching of chemicals such as PFAS, aka ‘forever chemicals’ that have adverse health effects. The consumer watchdog blogger Mamavation tested multiple brands of single-use food storage bags and detected the presence of PFAS in 81% of them.

Clean and dry food storage bags can be dropped off with your other plastic film recycling.

Go Green: Reusable ziploc bags

Since I purchased reusable bags, my plastic bag use has dropped to nearly zero.

Silicone food storage bags

My top choice for reusable food storage bags goes to Stasher. These bags are popular for a reason: they are the only line of reusable bags made from silicone, which is not biodegradable but is not plastic. Stasher uses premium food-grade silicone in their products, which is deemed food-safe by the FDA as well as meeting the EU food safety certification. Products are also free of lead, latex, BPA, BPS, or other phthalates.

The bags are very durable and are even safe to cook in, unlike bags made from PEVA. They can handle temperatures up to 425°F in the oven, microwave, and sous vide, and are also freezer-safe. These bags are the easiest to close of any reusable ziploc bag I have tried. They come in all kinds of sizes and fun colors, although I do wish they made larger sizes; the largest size they currently make is a half-gallon bag.

If/when the bags ever become unusable, they can be recycled for free via a mail-in program with Terracycle, but that day won’t come anytime soon. The only downside to these bags is they carry a hefty price tag–one sandwich-sized bag is $12.99. That may feel like a lot up front, but considering this bag will save you close to a lifetime of ziploc bags, consider it an investment. Try buying one next time you run out of ziplocs, and another later on. I have frequently seen them discounted on Amazon.

Zip Top is another company that makes food storage bags from silicone. The sizes and styles are similar to Stashers, as are the prices. Their best and most unique product may be their Breast Milk Freezer Storage Set, which I would have love to have back in my breastfeeding days.

PEVA food storage bags

All other reusable bags that I have come across are made from PEVA, polyethylene vinyl acetate, which is a type a plastic. This material is regarded as a safer, chlorine-free alternative to vinyl products, like shower curtain liners. These are generally free of lead, phthalates, and BPA and are labeled as food-safe. However, there is a possibility that they could leach VOCs into food, making them unsafe, at least as a 2014 study determined. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of current information regarding its actual safety, which is why I decided to primarily used silicone bags.

In any case, reusable PEVA bags are a much better choice than disposable ones, and I do own quite a few. The best brand in this category is (re)zip. These bags are made from FDA-grade PEVA, which is third-party tested for safety and are free from phthalates, BPA, and lead. The bags close easily, and some come with a traditional zipper, making them ideal for storing non-food items. They come in gallon sizes and have a line of products for pet snacks and food, which can accomodate up to 40 cups. Like Stasher, (re)zip bags can be mailed for free to Terracycle for recycling. They can also be found at Target and Amazon.

I do own a couple other brands: these SPLF gallon-size bags and this set of Qinline assorted sizes. They are also great, but if I had to pick, I would go with the Stashers.

I will admit, nobody in my house loves washing the reusable bags, but this Marbrasse drying rack helps the process. For a plastic-free drying rack, try bamboo, such as the Zefiro drying rack, or stainless steel, like Grove’s Multi-Purpose Drying Rack.

Go Green: Compostable bags

For times you might need a disposable food storage bag, try sandwich and snack bags made from compostable paper.

• If You Care Paper Snack & Sandwich Bags are made in Sweden with FSC-certified unbleached pulp of spruce trees. They are free from chlorine or any wax coating and are certified home compostable by TUV Austria. You can find them at many grocery stores such as Whole Foods or online on Grove or Amazon.

There are compostable plastic ziplock bags available, but these are generally too good to be true. Nearly all ‘compostable’ plastics are not appropriate for backyard composting. They require processing under very high heat in a commercial composting facility, which are rare.

Still, if given the choice between compostable bags and traditional ziplocs, compostable is easily the better choice. These are at least plant-based rather than petroleum based, and are biodegradable.

• BioBag is a Certified B Corp that produces resealable food storage bags in gallon, quart, sandwich, and snack sizes, made from the starches of GMO free crops and are free of BPA and PFAS. They are certified BPI Compostable and TUV Austria Industrially Compostable. Products are made in the USA. Also available at Whole Foods, Grove, and Amazon.

Plastic Wrap (Saran wrap)

Plastic wrap is made from polyethylene, PVC, or PVCD and it is used A LOT. In the United States, every year we purchase enough plastic film to shrink-wrap the state of Texas.

