If you're wondering where to start this Plastic Free July, the kitchen is one of the easiest places to make a big impact. A few simple swaps can help reduce waste, minimise exposure to plastics and potentially harmful chemicals, save money over time and make everyday routines feel a little lighter on the planet.

Key Takeaways

• The kitchen is our focus for week one of Plastic Free July.
• Small swaps can significantly reduce single-use plastic waste at home.
• Choosing low-plastic food storage and kitchen products may also reduce exposure to plastic chemicals such as BPA and phthalates.
• Many plastic-free alternatives save money because they're designed to be reused for years.

Why start in the kitchen this Plastic Free July?

Welcome to week one of our Plastic Free July series!

Over the next few weeks we'll tackle different areas of the home, making sustainable swaps feel simple, achievable and maybe even a little fun. First stop? The kitchen.

For many, it's where plastic quietly piles up. Cling wrap, baking paper, tea bags and produce bags can all become part of the daily routine without us even noticing. The exciting part is that some of the easiest kitchen swaps are also the ones that save money, reduce waste and help create a healthier home environment.

In fact, a recent study found that when participants reduced plastics in food preparation, in their kitchenware and changed some personal care products, phthalate levels dropped by more than 44% and bisphenols such as BPA and BPS decreased by more than 50%. You can read more about the study here! That's a pretty incredible result from a few simple lifestyle changes.

Our Top 5 Plastic-Free Kitchen Swaps

Here are the five kitchen swaps our community comes back to time and time again because they're practical, easy to stick with and help reduce both waste and unnecessary plastic exposure in everyday life.

1. Loose leaf tea and a reusable tea strainer

If you're a tea lover, this might be one of the easiest swaps on the list.

Many people are surprised to learn that most conventional tea bags contain plastic to help seal the bag together. Research has even found that a single plastic tea bag can release 11.6 billion of microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into one cup of tea.

A reusable stainless steel tea strainer lets you enjoy loose leaf tea without the hidden plastics, glue or waste. Our customers love that they're lightweight, dishwasher safe and great to travel with, while others use them to hold whole spices and herbs in soups, curries and slow-cooked meals. Genius!

We're gifting a free cup or pipe tea strainer with any two tea purchases from The Loose Tea Company.

T&Cs: Offer valid until 07/07/2026 11:30 am AEST or until stocks last. Free gift can be added via the pop up once eligible items have been added to your cart.

2. Reusable silicone baking mats

This is one of those swaps where you wonder why you didn't do it sooner! 

Reusable silicone baking mats replace hundreds of sheets of baking paper over their lifetime and can be used for everything from cookies and roasted veggies to pastry, kneading dough and even messy kids' crafts. They're non-stick, easy to clean and designed to last for years rather than a single baking session.

The key thing we always look for when sourcing silicone products is certification because not all silicone is created equal. Our reusable baking mats are made from premium LFGB-certified silicone, which meets even stricter safety standards than standard FDA silicone testing. To learn all about how to use silicone baking mats, check out our most asked FAQ's in our blog here

Even better, they're currently 15% off for the first week of Plastic Free July! Check them out here.

T&Cs: Offer valid until 07/07/2026 11:30 am AEST or until stocks last.

4. Reusable Veggie Saver produce bag

Food waste is one of the biggest hidden sustainability challenges in Australian homes, and plastic bags, which not only create waste also trap moisture which speeds up spoilage. That's where the Veggie Saver comes in! It's breathable natural cotton layers create an environment that helps fruit and vegetables stay fresher up to four weeks longer... winning!

In fact, the average Aussie household using a Veggie Saver can save around $1,500 per year in reduced food waste alone, which makes this one of those sustainable swaps that can pay for itself. For tips and tick to get the best result from the Veggie Saver, read more in our blog here. 

Plus, they're currently 10% off as part of our Plastic Free July kitchen sale. Check out the Veggie Saver here. 

T&Cs: Offer valid until 07/07/2026 11:30 am AEST or until stocks last.

5. Plastic-free food covers & pouches

Cling wrap tends to be one of those kitchen staples that are reached for out of habit more than necessity. The good news is that there are plenty of reusable and plastic-free alternatives that are just as convenient and often work even better. 

Reusable silicone stretch lids

Silicone stretch lids are perfect for covering bowls, leftovers and half-used fruit or veggies. They create an airtight seal to help keep food fresher for longer and come in a range of sizes. They're also reusable thousands of times, making them an easy way to cut down on single-use cling wrap in the kitchen.

To make the swap even easier, they're also currently 15% off. See them here. 

T&Cs: Offer valid until 07/07/2026 11:30 am AEST or until stocks last.

Beeswax wraps

Natural beeswax wraps make storing sandwiches, herbs, cheese, leftover produce and snacks a breeze. Simply use the warmth of your hands to mould them around food or containers, creating a breathable seal that helps keep food fresh. They're washable, reusable for up to a year with proper care and can be refreshed with a beeswax refresher bar!

Plus, they're currently 15% off as part of our Plastic Free July kitchen sale here! 

T&Cs: Offer valid until 07/07/2026 11:30 am AEST or until stocks last.

Reusable silicone food storage bags

If you're big on meal prep, freezer storage or packed lunches, reusable silicone food bags are a game changer. They're perfect for storing frozen fruit and veggies, leftovers, snacks and sandwiches, all while helping to cut down on disposable zip lock bags and cling wrap. Durable, leakproof and easy to clean, they're designed to be reused again and again.

Small swaps really do add up

Plastic Free July doesn't have to mean throwing out everything you own and starting from scratch. The goal has never been perfection. It's simply about making one small change, then another, and another, until sustainable living starts feeling less like effort and more like habit.

This week we're focusing on the kitchen because it's often where some of the easiest wins live. 

Which swap are you starting with first?

With Love, 
Ellie x

FAQs

1. What are the easiest plastic-free kitchen swaps to start with?

Reusable tea strainers, baking mats, produce bags, food wraps and tap water filters are some of the easiest and most affordable places to begin.

2. Can reducing plastic in the kitchen improve health?

Research suggests reducing exposure to plastic packaging and kitchen products may lower exposure to chemicals such as BPA, BPS and phthalates.

3. Are silicone baking mats safe to use?

High-quality LFGB-certified silicone baking mats are considered one of the safest silicone options available and are free from BPA and other common toxins.

4. Do Veggie Saver bags really keep produce fresh longer?

Yes. Their breathable cotton design helps regulate moisture and airflow, helping many fruits and vegetables stay fresh for significantly longer.

5. How do I reduce microplastics in drinking water?

Using a high-quality water filter designed to remove microplastics, PFAS and other contaminants can significantly reduce exposure through tap water.