Best sustainable kitchenware
Swap clingfilm for beeswax wraps and coffee cups for reusable flasks with our guide to the best sustainable kitchen products
Switch up your plastic products, harsh chemicals and single-use items for sustainable and eco-friendly staples. With items such as plastic straws being banned and plastic bags coming at a cost - both for the consumer and the planet - we have compiled our list of alternative kitchenware to inspire a more climate-friendly way of storing, cooking and cleaning up your food.
Kitchenware is used constantly, so making sustainable choices in the kitchen matters more. Materials such as glass and stainless steel are not only more eco-conscious but more hygienic. Our selection highlights practical and easy-to-use items that can be used over and over again, from eco-friendly clingfilm to cutlery to take on the go with you. Save time and money in the long term with single purchases that are durable and often portable.
For a more in-depth guide to greener kitchen practices, tune into olive magazine's podcast Green Kitchen Series with episodes on how to shop more sustainably, conscious cooking and how to have a more sustainable kitchen practice. For sustainable drinking, take a look at the best sustainable spirits to try.
For more interiors inspiration, browse our 10 expert tips for designing your kitchen and picks of 20 best marble kitchen accessories. We've also picked the best summer kitchen accessories to buy for a colourful design revamp.
Reusable bamboo cutlery set
- Available from olive shop (£8)
An eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic, this set will do double-duty for packed lunches and spring picnics. It even includes chopsticks and a drinking straw.
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Available from:
olive shop (£8)
Kalinko Zomi highballs
- Available from Kalinko (£52, set of four)
Handblown in Yangon, Myanmar, these colourful recycled glasses are perfect for long cocktails such as a tom collins or mojito.
Available from:
Kalinko (£52)
Nkuku Mila champagne glasses
- Available from Nkuku (£50, set of four)
Serve fizz in these pretty etched emerald-hued coupes, made from recycled glass.
Available from:
Nkuku (£50)
Multicoloured Reusable Glass Straws
- Available from Oliver Bonas (£10)
Swap single-use plastic straws for these funky glass alternatives to make your drinks more eco-friendly. Each pack comes with a cotton brush for easy cleaning.
Available from:
Oliver Bonas (£10)
Chilly’s Reusable Water Bottle
- Available from John Lewis (£22)
Whether you’re on a train, plane or simply going for a stroll, packing a reusable water bottle will save you picking up a plastic one. These Chilly’s bottles come in funky prints and finishes (think giraffe and chrome rose gold), plus double-walled vacuum insulation keeps the temperature consistent – hot for 12 hours and cold for 24. A leak-proof, screw-top lid means you can carry it in your bag without risking a spillage. Check out our round-up of the best reusable water bottles to buy here.
Available from:
John Lewis (£22)
Cotton food wraps
- Available from Waxwrap (£16)
There’s no need for clingfilm once you invest in these food wraps. Handmade from organic cotton infused with beeswax, jojoba oil and pine resin, these malleable wraps act as a seal around food to keep it fresh. The pack comes with three rolls of different sizes and we love the colourful patterns – much cheerier than clingfilm. Use to keep anything from blocks of cheese to sandwiches or bowls of leftovers protected.
Available from:
Waxwrap (£16)
Kilner Round Clip Top Jars
- Available from Amazon (£11.50, 3 litre)
Started shopping at refill stores? Take your Kilner jar along to stock up on seeds, nuts and breakfast cereals. These glass jars store up to two litres, making them ideal for dried goods or, thanks to that rubber sealing ring and clip-top lid, perfect if you want to start making your own kombucha.
Available from:
Amazon (£11.50, 3 litre)
Black+Blum Stainless Steel Lunch Box
- Available from Planet Organic (£31.95)
Pack your dinner leftovers and sourdough sarnies into this stainless steel lunchbox with a compartment divider. A silicone seal prevents leaks, while the sleek strap keeps everything in place.
Available from:
Planet Organic (£31.95)
Lékué Reusable Food Bags
- Available from Nisbets (£29.98, set of 3)
Lékué’s reusable food bags are crafted from 100% platinum long-lasting silicone. They're airtight, which not only ensures no accidental leakage or smells, but means you can assuredly store liquid foods such as gravy. Microwavable, freeze-able and dishwasher proof, these innovative food bags are easy to use and easy to clean.
Available from:
Nisbets (£29.98, set of 3)
KeepCup Cork Brew Reusable Glass Coffee Cup
- Available from John Lewis (£26)
This simple, functional cup is made from durable tempered soda lime glass, with a protective recycled cork band. Even with piping-hot coffee inside it’s easy to hold and retains heat well, making it ideal for your morning cuppa.
Available from:
John Lewis (£26)
Compostable sponges
- Available from Ecovibe (£3.99, pack of 2)
Ecovibe’s compostable sponges are made from wood fibre without any microplastics. Made in the UK, they have a low carbon footprint and work well on everyday spills and bathroom surfaces, absorbing up to 10 times their own weight in water.
Available from:
Ecovibe (£3.99, pack of 2)
Magic Reusable Non-Stick Baking Tray Liner Sheet
- Available from Lakeland (£12.99)
Superior to the average baking paper and even other silicone sheets, this non-stick liner cuts easily to fit your moulds and trays. Save money by reusing these tray liners countless of times. They can be wiped clean or even slotted into the dishwasher.
Available from:
Lakeland (£12.99)
E-cloth General Purpose Cloth
- Available from John Lewis (£14.99, pack of 4)
This general purpose cloth needs only water, not chemicals, to clean thanks to its tiny fibres that catch dust and dirt. Colour-coded, you can avoid any mix up and keep cloths for different areas of the house.
Available from:
John Lewis (£14.99, pack of 4)
Silicone Cupcake Cases
- Available from Lakeland (£5.99)
Flexible and non-stick, these reusable silicone cupcake cases are oven safe up to 220C and can be put in the dishwasher.
Available from:
Lakeland (£5.99)
Find more sustainable reviews and inspiration below:
Best sustainable gifts for foodies
Best eco-friendly and compostable coffee pods
Best sustainable restaurants in the UK
Best vegan hampers
Best oat milk taste test
Best vegan mayonnaise taste test
Mindful chef review
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