This thin, clingy plastic is great at preserving food, but like any plastic, leaches microplastics and chemicals in the process. It is also challenging to recycle, often clogging machinery. And recycled plastic wrap is costlier than those using virgin materials. If not recycled, both PVC and PVDC can release a highly toxic chemical called dioxin when incinerated or left in a landfill.

Click here to learn more about plastic film and how to recycle it.

Go Green: Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap

• Keep it simple. Use a plate to cover bowls.

• Reusable food storage bags, as detailed in the previous section.

• Reusable, non-toxic food containers. Head to the next section to discover more.

• Reusable bowl covers. Instead of using plastic wrap to cover a bowl, try a bowl cover such as Zefiro Reusable Silicone Lids. Also available at EarthHero.

• Beeswax wrap. These wraps are great for both covering bowls and wrapping foods.
  • I like Bee’s Wrap, made with GOTS certified organic cotton, beeswax, organic plant oil, and tree resin. They also have a vegan line of wraps that uses coconut and soy in place of beeswax. According to the company, the wraps can be composted or used as a natural fire starter at the end of their life. Products are made in the USA and the company is a Certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member.
  • Meli Wraps is a Hawaiian-based company that utilizes local Hawaiian beeswax, natural tree extracts, and 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton in their wraps.

• Biodegradable plastic wrap. Hopefully the previous options are adequate for any situation, but in a case where only a disposable option will suffice, look for a biodegradable plastic wrap. Again, just like with biodegradable plastic bags, these products usually require special conditions to fully decompose, which are not available to most people, so use sparingly.
  • Zefiro Compostable Cling Wrap – BPI certified compostable cling wrap made from PLA and Biobased PBAT is made to naturally biodegrade or can be composted in a home or industrial compost facility.
  • Full Circle – Plant-based compostable plastic (PLA & PBAT) that must biodegrade in municipal or commercial composting facilities.

Food storage containers

As I want to limit contact time my food has with plastic, I seek food storage containers made from glass or stainless steel. Plastic lids are usually still the status quo, but at least the lids don’t touch the food.

Perhaps the simplest and most inexpensive food storage containers are Mason jars. Any storebought jar that contains foods like mayo or jam can be washed and reused to store other foods. You can reuse lids, or if you want to go totally plastic-free, there are a couple of great lid options made by Ball, which include lids made from either stainless steel or acacia wood featuring a BPA-free silicone gasket for an airtight seal. Zefiro offers similar lids made from bamboo.

Currently, my primary food storage system are Pyrex glass food storage containers with Snapware lids. Pyrex products are routinely third-party tested for lead and cadmium content; Snapware lids are made from recyclable polypropylene (#5) with silicone seals and BPA-free. Pyrex plastic lids are CA Prop 65 compliant and are free from BPA, BPS, BVP, Latex, Phthalate, Polycarbonate, Polychlorinated Vinyl, Polystyrene, PFAS, or PVC. I like the sturdiness and reliability of Pyrex, and the airtight lids are very effective at preventing leaks. The only complaint I have is that the lid tabs can sometimes be finicky, not clicking closed on the container. Pyrex x Snapware containers are widely available at retailers like Target, Costco, and Amazon.

Caraway ceramic-coated glass food storage containers are microwave, oven, refrigerator, and freezer Safe. They are free of PFAS, PFOA, PFTE, BPA and BPS, and heavy metals. Add their smaller Dot and Dash containers to transform these containers into a bento box.

Stojo food storage containers are made of FDA and LFGB certified platinum food grade silicone & FDA grade polypropylene, or #5 recyclable plastic. They are free of BPA, BPS, cadmium, mercury, lead, and all California Prop 65 harmful substances. In addition, products are manufactured in factories that meet the BSCI Code of Conduct. The best thing about Stojo containers is that they are collapsible, vastly improving the horrific world of food container storage. This quality also makes them simple to stow in a purse or glove box so that you easily supply your own coffee cup or container when doing takeout.

Klean Kanteen is a great sustainably-minded company that is a Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral certified, and a 1% for the Planet member. They offer a couple food storage options: food boxes and insulated canisters, both made from stainless steel. I own the Rise Food Box Family Set, made from certified 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel and food-grade silicone. The lids are leakproof and the system makes a great bento box for meals on the go. 

