Let’s talk about a common area in our homes that’s easy to overlook when it comes to going natural, green, and eco-friendly: the KITCHEN! There are so many different gadgets and supplies that we use on a daily basis; many of which are coming in direct contact with our food and what we eat. So today I’m going to share a huge guide that will help you transition out each item in your kitchen and provide you with safer and more environmentally friendly options!
This post contains affiliate links.
Areas we’ll cover in this post:
(click to jump to a specific section)
- Natural Dish Washing + Hand Soaps
- Other Kitchen Cleaning Supplies
- Eco-Friendly Food Storage
- Non-Toxic Cookware
- Natural Cooking/Baking Utensils + Supplies
- Organic Cotton Hand Towels
- Composting Food Scraps
- Safer Appliances
- Zero Waste Coffee + Tea
- Water Filter
Natural Dish Washing + Hand Soaps
I just love washing dishes…said no one ever 🍽 But it’s not something I can avoid, so the least I can do is choose some better natural options for washing them 🧽
Better Life Unscented Dish Soap: A budget-friendly option that I like, however, it is in plastic!
Branch Basics: This concentrate can be used for all cleaning needs around your home, including dishes! The ingredients are natural and safe; you can even use your own bottles if you want to avoid plastic. Code ORGANICALLYBECCA gets you 20% off starter kits!
Dropps Unscented Detergent Pods: I love these and they clean my dishes so well! I’ve not had great luck with natural dishwasher detergent in the past but these are legit and don’t leave any residue or streaks. They are wrapped in a biodegradable film. Code BECCA10 for a discount!
Natural Latex Cleaning and Dish Gloves: For deep cleaning or doing dishes, these are natural latex with cotton cuffs.
No Tox Life Dishwashing Block: My preferred option for dishwashing! I love this block. You just take a wet brush and scrub it on the block until it lathers, then go to town on your dishes. It lathers really nicely and makes dishes super clean. I have this cute bamboo dish to rest it on.
Redecker Beechwood Dish Brush: Love this eco-friendly brush for dishes! It’s made of untreated beechwood and the fibers are Tampico. The head is replaceable. Redecker also makes a stiffer brush for pots and pans.
Washable Organic Cotton Sponge: These are machine washable organic sponges that are biodegradable and compostable. Another option are these compostable loofahs!
Natural Hand Soaps for the Kitchen Sink:
- Branch Basics
- Kosmatology Foaming Hand Soaps: These smell so good and are a perfect organic swap for those Bath & Body Works soaps (code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount)
- OSEA Purifying Hand Soap: Comes in a huge glass bottle and smells like lemons! 🍋
- Plaine Products Refillable Hand Wash: Natural AND they are refillable and come in a non-plastic bottle (code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount)
Other Kitchen Cleaning Supplies
- Branch Basics: As mentioned above, this kit takes care of all household cleaning needs. I use the All-Purpose mix for general kitchen cleaning like wiping counters and also washing fruit. I pair it with the Oxygen Boost for deep cleaning the sink. And the foaming hand wash! 🧼
- Cleaning Essentials: Or if you’d rather DIY your cleaning products, these bottles are glass and have measurements on the side!
- Force of Nature: If you *really* want to disinfect, this converts tap water plus a capsule of salt, water, and vinegar into a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer as effective as bleach!
- Ode to Clean Wipes: These are biodegradable cleaning wipes made from Lyocell plant starch and bioperoxide. I also use these for wiping down counters and such.
- Paper Towels: I always try to use an old rag or cloth first to avoid using something single-use, but sometimes you just need something quick! Who Gives A Crap has some nice bamboo/sugarcane paper towels.
Eco-Friendly Food Storage
There are two major problems with most food storage: it’s either plastic or it’s single-use and then thrown away. I try to avoid plastic, especially when it comes to food, because it actually leaches BPA and chemicals. It’s even worse when heated up in the microwave! Not to mention the environmental impacts. You can learn more about all the different types of plastic in our Positively Green Podcast episode about it. Here are some better options for food storage:
- Beeswax Wrap: This is a natural swap for plastic cling wrap, made of beeswax 🐝 It’s great for wrapping food or covering to seal in moisture. You just wash it with soap and water and reuse it!
