In your kitchen

Dish brushes

The cheapest dish brush on the market is also the most harmful to the environment. Your stock standard plastic brush with nylon bristles will end up in landfill once it is worn out and take centuries to break down. The next best thing is one where you can replace the brush head, then at least you are reusing the handle for longer. However, you can avoid plastic altogether with a wood brush with a replaceable head of plant-based bristles.

Dishwashing liquid / soap

Standard dishwashing liquid can be full of chemicals (which then end up going down the drain) and comes in a single-use plastic bottle. Plant or mineral-based dishwashing liquid can be purchased in plastic or aluminium containers that can be refilled, or you can get a dish soap bar (just grab a wooden soap dish or a natural soap rest to go with it).

Dishwasher tablets / rinse aid

As with dishwashing liquid cleaning products for use with your dishwasher can be full of chemicals. Look out for plant or mineral-based products that do just as good a job.

Other kitchen brushes

Similar to dish brushes, there are plenty of plastic bottle brushes, vegetable brushes and scourers. Look out for wood and plant-based replacements.

Clothes and sponges

The most commonly used kitchen clothes and sponges are made of plastic. That means when they are thrown away they end up in landfill and take centuries to break down. Instead compostable versions of both are available, and they can even go in your dishwasher when they need a clean so they’ll last for months.

Paper towels

The paper towels you get at the supermarket are wrapped in plastic and often are made from virgin wood pulp, meaning trees were cut down to make them. Look out for alternatives that are either made from recycled paper, or a more renewable resource like bamboo. Or if you want to go the extra mile you can buy reusable papers towels that you run through the washing machine.

Food storage

Plastic wrap, aluminium foil and parchment paper are all single-use items with a significant carbon footprint and can contain harmful chemicals. If you do need to use them then look out for compostable plastic wrap, recycled aluminium foil, and unbleached parchment paper. Or you can replace them with reusable items like food storage containers, silicon baking mats, beeswax wraps, and silicon lids and food huggers. Plastic zip lock bags can also be replaced with reusable silicon ones.