EcoLunchbox is another Certified B Corp, is women-owned, and a California Green Business. Their food storage containers are 100% plastic-free, instead made from stainless steel and silicone. Products can be found on EarthHero and Amazon; unfortunately I find that their most popular products are often out of stock due to supply chain issues.

Food Packages & Wrappers

Plastic food packaging and wrappers are a significant waste stream. In addition, packaging is a significant source of food contact chemicals (FCCs), a group of over 14,000 known chemicals associated with food packaging. More than 3,600 of these have been detected in our bodies. These include chemicals mentioned frequently throughout this page, as well as the entire site, such as PFAS, BPA, and phthalates,.

We highlight that the human population is exposed via food to chemicals migrating from food contact articles such as food packaging. Many of these chemicals are not sufficiently assessed for their impacts on human health, while others are known hazardous substances. As a consequence, we see a need for revising how the safety of migrating chemicals is assessed, using current scientific understanding. At the same time, different stakeholders are pushing for solutions to reduce packaging waste and end plastic pollution, but oftentimes not taking chemical safety into consideration. Therefore, we encourage all stakeholders to focus more on this issue and employ science-based decision making in the interest of improving public health. Reducing exposure to hazardous food contact chemicals contributes to the prevention of associated diseases in humans. And including chemical safety considerations in the development of sustainable packaging will lead to solutions that are beneficial to both human and environmental health.

Conclusion made in a consensus statement of 29 scientists, Impacts of food contact chemicals on human health: a consensus statement, Environ Health, 2020.

Go Green: Buy in bulk, prepare homemade meals

Fresh, minimally processed foods are key in decreasing food packaging waste and decreasing exposure to unwanted chemicals. Cut down on packaging by buying refillable products or buying in bulk. Winco has a large selection of foods, candy, coffee, and pet food available in bulk. Take your own containers to a local bulk shop fill them with a variety of foods, soaps, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, and more personal care products.

Read more about plastic packaging in this article by National Geographic.

Can wrappers be recycled?

Recycle plastic containers as accepted by your local recycler.

Food wrappers and bags are usually not recyclable unless they are stretchy, saran-wrap like plastic, which can be recycled with other plastic film at store drop-offs. Chip, candy, and snack wrappers that have foil-lined wrappers are very difficult to recycle since they contain metallic elements in addition to plastic. Terracycle has a wrapper waste box if you are willing to fork out the cash. Or you can drop them off at a Subaru dealership; they have a partnership with Terracycle to accept wrappers; they also accept styrofoam, plastic cups/lids, straws, coffee pods, and creamer capsules. Check for participating dealerships.

Ridwell is a the only hard-to-recycle collection service I’ve come across that takes all kinds of packaging, including multi-layer packaging, frozen food packaging, and snack wrappers. Unfortunately they aren’t in my neck of the woods but maybe they’re in yours.

Paper products

Coffee filters

Go Green: Reusable coffee filters

Stick with the reusable filter that comes with your coffee maker, or if you don’t like the standard filter, there are plenty other coffee filter options. For the coffee pod crew, purchase reusable K-cup filters or reusable Nespresso pods.

Best sustainable single-use coffee filters

When shopping for disposable coffee filters, look for unbleached options. Unbleached coffee filters, just like other unbleached paper product, undergo minimal processing and are free from chlorine and associated chemicals. These brown coffee filters are a more natural, eco-friendly choice.

Are coffee filters compostable?

Both filters and the grounds are backyard compostable or can be added to your green waste bin. Properly applied coffee grounds are great for plants and garden soil.

Napkins

Go Green: Cloth napkins

I’ve never owned formal cloth napkins, but I did find some really cute, casual cotton napkins from the CozySimpleLiving shop on Etsy. If you know how to sew, you could easily and inexpensively make your own. My mom used one of the napkins I bought as a pattern and made a bunch more for me.

Best disposable napkins

Reusable napkins are suitable even for picnicking or entertaining a crowd, but there might be occasions when you need a disposable napkin. As with all paper products, look for items that are made sustainably with either 100% recycled materials or bamboo that minimize environmental impacts.

Are napkins compostable?

Napkins are not recyclable. They are compostable if not soaked with oil or grease.

Paper towels

Go Green: Clean with cloths/rags

Minimize or eliminate use of disposable paper towels. It’s a lot easier to go without single-use paper towels than you may think. The most eco-friendly paper towel replacement is to simply repurpose old fabrics–clothes, towels, sheets, etc.–to make into rags or paper towels-sized cloths.