- Glass Containers: I love Pyrex containers for storing food. You can bake with them, too!
- Mason Jars: Cheap, cute, and a fun way to store food. You can find these at most grocery stores or places like Target.
- Reusable Produce Bags: Instead of using plastic bags at the grocery store for produce, these are a perfect eco swap.
- Stasher Bags: These are the BEST! They are silicone sandwich bags that you wash and reuse. They have a bunch of different sizes, too.
Non-Toxic Cookware
One of the most common questions I get asked is “What cookware is the safest!?” so here we go! Thankfully, there are a couple of options that are considered non-toxic and it depends on your preferences. I actually use a combination of a few different types. There is really no one type of cookware that is perfect unfortunately and there are pros and cons to each type!
First of all, what’s wrong with most cookware in the first place? I highly suggest watching the documentary The Devil We Know, which exposes the dangers of Teflon and the chemicals in non-stick cookware. Essentially, chemicals such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA or C8) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are commonly found in these non-stick coatings. While it’s convenient and makes cooking easy because food slides right off the pan, the exposure to these chemicals is not worth it in my opinion. When heated, these chemicals release toxic gases.
A 2010 study found that almost all people in the United States have PFOA in their blood and the half-life of it is about 3 years. This chemical also does not break down in the environment. This study also found PFOA to have toxic effects on the immune, liver, and endocrine systems.
PFOA has been detected in the blood of more than 98% of the general U.S. population.
Another material to watch out for in cookware is aluminum because it can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals and heavy metals into food. Now let’s talk about some of my preferred options for cookware:
Ceramic Cookware
I love Xtrema ceramic cookware 🍳because they use just pure ceramic. No PFOA, PTFE, glues, polymers, coatings, or dyes. Beware of greenwashing when it comes to ceramic cookware – some are actually still coated with non-stick chemicals. The only downfall with ceramic is that it’s pretty fragile and heavy. Other than that, I love my Xtrema pots and pans! I typically choose my ceramic saucepans for cooking things like soups, reheating food, or melting butter or chocolate for baking.
My main tip for using these cookware options that aren’t non-stick is to use lots of fats! For ceramic, I like to heat up the pan on low heat for a minute or two, then add a fat such as ghee, butter, or avocado oil. That should eliminate any sticking once you start cooking. Code ORGANICALLYBECCA works for a discount on Xtrema products!
Cast Iron Skillets
Hello, natural source of iron! Cast iron skillets are an awesome option and can be used for just about anything. I have Lodge cast iron which comes pre-seasoned in soybean oil which I don’t love, but it’s what I got! But it eventually has to be reseasoned, anyway, so I’m fine with it. Keeping it well seasoned is the key to preventing sticking with cast irons.
Not only do these provide a natural source of iron (which some people see as a benefit and others want to avoid!), but they’re durable and last a really long time if you take proper care of them. And they’re not crazy expensive. They are on the heavy side though and take a bit longer to heat up (but they do hold heat and take longer to cool down!). The main thing is NOT to wash it with soap like a regular pan. Instead, rinse it with warm water then dry it on the heated stove.
I also use a Lodge cast iron pizza pan and I’ve also seen cast iron waffle makers 🧇
Glass Cookware
Glass cookware is nice because it’s non-porous and doesn’t absorb stains, smells, flavors, etc. However, it’s obviously pretty fragile! But it’s budget-friendly. I have Pyrex glass bakeware and it has held up well over the years. These are nice for baking or making casserole-type dishes. I don’t really use anything glass on my stovetop, but definitely use it in the oven!
Stainless Steel Pots + Pans
Stainless steel is another material I like for cookware. The only thing to watch out for with stainless steel is that there are concerns with metals nickel and chromium leaching when cooking with acidic foods or high temperatures, but that’s only really if you buy low-quality brands.
Stainless steel is more lightweight compared to cast iron and ceramic cookware, and not as fragile! It’s great for searing things like a juicy steak; the food might stick initially, but the fats from the steak begin to loosen it up. I do find that I need more oils/butter when cooking things like eggs or pancakes on my stainless steel fry pan compared to cast iron, for example. But it is very efficient with conducting heat so you can cook at low temps.
