Guest Picks: Ecofriendly Finds for a Greener Kitchen
Going green is easier with these cooking and storage accessories, chic biodegradable dinnerware and more
One of my New Year's resolutions is to step up my commitment to reducing, reusing and recycling. In addition to using less, I've seen many green products over the last year that could help green up my kitchen. Most energy waste comes from kitchens, and these items would help make being green a part of your everyday life. — Mariko from The Little Foodie
Bamboo Compost Pail
Here's what I love about this countertop composter as opposed to the millions that have popped up on the market: It has a removable inner container that you can wash and that is light enough to carry around. Many compost pails require bags you have to buy separately or are heavy when you have to move a couple of day's worth of scraps to the outside bins. This bamboo one is built with convenience in mind.
Produce Stand Complete Starter Kit
I usually bring my own grocery bags to the store, but I need to start putting my veggies in their own reusable produce bags. I love that these are breathable and wrap up small. They're easy to keep together and clip on so that you don't forget to bring them with you.
Orka by Mastrad Flavor and Oil Spray Mister
Use your own oils instead of those aerosol grease sprays. You can be chemical free with this spray bottle that's easy to clean. I am excited to try my own flavors with it.
Linen Napkin Set, Gray by Pillow Link
I don't normally buy paper napkins, but I find myself needing them. Whenever I do get a stack, I'm shocked at how quickly they make it into the trash. I need easily washable linen napkins for the dinner table. I prefer a darker rustic style so that I won't have to worry about getting them dirty.
Orka by Mastrad Vegetable Keep Sacks
These reusable bags are perfect for keeping potatoes, ginger, onions and garlic out of the way and out of the light. I think the drawstring bottom is ingenious. I won't be throwing away sprouted potatoes or shriveled garlic anymore.
Fruit and Vegetable Keepers
I'm a fanatic about keeping my leftovers in reusable containers, and I try to avoid plastic wrap as much as possible. I would justify it, though, on a partly sliced tomato, onion or lemon because the wrap seems so simple and minuscule. Now I can cut down on that too with these fruit and vegetable keepers made in just the right sizes.
Sling rePETe Serpentine Bag
I am amazed how these Sling bags from ChicoBag wrap up teeny tiny and still manage to carry 40 pounds of groceries. Most of the reusable bags I've bought made from recyclable materials are fragile at best. If I take a trip for groceries on my bike, this is coming with me.
De Buyer Mineral B Iron Crepe Pan
I've already converted to cast iron pans as the best nonstick pans without any chemical coatings. The only problem is that they are very heavy, and making crêpes or other light items that require me to move and shift the pan is pretty difficult. De Buyer pans are thinner and lighter, and I plan to make this crêpe pan part of my collection.
Wasara Biodegradable Tableware
Sometimes I need disposable plates, and these beautiful pieces of all types and sizes made from fully compostable materials won't make me feel one bit guilty. I will definitely make these part of my picnic stash.
Stainless Steel Drinking Straw
My kids love straws, and I buy them in a 300 pack. Well, no more! I need these bendy-style stainless steel straws now.
Stoneware Grease Keeper With Stainless Steel Mesh Strainer, White
I'm a deep fryer and a bacon addict, so this grease container would be very handy for me. It contains a strainer to separate the oil from the grease and is easy to store.
Biokleen Automatic Dish Gel
I only just got a dishwasher this year, and I feel like a new woman. Now I can be grateful for environmentally friendly dishwashing liquid.
Stainless Steel Locking Air-Tight Containers
I'm so excited about these stainless steel locking containers. I have glass ones, and I break one every few weeks. These will be great for storing leftovers of any size. Plus, they are light and easy to clean.
Skoy Cloth Pack
Most sponges, despite how quickly they seem to break apart, are not ecofriendly. Skoy is like a very durable and absorbent cloth that can replace your sponge. It also dries quickly so that it is not full of bacteria.
Wood Cutting Board, Natural Edge by Red Onion Woodworks
Wood cutting boards are the best for your knives, as well as the earth. These salvaged wood cutting boards are even one step up, as they are made from wood scraps.
Hidden Recycling Bin
This recycling bin hangs on the back of your under-the-sink cupboard door. I've seen a lot of plastic bins, but this bag-style bin is by far my favorite. Recycling bins always get stinky, and this can be washed and easily transported to the outside cans.
Green Cycler Platinum
This compost bin isn't as lovely as the bamboo one, but it is a very fast composter. The shredding mechanism helps to aid and compact food composting, making my garbage disposal a thing of the past.
Reusable Food Storage Wraps
I want to shout from the rooftops about this product. I love everything about these, from their sizes down to their cute stitching and closures.
Repurposed Wine and Skyy Bottle Short Tumblers by Bottlehood
Repurposed glasses from wine bottles are just beautiful. I want these in my cupboards.
Wine Barrel Stave Bread Bowl
I keep most of my fruit out of my fridge and on my countertop, so naturally I want to keep it all confined to a bowl. I like how this repurposed wine barrel platter would be big enough for an under-the-cupboard counter space.
Next: 9 Ideas From an Ecofriendly Kitchen Makeover
Next: 9 Ideas From an Ecofriendly Kitchen Makeover