You might want some better looking, uniformly-sized cloths that are kept on a roll like traditional paper towels. Etsy has a plethora of reusable paper towels available in cute patterns, including some cotton ones I purchased from CozySimpleLiving, the same seller as the napkins mentioned above. These cost around $20 for a roll of 12. Marley’s Monsters UNpaper Towels are very similar, but are more pricey at $38 for 12, or $42 for organic cotton. If you really want to splurge, try Coyuchi’s Conserve Organic Paperless Towels, a set of 8 GOTS certified towels for $48. As great as these companies are, I think these products are extremely overpriced. Again, these would be very simple to make on your own, as they are essentially pieces of cloth with surged edges.

I’ve tried reusable paper towels made from bamboo, such as these Kitchen + Home Bamboo Towels, but I don’t really care for them as they are only reusable for about one week and ball up if you try to wash them.

Microfiber cloths are very popular option for cleaning. I have tried to stay away from microfiber in my home because they are composed of fossil fuel-based synthetic materials which may contribute to microplastic pollution. Learn more about microplastics and other plastic pollution here.

Greenest single-use paper towels

There are some things I don’t want to clean up with a reusable paper towel, like dog barf or other unmentionables. It is handy to keep a roll or two of disposable paper towels around for cases like this. As with all paper products, look for items that are made with 100% recycled materials, which is the most eco-friendly option, followed by bamboo. Both of these materials do not contribute to the significant deforestation created for tissue products.

Learn more about choosing eco-friendly paper products here.

Listed below are the paper towel brands that received A+ and A grades on the NRDC’s 2024 sustainability brand ratings:

Of these paper towel choices, only Reel Paper and Who Gives a Crap are packaged in plastic-free packaging.

Are paper towels recyclable?

Paper towels are not recyclable. They may be composted if they’re not saturated with grease, oil, or chemicals, including cleaning products.

Kitchen towels

Organic kitchen towels are the most eco-friendly, non-toxic choices for drying dishes and your hands. I’ve used Full Circle Dish Cloths, which are great, $9.99 for a set of three. They also offer plant-dyed kitchen towels for $7.99 or a set of three for $22.99.

Bambu has a set of two very sturdy All-Purpose Dishcloths made from a blend of organic cotton and hemp, as well as a set of four MEEMA Kitchen Towels made with Upcycled Denim.

Crate & Barrel has a large selection of organic cotton kitchen dish towels. Coyuchi organic cotton kitchen towels are a nice but more expensive option.

I realize these towels are more spendy than other cotton towels, so if that is not in your budget, non-organic cotton kitchen towels are a perfectly fine choice. Just stay away from synthetic fibers like polyester or microfiber, which shed microplastics.

One other thing to consider is resisting the urge to buy cute kitchen towels for each holiday. I’ve fallen prey to this, but have since stepped back and realized how wasteful (and silly) it is to buy towels that I only use for a month out of the year.

Miscellaneous kitchen items

Bread Tags

Coffee pods

Go Green: Reusable coffee pods

Single-serve coffee makers are very convenient, but the pods and capsules required are expensive and they create a lot of unneccessary waste. Coffee pods will average out to be anywhere from $20-40 per pound, compared to less than $10 per pound for bulk fresh beans.

Instead, go with a single-serve coffee maker or French press.

If you already have a coffee maker that uses pods, then purchase some reusable pods. There are plenty of both reusable Nespresso pods and reusable K-cup pods to choose from. I realize that these might be a bit of a pain to clean, but you can take an extra minute or two to do it.

Given the choice between the two major coffee pods brands, I would definitely go with Nespresso over Keurig. Nespresso is a Certified B Corp and has much more in the way of sustainability initiaves, including working with the Rainforest Alliance to source sustainably-grown coffee. Their pods are made of aluminum, which doesn’t contribute to plastic pollution and are infinitely recyclable.

Keurig is a bit ambigous about their coffee origins, stating that 100% of coffee is responsibly sourced, and is “grown and sold in adherence to a credible sourcing program that aligns with our Company Supplier Code of Conduct.” Their pods are made from plastic.

Coffee pod recycling

Nespresso capsules are made from aluminum, so they should be able to be recycled with other aluminum items. Or, with each order Nespresso will send you a free pre-paid envelope to return your coffee pods for recycling. There are also multiple collection points across the globe.

Keurig pods are made from #5 (PP) plastic, which is recyclable, but not everyone has access to recycling of this material. They do offer K-cycle bins, a box to collect empty K pods for recycling. However, the cost is $120 for a box that holds 175 pods, or $170 for a box that holds 450 pods.