I love the brand 360 Cookware which is actually made in Wisconsin and really high quality. It’s 18/8 non-leaching surgical-grade stainless steel and has no coatings on it. You can even put these in the oven up to 500 degrees. I use their fry pans, jelly roll pans, and 6-quart slow cooker which also doubles as a stockpot. Code ORGANICALLYBECCA25 works for a discount!
Natural Cooking/Baking Utensils + Supplies
The primary thing I look for when buying cooking utensils is just to avoid plastic or anything non-stick. I opt for alternatives like bamboo, silicone, and stainless steel. Again, watch out for natural materials that are still coated with non-stick. Here are some options to get you started:
- Bamboo Cutting Board: To avoid cutting your food on plastic, bamboo is a lovely alternative! Plus it’s naturally antibacterial 🎍
- Bamboo Spatula Set: Organic bamboo spatula and spoon set for cooking and baking. Or silicone utensils with wood handles are nice too.
- Glass / Silicone/ Stainless Steel Straws: There are lots of options for straws nowadays! I have glass, silicone, and stainless steel straws. I usually opt for glass or silicone instead of stainless steel. Just my personal preference and I feel like the steel sometimes gives drinks a weird taste. But it’s still a safe choice!
- Parchment Paper: I like If You Care parchment baking paper because it’s FSC certified, compostable, unbleached, and chlorine-free. They make lots of baking supplies such as these baking cups.
- Silicone Ice Cube Trays: Instead of plastic 🧊 These are food-grade silicone and BPA free. I avoid baking with silicone at high temps because I haven’t read enough research about the safety, but use it for cold things!
Organic Cotton Hand Towels
Pact Organic Cotton Towels
Pact is another brand I love that has organic cotton, fair trade, GOTS certified hand towels. They have more of a selection, though, when it comes to colors and sizes.
Related blog post: “16+ Simple Ways to “Greenify” Your Home“
Composting Food Scraps
Did you know that when food scraps go to the landfill, they actually mummify instead of break down? 🗑 I know it sounds extremely “crunchy” to compost, but there are lots of benefits and it’s an easy way to help out the environment. In fact, Kelsey and I did an entire podcast episode about how to get started with composting and why it’s so important.
It really is not as intimidating as it may seem. I have a 17-gallon Envirocycle Compost Tumbler for outside, and this bin for keeping scraps in the kitchen. If composting isn’t your jam, you can at least switch to more eco-friendly trash bags like these!
Safer Appliances
- Almond Cow: One of my favorite machines ever! You can make your own nut and seed milks at home in just a few minutes. This saves you from having to buy them from the store in plastic bottles or weird ingredients. Read more in this blog post! 🐮You can use code ORGANICALLYBECCA25 for $25 off orders $200+.
- Microwave (or lack thereof): So…this is going to make me seem very crunchy but we actually moved our microwave out of the kitchen and into storage. I always hear so much conflicting evidence about whether they are safe or not, so for me, I’m just being cautious and prefer to heat up my food on the stove or in our toaster oven ⚡️
- Teflon-Free Convection Toaster Oven: Toaster ovens are a quick way to cook food, toast, and bake without using your regular oven. This one by Waring contains no Teflon or non-stick coatings.
Related post: “My 3 Favorite Zero Waste, Plastic Free Methods for Brewing Coffee at Home“
Zero Waste Coffee + Tea
I admit, I am a total coffee snob! ☕️ Aside from the fact that it’s super important to buy organic coffee (most coffee is HEAVILY sprayed with pesticides), there are a couple of ways you can reduce your waste when it comes to brewing your morning cup of joe. I have a few methods that I rotate between:
- French Press (Glass): Make sure you opt for a glass french press vs. plastic! These are nice because you don’t need any filters; the french press does the straining. It’s so easy too.
- Pour Over (Chemex): Another great option; these are glass. This one requires a filter! You can either get a reusable filter, otherwise, I suggest these unbleached, compostable coffee filters! If you do use the compostable ones, you might have to double up and use two because they are pretty fragile and break easily when wet.
