Affordable Eco Kitchen Swaps: 10 Budget-Friendly Items Under $20
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Making your kitchen a little greener doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Sometimes the simplest eco-friendly changes are the ones that cost less than your weekly grocery trip.
This guide shares ten practical kitchen swaps under $20 — beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and designed to fit naturally into everyday routines. No pressure. No big commitments. Just gentle adjustments that make a difference.
These swaps are here to support small, meaningful progress — one easy step at a time.
Quick Look: 10 Eco Kitchen Swaps Under $20
Here’s a simple snapshot of the eco-friendly swaps in this guide. Think of this as your quick-start list — easy to scan and perfect for choosing one thing to try first.
- Reusable paper towel alternatives
- Bamboo or wood dish brushes
- Beeswax wraps or silicone food covers
- Reusable produce bags
- Stainless steel or silicone straws
- Refillable glass spray bottles
- Compostable kitchen sponges
- Bulk dish soap or refill options
- Reusable baking mats
- Glass storage jars or containers
Start with whichever swap feels the easiest — small choices build naturally when they feel simple.
1. Reusable Paper Towel Alternatives
Reusable towels are one of the simplest eco kitchen swaps. They replace single-use paper towels and last for months — sometimes years — with regular use.
Each reusable towel reduces paper waste, saves trees, and lowers the amount of disposable products tossed out each week.
- Use for spills, wiping counters, and drying hands.
- Rinse after small messes and wash as needed.
- Store where paper towels used to be for easy habit change.
Most reusable towels cost under $15 and replace dozens of rolls each year.
Reusable Bamboo Towels
Fab Tab Viscose Made from Bamboo Cleaning Cloths Ultra Absorbent
Cotton Kitchen Cloths
ACCENTHOME 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Towel
Swedish Dishcloths
SUPERSCANDI 5 Pack Swedish Dishcloths for Kitchen
2. Bamboo or Wood Dish Brushes
Bamboo or wood dish brushes are a natural swap for plastic scrubbers. They feel sturdy, clean effectively, and bring a calm, warm look to the kitchen sink area.
Many bamboo brushes use natural bristles and compostable wooden handles, reducing plastic waste and offering a longer-lasting alternative to standard scrubbers.
- Use with your regular dish soap or solid dish bar.
- Let the brush fully dry between uses to extend its lifespan.
- Replace only the head if you choose a replaceable-style brush.
A bamboo dish brush under $15 can last months and replace multiple plastic scrubbers.
Classic Bamboo Dish Brush
AIRNEX Store Bamboo Dish Brush
Replaceable-Head Brush
Boao Dish Brush with Beechwood Handle with 2 Replacement Heads Natural Wood Dish Scrub Brush
Pot & Pan Scrub Brush
ohsoborn Store Dish Brush with Handle
3. Beeswax Wraps or Silicone Food Covers
Beeswax wraps and silicone food covers are gentle, reusable alternatives to plastic wrap. They help keep leftovers, cut fruit, and small bowls covered without relying on single-use plastic.
Because they can be reused many times, these covers reduce plastic waste and lower how often you need to buy disposable wraps or bags.
- Use beeswax wraps to cover bowls, wrap sandwiches, or store cut produce.
- Use silicone covers to stretch over containers, cups, or halved fruits.
- Rinse with cool or lukewarm water and mild soap, then air dry.
A small set of beeswax wraps or silicone covers under $20 can replace many boxes of plastic wrap over time.
Beeswax Wrap Starter Set
BYTTME Reusable Beeswax Wrap
Silicone Stretch Lids
Basic Haus Reusable Silicone Stretch Lids
Small Snack Wraps
Bee's Wrap Beeswax Wraps for Food
4. Reusable Produce Bags
Reusable produce bags make it easy to avoid the thin plastic bags found in grocery stores. They’re lightweight, breathable, and perfect for fruits, vegetables, and bulk snacks.
Because they can be used hundreds of times, these bags greatly reduce single-use plastic and help cut down how many bags end up in landfills.
- Use them for produce, bulk items, or light groceries.
- Wash or rinse when needed and air dry.
- Keep a few in your tote bag so they’re always ready.
A set of reusable produce bags under $15 can replace hundreds of plastic bags each year.
5. Stainless Steel or Silicone Straws
Reusable straws are an easy, affordable swap for single-use plastic straws. Stainless steel straws are durable and sleek, while silicone straws offer a soft and flexible option.
By replacing disposable straws, reusable options help reduce plastic waste, protect ocean life, and support a low-waste lifestyle with minimal effort.
- Use them for iced drinks, smoothies, coffee, or water.
- Clean with the small brush included in most sets.
- Carry one in your bag for on-the-go use.
A pack of reusable straws under $10–$15 can replace hundreds of single-use straws.
Stainless Steel Straw Set
DKYEUD Reusable Stainless Steel Straws
Silicone Straw Pack
purifyou Extra Long 14.5" Reusable Silicone Straws
Travel-Friendly Straw Set
Doboli Reusable Straws with Case (12-inch Long Silicone)
6. Refillable Glass Spray Bottles
Refillable glass spray bottles are a calm, simple swap for single-use plastic cleaning bottles. They work well with DIY cleaners, concentrates, or bulk refills.
By reusing the same bottle, you reduce plastic waste, support refill culture, and cut down on packaging that would otherwise be thrown away.
- Fill with diluted cleaner, all-purpose spray, or vinegar-based mixes (if safe for your surfaces).
- Label each bottle so you know what’s inside.
- Refill from bulk stores, refills, or concentrates instead of buying new bottles.
One glass spray bottle under $20 can be reused for years with different cleaners and refills.