Subaru dealerships have a partnership with Terracycle to collect coffee pods, as well as straws, plastic and styrofoam cups/lids, creamer capsules, and candy/snack wrappers. Check for participating dealerships.

Reusable ice pack

Marley’s Monsters Stainless Steel Ice Pack is chemical-free, being filled with distilled water, making it a great plastic-free choice for keeping lunches cold.

Eco-friendly toothpicks

Try reusable metal Titanium Toothpicks from Package Free. For a disposable option, choose FSC-certified wood toothpicks, such as Up&Up Round Toothpicks from Target.

Non-plastic microwave cover

I had a plastic microwave cover that ended up with a large melted hole, which I found pretty gross. I decided to look for a non-plastic alternative. Since metal is obviously not an option, glass was the next best choice—but I quickly found that there aren’t many options available.

I decided to fork out $40 for Bezrat Glass Microwave Cover at Target. Reviews stated it was heavy, and while being glass does make it more weighty, it is not unmanageable for me or my kids. The cover has a nice grippy silicone knob on top as well as two vents, which is the biggest reason I wanted this cover rather than simply using another plate or a dish for a cover, which is a perfectly acceptable (and cheaper) alternative to a microwave cover.

Eco-friendly kitchen cleaning products

With all the messes made from meal prep and family dinners, it’s important to have trusty kitchen cleaning products on hand. I will briefly discuss my favorite plastic-free, non-toxic kitchen cleaners here, but for a full description of eco-friendly cleaning products and more recommendations, click here.

Gloves

Most household rubber gloves are not actually made from rubber but from from PVC, or vinyl, which is the most harmful type plastic for our health. In addition, these gloves are not recyclable or biodegradable. Instead, choose cleaning gloves that are made from natural rubber latex, which comes from trees and is fully compostable. Great products include If You Care Household Gloves, Full Circle natural latex gloves, and Grove Cleaning Gloves. If you have a latex allergy, go with nitrile gloves, such as the HDX Green 11mil Reusable Nitrile Glove at Home Depot.

Dish tools

Nearly all common dishwashing tools that you find in stores are composed entirely of plastic, or at least partly. But there are numerous companies that offer great dishwashing products that are made of natural materials and therefore biodegradable.

Dish soap

For plastic-free dish soap options, try a dish soap bar, such as Meliora Dish Soap Bar, made with simple, safe ingredients and available in unscented or lemon. Or for liquid dish soap, look for products packaged in an aluminum bottle, such as Grove Dish Soap.

Dishwasher detergent

I have decided to skip dishwasher detergent pods and sheets because they are contained in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which may or may not release microplastics despite claims of its biodegradability. Read more about this here.

Instead, try detergent tablets such as Blueland Dishwasher Tablets. They offer a dishwasher starter set that includes a tin to hold subsequent refills, which come in a compostable paper pouch.

The other plastic-free detergent option comes in the form of powder; my favorites are Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Powder, which is USDA certified Biobased and available in a tin or paperboard box; and Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent, a biobased powder in a cardboard container with a wooden scoop.

Kitchen cleaners

The most eco-friendly, non-toxic, and inexpensive cleaners are quite simple. Start off with a reusable glass spray bottle, such as Grove’s Refillable Spray Bottle or Everspring Glass Reusable Spray Bottle. Fill with water, adding desired cleaning concentrates or tablets, or make your own cleaner with the plethora of recipes online that use basic ingredients such as vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

All purpose cleaners are the best choice to decrease consumption, simply using one cleaner for all surfaces, from stone countertops to stainless steel appliances to wood tables. Check the labels for recommended uses and test a small area first.

• Choose from tablets like Blueland Multi-Surface Cleaner, Boulder Clean All-Purpose Cleaner, or Meliora All-Purpose Cleaner. These tablets are all packaged in compostable wrappers.
• Liquid concentrates include Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap, Branch Basics – The Concentrate, or Grove Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate.

If you’re seeking disinfectant, skip the bleach wipes; all cleaning wipes are made from synthetic materials like polyester and rayon. At home, use store-bought or home-made disinfectant spray with a rag to clean pretty much anything without all the excess waste. I prefer this natural disinfectant spray recipe from Bob Vila. I like it because it’s quick and easy to mix, and uses ingredients that you probably already have.