- Pour Over (Osaka): I also have this pour-over dripper which is very similar to the Chemex but has a reusable filter. And it just looks pretty 😍
- Gooseneck Kettle: I love this stainless steel gooseneck kettle for heating up water to make coffee.
- Coffee Sock for Cold Brew: The easiest way to steep cold brew! This organic cotton, reusable, and just requires occasional boiling to keep clean. Doesn’t leave behind any residue, either. Code BECCA10 for a discount at EarthHero.
Related post: “Comparing 13 Organic & Clean Coffee Brands (Free of Mold + Mycotoxins)“
Water Filter
Sorry to say, but most water filters in your fridge or pitchers aren’t really doing much! The Environmental Working Group tested almost 49,000 water utilities across the United States and found a shocking 267 contaminants of concern. So it is DEFINITELY super important to invest in a good water filter 🚰
You can read my blog post about common contaminants found in tap water and learn more about what should be filtered out. I have used a PureEffect 3-Stage Filter for many years now and it’s the best option in my opinion! 💦
Related podcast episode: F is for Fluoride with Melissa Gallico
There you have it! I know that was a lot of information that I just threw at you. But I think it’s an important area of our homes and we use these products so frequently that switching to better alternatives is definitely a priority! If you feel overwhelmed, just try to switch out one thing at a time. You can do it! Leave any questions or comments below.
I really want to buy kitchen gloves for washing dishes, but isn’t latex bad for you?
I believe it depends; if it’s naturally-sourced latex and doesn’t have added harmful chemicals then it’s safe!
Nice Post. Wearing gloves while washing dishes will keep us safe from various disease. Great info you have shared here.
I am looking for a non toxic and non aluminum toaster oven – small for 4 slices of toast. Can you please help me?
Hi! This one isn’t a pop-up, it’s a small toaster oven, you’d have to double-check on the aluminum part but I’ve seen this featured on other blogs because it doesn’t have non-stick.
When are we going to address the issue that unless you make $50k a year you won’t be able to afford this stuff? I can’t spend $15 on hand soap. What is the point of me learning that everything is poison when I have no choice but to expose my babies to it? I feel like all of these blogging sites are just for privileged mothers. Guess middle class children are left to suffer. Which is even more of a shame considering most minorities like myself are at middle class or more commonly lower, meaning most minorities don’t have access to this kind of stuff even if we obtain the knowledge. We just get to go to bed every night knowing we are poisoning our babies and there’s nothing we can do about it because I can’t spend $6k on cookware. Makes you wonder if the low IQ average within the black community is artificial and on purpose. Hint: it is.
Hi Lex, thanks for your comment, I wish these items were more affordable too and my hope is that as they become more mainstream the prices go down. I always tell people to have grace with themselves and to take your time; it took me years to switch out a lot of my products and it’s not realistic to do it all overnight nor is it worth stressing over. I also have a post about budget-friendly clean products. If you go on Pinterest there are also tons of DIY recipes to make things such as hand soap for much cheaper. Or you can search local shops for secondhand items such as pots and pans. Not sure if my comment even helps at all but I wish these were more accessible too.
Question about the stainless steel. It says “There are usually numbers associated with stainless steel, such as 18/0, 18/8, or 18/10. The first number is the amount of chromium and the second is nickel. The lower the number the better!” which number do we want to be lower? The first or second number?
The second!
That’s so valuable shopping guide regarding green kitchen!! Thank you for sharing the list of eco-friendly kitchen products and its uses. If buyers start shopping eco-friendly kitchen products means you are contributing towards environment.
Your recommendation of bamboo cutting board is very wrong. First off, it says on the link that is has a layer of natural oil. This usually means mineral oil which is toxic. Secondly, you don’t explain whether you have vetted the issue of glues used to stick the bamboo together. Have you? Please do a better job.
Hi Abey, the bamboo cutting board I have linked does not use mineral oil. It’s held together with water-based glue (no formaldehyde or heavy metals) and the finishing oil on it is food safe and derived from sunflower oil, soybean oil, thistle oil, and carnauba wax.