30 Plastic Free Cooking Utensils for a Sustainable Kitchen

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Cooking is something many people do often, and one can spend hours per week – or even per day – chopping, peeling, mixing, and frying. So why not make this process sustainable, enjoyable, and healthy for both us and the planet?

So far, I’ve gathered 30 ideas for a sustainable kitchen that I’m excited to share with you. These are tools you can use for everyday cooking –without plastic, toxic chemicals, or unnecessary waste. They also make great eco-friendly gift ideas. I’m including tips on what to look for and what to avoid to keep your kitchen as eco-friendly as possible. Some of these insights weren’t obvious to me, so I’d love to hear what you think.

1. Chopping Boards and Serving Trays:

Bamboo is an amazing material that works perfectly for chopping boards and trays. It’s durable, sustainable, and affordable. If properly cared for, it can last for years and can be repurposed or composted afterward. An interesting option to consider is a board made from composite wood, created from high-temperature-pressed paper composite material and wood fiber, which makes it dishwasher-safe.

2. Tools to Deal with Veggies:

Veggies can be tough. Peeling, squeezing, and mashing them requires durable, high-quality tools that will last for years. Opt for stainless steel whenever possible and choose robust designs. Bamboo can be a great alternative for reamers or handles instead of plastic.

3. Plastic-Free Kitchen Spoons and Spatulas:

Practical and eco-friendly, zero-waste bamboo spoons, servers, spatulas, and turners are perfect for anyone looking to adopt greener habits. Keep them clean and dry between uses, and they’ll serve you for many years. Bamboo is a naturally antibacterial and antifungal material that helps keep your kitchen clean and safe.

4. Handy Tools for Every Occasion

When I choose kitchen appliances, my rule of thumb is: avoid plastic, opt for bamboo and stainless steel, choose simple shapes, and check if an item is as durable as possible. The kitchen is a tough environment—tools fall on the ceramic floor, get burnt, stay under pressure, sit in water, and can even get frozen occasionally… and they need to survive all this. My goal is to have appliances that last a lifetime. What could be more sustainable?

5. For Egg Lovers

What could be better than a soft-boiled egg with a piece of warm bread and real, aromatic butter? Only the way it’s served—in a natural wooden or, even better, a bamboo cup with zero plastic around. I have a strong preference for bamboo, not only because it’s the most sustainable wood (well, grass, actually) but also because it’s beautiful, durable, and so pleasant to touch.

6. For Bakers and Pasta Makers

Many tools used for handling dough are made from bamboo, making them not only sustainable but also durable and very pleasant to use. Stainless steel appliances for pasta are a smart choice too—they last for years, look stylish, and are more eco-friendly than plastic in the long run.

7. And More for Your Eco-Friendly Kitchen

Tongs, scoops, bowls, and other items made from natural materials like bamboo, durable stainless steel, and recycled glass can make your kitchen as eco-friendly as possible. In my view, using zero plastic in the kitchen—especially bamboo appliances—makes cooking much more joyful. More than anything, I love handmade, unique bamboo tools, and whenever I come across them while traveling, I always buy one or two to bring home.

What Materials Should I Avoid in Kitchen Utensils?

Stay away from Teflon and PFAS. They can release harmful chemicals over time. Say no to plastic, especially for cooking, as it can leach toxins. Be cautious with wooden utensils from unverified sources; poorly treated wood may contain unwanted chemicals or rot quickly.

What Are the Best Materials for Cooking Tools?

Go for bamboo, stainless steel, silicone, or glass. Bamboo is lightweight and sustainable, stainless steel is durable and long-lasting, silicone is heat-resistant and flexible, and glass is perfect for storage without any risk of leaching chemicals. All much better choices for your kitchen and the planet!

Are Silicone Utensils Eco-Friendly?

Silicone is a better choice than plastic – it’s durable, non-toxic, and long-lasting. But when it comes to sustainability, natural materials like bamboo are the winners. If you already have silicone utensils, the most eco-friendly thing to do is use them for as long as possible before switching to natural or fully recyclable alternatives.

Are Bamboo Utensils Hygienic?

Yes, bamboo utensils are naturally resistant to bacteria, but like any kitchen tool, they need proper care. Wash them thoroughly after each use, avoid soaking them for too long, and always dry them completely to prevent moisture buildup. With good maintenance, bamboo stays clean, safe, and long-lasting!

How to Care for Wooden and Bamboo Kitchen Tools?

• Hand-wash only. No soaking, no dishwasher. Gently scrub with a sponge and eco-friendly soap, rinse well, and dry immediately with a towel. Always store cutting boards standing up to dry properly.

• Deodorize naturally. Mix salt and lemon juice into a paste, spread it on the surface, let it dry, then scrape it off. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

• Keep them smooth and crack-free. Oil and wax your cutting boards monthly to prevent splits and warping. Apply a thin layer of food-safe mineral oil, let it soak in overnight, then wipe off any excess. Finish with a food-safe wax to seal in moisture.

  
  

Author's Take

I was raised without knowing what overconsumption is. We never had many useless things at home and rarely used highly specialized machines that do only one little thing and are useless 99% of the time. No egg-cutters or onion-choppers — why would I need them if I can do everything with a knife :) We used the same tools and utensils for years and years. There was value in an old wooden spoon, an aluminum pot, or a hand-painted cutting board because it belonged to my grandma. Many utensils had history and could tell stories — they traveled with the family from city to city, survived harsh periods, and carried their own unique scars.

I still have a few things in my kitchen that remind me of my childhood. They might be old and a bit clumsy, but they’re functional, they give me joy and will last for decades. I think this is the most sustainable way to use tools: buy only when necessary, choose durable, versatile items, and take care of them for a long, long time. No plastic. Just bamboo, steel, aluminum, and glass.

What Else Can We Do to Reduce the Environmental Footprint of Our Kitchen?

• Pick durable, long-lasting tools that won’t need replacing anytime soon.

• Take care of your kitchen tools – they’ll serve you longer.

• Repair before replacing! Many kitchen items can be fixed – sometimes, a simple screw or a bottle cork is all it takes.

• Second-hand? Why not! It’s sustainable and gives things a second life.

• If something breaks beyond repair, recycle or repurpose it whenever possible.

• Got unused items in good condition? Donate them to local shelters, organizations, or thrift shops. Someone else might need them.

Wishing you happy joyful cooking!

Image credit amazon.com

#️⃣ Tags: Bamboo products