Amber Glass Spray Bottle
Bontip Glass Spray Bottle, Amber Glass Spray Bottle Set
Clear Glass Cleaning Bottle
Worldgsb Glass Spray Bottles
Labeled Spray Bottle Set
Loretoy Glass Spray Bottle Kit
7. Compostable Kitchen Sponges
Compostable sponges are made from natural fibers like cellulose or loofah, making them a gentle and sustainable alternative to traditional plastic sponges.
Since they’re fully biodegradable, these sponges can be composted at the end of their life instead of ending up in landfills or breaking down into microplastics.
- Use for dishwashing, countertop cleaning, and kitchen messes.
- Let dry fully between uses to extend its lifespan.
- Compost when worn out (check if backyard- or municipal-safe).
Compostable sponges under $10–$12 can replace months of plastic-based sponges.
Cellulose Sponge Pack
Silkyhose Non Scratch S-Shaped Natural Kitchen Sponges
Natural Loofah Scrubbers
pisdoplop Natural Loofah Exfoliating Body Sponge Scrubber
Heavy-Duty Cellulose Sponges
BESSONLE Natural Scrub Kitchen Sponges - Coconut Husk Non Abrasive Scouring Pads
8. Bulk Dish Soap or Refill Options
Switching to bulk dish soap or refill stations is a quiet but powerful eco swap. Instead of buying a new plastic bottle each time, you reuse one and simply top it up.
Refills reduce packaging waste, lower plastic use, and often support brands that focus on cleaner ingredients and more mindful production.
- Choose a sturdy bottle you like and keep reusing it.
- Refill at bulk shops, refill stations, or with concentrated refills at home.
- Label the bottle so everyone knows it’s dish soap.
Choosing refills under $20 can gradually reduce the number of plastic bottles your kitchen uses each year.
Concentrated Dish Soap Refill
Dish Soap Refill Pouch
Reusable Dish Soap Bottle
9. Reusable Baking Mats
Reusable baking mats are a simple swap for single-use parchment paper or foil. They lay flat on your baking sheet and create a non-stick surface for cookies, vegetables, and more.
Because they can be used again and again, baking mats reduce paper and foil waste, and they help you get more out of every baking session with less throwaway material.
- Place the mat on a baking tray instead of parchment or foil.
- Bake as usual, then let the mat cool before washing.
- Hand wash or place on the top rack of the dishwasher (check brand instructions).
A reusable baking mat under $25 can replace dozens of rolls of parchment paper over time.
Classic Silicone Baking Mat
Textured Baking Mat
Cut-to-Size Baking Mat
10. Glass Storage Jars or Containers
Glass jars and containers are a calm, practical swap for disposable plastic containers and bags. They keep leftovers, dry goods, and snacks visible and organized while feeling solid and long-lasting.
Because glass can be reused for years, this swap cuts down on single-use packaging, reduces plastic in your kitchen, and supports a low-waste, “use what you have” mindset.
- Use for leftovers, meal prep, snacks, and pantry storage.
- Save jars from store-bought foods and reuse them when they’re empty.
- Label jars or use clear containers so you can see what you have easily.
A small set of glass containers under $40 can replace many single-use bags and flimsy containers over time.
Basic Glass Container Set
Glass Pantry Jars
Small Glass Jars with Lids
Before & After: Quick Eco Kitchen Swaps
This table shows the gentle shift each swap makes — from everyday items to more eco-friendly options, all under $20 and chosen to feel realistic for real kitchens.
| Swap | Before | After | Approx. Cost | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reusable paper towel alternatives | Disposable paper towels | Reusable towels / cloths | Under $15 | Very low |
| Bamboo or wood dish brushes | Plastic dish scrubbers | Bamboo or wood brushes | Under $15 | Low |
| Beeswax wraps / silicone covers | Plastic wrap / foil | Beeswax wraps / silicone lids | Under $20 | Low |
| Reusable produce bags | Thin plastic produce bags | Mesh / cotton produce bags | Under $15 | Very low |
| Stainless steel / silicone straws | Single-use plastic straws | Reusable straws | Under $15 | Very low |
| Refillable glass spray bottles | Single-use cleaner bottles | Refillable glass bottles | Under $20 | Low |
| Compostable kitchen sponges | Plastic-based sponges | Cellulose / loofah sponges | Under $12 | Very low |
| Bulk dish soap or refills | New plastic dish soap bottles | Bulk or refill dish soap | Under $20 | Low |
| Reusable baking mats | Parchment paper / foil | Silicone baking mats | Under $25 | Low |
| Glass storage jars / containers | Single-use plastic containers / bags | Glass jars & containers | Under $40 (small set) | Low |
You never have to do all ten at once. Even one small “after” on this table is a real, meaningful change.
Quick FAQ
Do I need to make all ten swaps at once?
Not at all. Even one small swap is meaningful. Choose the one that feels easiest or most natural for your routine.
Are these eco items hard to maintain?
Most of them require the same care as what you already use. Many simply need rinsing, drying, and occasional washing.
What if I’m on a tight budget?
Every swap listed here is under $20, and many replace disposable items — saving money over time.
Do these products really make a difference?
Yes — small changes add up. When used consistently, each swap reduces waste and supports a more sustainable home rhythm.
What if I already own something similar?
Keep using what you have first — that’s always the most eco-friendly choice. These swaps are here when you’re ready for something new.
A Small Shift Can Change the Way Your Kitchen Feels
Eco-friendly living doesn’t need to be big or overwhelming. It can start with one swap, one drawer, one habit that feels natural to you.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to create a kitchen that feels lighter, calmer, and a little more intentional — one choice at a time.
Whether you try one swap or all ten, each change brings you closer to a kitchen that supports your routines, your well-being, and the world around you.
EcoChyce is here to help you make gentle, sustainable choices — at your pace, in your way, with swaps that naturally support your everyday life.
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