While the habit of using plastics may have crept into our daily lives almost unnoticed in decades past, more recently we’ve come a long way towards combatting this in our homes – and a plastic-free kitchen is closer than we think. At Home Beautiful, we’re always on the lookout for alternatives: natural products that satisfy our needs for cleaning, styling and wellbeing in the home that don’t harm our environment.
An important first step in living sustainably is deciding to reuse what we already have in our homes where possible and recycle what we can – particularly when we’ve been unable to avoid bringing plastic into our home. Reusing plastic shopping bags and takeaway containers is a great place to start, rather than disposing of them after a single use. Next, look to the items we use regularly in the home and try substituting from the get-go with options that are kinder to the planet.
What to look for to avoid plastic products:
- products that can be recycled after use
- products made from recycled materials
- products that are made to last
- products designed with the environmental impact in mind
3 steps to banish plastic cleaning products from your home
Step 1: Commit to making a change. Draw a line in the sand for the whole family to find ways to use less plastic.
Step 2: Take stock. A good look at what you already have in your drawers and cupboards that can be used more effectively is a great way to get the whole family involved.
Step 3: Phase them out. Rather than buying to refill, replace what you have with reusable alternatives that will last a lifetime.
5 plastic baddies to banish asap
1. Plastic dish brush
Replacing your dish brush with a natural alternative not only looks more stylish in the home, but it’s also better for the environment. Choosing an alternative such as coconut fibre brushes means they’re made from biodegradable materials that are chemical-free. Better still, opt for something made from recycled materials that will last longer too, and when you’re finally finished with them, they’ll go into your compost bin! Can your plastic model do that?
Use this instead:
One Brush
$59.95, Yeseco
This is the last dish brush you’ll ever need to buy. The brainchild and labour of love from beach-loving designer Jamie Phillips, who was frustrated with seeing plastic littering our coastline, this is the last word in sustainable product design. The clever magnet clips inside your kitchen sink to drain, dry naturally and keep your benchtop clear, while the reservoir for dish soap dispenses suds as and where you need them.
Colours: Black, White
Materials: 100% recycled plastic with sisal sisal fibre bristles
Key features:
- Made from 100% recycled plastic
- Clips inside your sink for handy, hygienic storage
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle
2. Cleaning scourers
Possibly a kitchen baddie you hadn’t thought of, the sponge and the scourer part of your everyday cleaning pads may be made from polyurethane, a petroleum-based ingredient. Worse still, many don’t last longer than a couple of weeks before you replace them.
Use this instead:
Eco coconut scourers in Natural, pack of 2
$7.10, Amazon
For plastic-free scrubbing, switch to a natural scourer and you’ll never look back. Comfortable in the hand, naturally anti-bacterial and free from chemicals, they last so much longer than the plastic version and look better on your benchtop as they do so. When you’re ready to ditch it, simply pop it into your compost bin!
Materials: Coconut fibre
Key features:
- Twin pack
- Quick drying and durable
- Natural fibre
3. Paper napkins
This is a no-brainer. Disposable napkins have no place in the home, and a quality linen napkin reduces waste and elevates mealtimes to an elegant affair. Don’t save them for special occasions – instead, dip into Grandma’s heirloom napery collection to mix and match colours and styles to your heart’s content with pretty designs, floral fabrics and new season colours to enjoy every day.
Use this instead:
Scalloped linen napkin in Yellow, set of 4
$101, Blue Maisonette
For a touch of class at the table, these beauties have a stunning, hand-sewn scalloped edge in crisp white that thrills without frills.
Colours: Amalfi Yellow, Sky Blue
Materials: 100% linen
Key features:
- Dimensions: 45 x 45cm
- Hand-sewn edge
- Machine washable
4. Cling wrap
Often forgotten in the scheme of things, replacing plastic food wrap is a great place to start when banishing plastic baddies from your kitchen. Rather than always wrapping food and leftovers in plastic, seek alternatives to keep them fresh in the fridge, lunch boxes and when transporting food. Another obstacle to overcome is the dreaded opaque containers lurking in the fridge with lids that no one bothers to open – food that can be seen is more likely to be used.
Use this instead:
Gourmet kitchen silicone lid
$19.95, Temple & Webster
For cooking and covering food, pop one of these non-stick lids onto your leftovers and push them into the microwave for a quick reheat and you’ll forget cling wrap ever existed. Then simply throw it in the dishwasher when you’re finished for fuss-free clean-ups.
Materials: Silicone
Key features:
- Heat-resistant up to 200 degrees Celsius
- Loop for handy hanging inside a cupboard door
- Use on stovetop to keep food warm
5. Shopping bags
Once you’ve mastered the transition to a cloth or reusable shopping bag for groceries, it’s time to take the next step and banish all plastic shopping bags. We mean shoes, clothing, hardware, books, Christmas shopping – anything you buy!
Use this instead:
Envirosax reusable shopping bag, set of 5
$73.81, Amazon
Keep a supply of rolled-up reusable bags in your handbag and glovebox and get in the habit of re-rolling and returning them after each use so they’re ready for next time. For a small initial outlay, these bags can hold up to 20kg of goods, are washable and last decades!
Colours: Hundreds of colours available!
Materials: Polyester
Key features:
- Super strong
- Dimensions: Approximately 50 x 40cm
- Machine washable
