Kitchens are the source of good food, joy, and comfort in our homes, but they can also be a significant source of waste. Outside of food waste, many common kitchen products are designed for convenience over sustainability. For example, single-use items such as plastic wrap are easy to use, but create significant waste. In addition, many kitchen implements are made from non-sustainable materials, such as plastic and new paper.

Fortunately, there are a variety of eco-friendly alternatives available to help you build a more sustainable kitchen. And, while some of these may cost more upfront, they can save you money in the long run. Here are some suggestions from Certified B Corporations (to explore other B Corps, visit their website at the “Action” link below):

• Plastic food storage containers (aka, tupperware) are not only unsustainable, they are also prone to staining and warping with regular use. Non-plastic alternatives, such as glass or stainless steel, are not only more sustainably made, but are often a higher-quality product. In addition, non-plastic containers generally last for longer than plastic options, reducing the need for replacements. There are a variety of options online depending on your needs, but ECOlunchbox’s line of plastic-free food containers and bento boxes is a great starting point.
• Humans throw out tons of paper towels each year — literally! Worldwide, paper towels account for 254 million tons of trash annually. While paper towels made from recycled paper are a step towards reducing the impact of this industry, paper towels made from recycled content are not recyclable again after use. For home use, a better alternative is reusable paper towels, such as Full Circle’s Tough Sheet reusable paper towels.
• Beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic wrap. To make your own, cut pieces of fabric to your desired size, cover the fabric with beeswax pellets or grated beeswax, and then use an iron or an oven to melt the beeswax onto the fabric. These wraps can be used multiple times, and when they no longer stick, just add more beeswax! Or, you can buy premade beeswax wraps from Bee’s Wrap.