If you require cleaning products designated for specific surfaces, plastic-free options are very limited, but there are many non-toxic products to choose from.

• Glass. Numerous concentrate options: Blueland Glass + Mirror Cleaner, Boulder Clean Glass Surface Cleaner, Etee Window Cleaner Concentrate, Grove Glass Cleaner Concentrate
• Leather. Pure Sense Leather Conditioner & Cleaner
• Stone. Seventh Generation Granite & Stone Cleaner or Method Daily Granite Cleaner
• Stainless Steel. Method Stainless Steel Cleaner + Polish or Therapy Clean Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish
• Wood. Method Daily Wood Cleaner, Aunt Fannie’s Wood Surface Cleaner
• Floors. Grove Floor Cleaning Concentrate or Etee Floor Cleaner Concentrate. For wood floors: Aunt Fannie’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner or Method Squirt + Mop Wood Floor Cleaner

Heavy duty cleaning

Sometimes baked on food residues or greasy exhaust fans or ovens need something a little stronger. Many options, especially oven cleaners, tend to contain harmful chemicals such as VOCs,

• Grab Green Power Degreaser is naturally-derived, made without phosphates, phthalates, ammonia, solvents or dyes; cruelty-free. Also available on Amazon
• Method Heavy Duty Degreaser – plant-based formula. Buy at:Target / Amazon / Grove

Try a natural degreaser with vinegar and water, baking soda, or even oil, as suggested by Allrecipes.

Eco-friendly trash bags

Biodegradable garbage bags vs recycled trash bags

This is one of the classic there-is-not-a-clear-cut-answer-here issues. By now, you know plastic should be avoided as much as possible, and biodegradable or compostable materials are what we should aim for. So it should be a simple win for biodegradable trash bags here, right? If only it were that simple.

Take a moment to consider where your trash is ultimately headed, which is most likely the landfill. Here your refuse gets dumped and buried by layers of more waste. In that environment, your trash quickly loses access to oxygen. In this anaerobic environment, stuff takes forever to break down. Even organic material. If you’ve read anything about food waste, you’ll know that a simple head of lettuce can take up to 25 years to fully decompose in a landfill! Normally this breakdown process creates carbon dioxide, but with the lack of oxygen, methane is created instead, which is much worse at trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Under these conditions, neither type of bag is going to break down readily, but biodegradable bags have the edge since they will fully decompose, albeit very slowly. Plus, they don’t contain all the chemicals found in plastic that will likely leach into the soil.

Biodegradable garbage bags

• If You Care 13 Gallon Compostable Tall Kitchen Bags
• Biobag 13 Gallon Compostable Kitchen Bag
• Repurpose Compostable Tall Kitchen Bag (13gal) or Compostable Small Bin Bag (3gal)

Recycled garbage bags

• If You Care 13 Gallon or 30 Gallon recycled trash bags
• Grove 100% Recycled Trash Bags
• Green Polly 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags
• Simple Human – the Odorsorb trash liners are made with 50% PCR (post-consumer recycled material)

Should you just go bagless?

No, skipping a trash bag isn’t a great option; in fact, some municipalities require bagging. Loose trash is likely to spread outside of the garbage truck, especially on a windy day. What would work, though, is to use other trash to hold your garbage, like say an empty dog food bag.

Are trash bags recyclable?

If composed of #2 HDPE or #4 LDPE plastic, then yes empty trash bags could be recycled with other plastic films. But of course this would entail you dumping your trash out of the bag and into the can, which may be less than desirable as mentioned above. In addition, plastic films need to be clean and dry. So most likely, recycling trash bags is not a feasible option.

And while we’re on the subject, adding any kind of bag to curbside recycling is a big no-no. Do NOT bag your recycling. This is among the biggest errors seen, and may result in your recycling being thrown away. In most cases, bagged recycling cannot be sorted. And plastic bags result in clogged facility machinery. Learn more about recycling basics here.

Final thoughts on eco-friendly kitchen products

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is where daily meals are prepared and family and friends gather. Transitioning to non-toxic, eco-friendly kitchen products is a meaningful investment in your health as well as that of your loved ones. It’s clear that finding high-quality, non-toxic, and eco-friendly kitchen products can sometimes be a challenging task, but in the end, we must strive to make the best choices available, balancing our priorities and determining which qualities we’re willing to compromise on. As a consumer, it can be very difficult to know where to start, but I hopeful you find this guide useful in creating a more sustainable, non-toxic kitchen.