11 Genius Zero Waste Kitchen Organization Tips For a Clutter Free Home

Wondering how to maintain a zero-waste kitchen free of plastic and clutter? Seeing rows and rows of beautifully labeled jars is so relaxing to the eyes. Although we may all dream of having a kitchen that is aesthetically pleasing, most of us just have normal kitchens that sometimes get messy and unorganized. 

And that’s ok! 

My kitchen definitely is not Pinterest worthy but it helps me cook delicious and nourishing meals and best of all I have found ways to reduce the amount of waste I create in my kitchen. 

This post will show you exactly how to minimize waste and keep your sustainable products in your low waste kitchen organized!

This post is all about the best tips for zero waste kitchen organization.

The Best Zero Waste Kitchen Organization Ideas

1. Minimalism and kitchen decluttering

The best place to start with organizing is decluttering! Then, you only have to organize what you actually need.

Minimalism has been talked about a lot by now but it is a great concept to maintain in your own home. Before revamping your kitchen and prioritizing plastic free kitchen tools, it’s best to start from a clean slate.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when decluttering your kitchen:

• How often do I use this item?
• Are these kitchen tools broken or stained?
• Could someone else benefit more from this item?
• Am I holding onto this for nostalgic reasons? Is it worth the space it occupies?
• Do I have multiple of this item? (ex. identical reusable water bottles)
• Are these items expired?

*Be sure to donate or sell items you no longer need rather than trash them!

2. Repurpose jars and containers for plastic-free food storage

So this one may be controversial but you don’t have to have all matching jars in order to have a zero waste kitchen.

Saving jars from pasta sauce, peanut butter etc. and reusing them is a great way to repurpose your items and put them to good use.

If seeing multiple different types of jars throws off your organization that’s ok too. Purchasing jars that you plan on saving for a while is still an eco friendly option in my book! 

Just be sure to prioritize saving or buying glass containers as they are more durable!

{RECOMMENDED POST: Learn 31 Best Ways To Organize Your Small Kitchen (Clutter Free Heart Of The Home)}

3. Label all of your jars to stay organized

Make sure that all of your jars are labeled!

Maca powder and protein powder in a glass jar tends to look pretty similar. There are lots of cute labels on etsy or you can make your own with a site like Canva. 

4. Try out a lazy susan organizer in your pantry or kitchen countertop

No more lost bottles at the back in your zero waste pantry!

Not only do lazy susans look cool but they make everything in your pantry more accessible and easy to find. These are a great place to store extra condiments! 

I also love to use these on kitchen counter tops to store items you use often for cooking. it keeps everything contained yet accessible.

5. Keep herbs in the fridge for freshness to prevent food waste

Depending on where you live you may already do this but keeping your herbs and spices in the fridge is a great way to preserve them so they don’t get weird in the humidity. 

You can simply use a glass jar for this! No need to buy more fancy kitchen products.

6. Store food properly to prevent food waste and organize pantry

This tip is sort of piggy backing off the last one but make sure you store your food in a location that it will last the longest in.

By doing this you will not contribute to food waste and your kitchen will naturally be more organized. 

Ensure that your food storage containers are air tight and try to purchase glass ones like these when possible!

{RECOMMENDED POST: 5 Food Storage Tips To Reduce Food Waste in Your Home}

7. Basket for towels on counter and underneath sink for dirty ones

One of the most simple zero waste swaps is switching your paper towels for cloths! Most people have at least some cloth towels in their kitchen but go ahead and use up the rest of your paper towels and don’t buy more! You may need to invest in more cloth towels but you will be glad you made this upfront purchase and don’t have to spend anymore money on paper towels. 

You can keep a basket or roll of cloth towels on your counter top and a basket under the sink to put your dirty towels. Then just wash the towels with your other cleaning cloths.

This tip is super easy and will save you money on paper towels too! It’s a win win. 

8. Thrift bowls and canisters for kitchen tools

To keep your spatulas and mixers organized you can thrift plant pots or other jars from the thrift store! There are always pretty canisters available or you can purchase a simple one and paint it yourself! 

For your hand soap bars and dish soap bars you can easily thrift bowls or dishes to rest them in, that way they don’t dissolve on your counter top! 

9. Buy extra cleaning supplies ahead of time

This tip has been a game changer for my zero waste journey!

It is so much easier to keep up with our goals when we are prepared. I like to keep eco friendly products on hand so that I don’t have to stress at the last minute and buy toxic cleaning supplies when I run out. 

These are my favorite bottles I use for kitchen cleaning supplies.

{RECOMMENDED POST: 5 Genius Hacks for Zero Waste Cleaning (My Favorite Products and Routine!)} 

10. Explain the new zero waste kitchen organization system to your family and guests

Since the zero waste lifestyle can be a little different compared to the disposable culture and habits most of us are used to, make sure everyone in your home knows how to operate your plastic free kitchen!

You could send them this post or just show them around your new kitchen. Make sure they know where everything is and how it’s used.

For example, a dish soap bar can be confusing if you have never used one before! Make sure everyone know not to leave it in a puddle of water since it will dissolve just like regular soap. 

When friends come over show them where your compost and recycling bins are, dish towels instead of paper towels etc.

It might seem like a bit more work but it will help to ensure that your kitchen stays plastic free and organized! 

11. Invest in quality storage items that will last a long time

 I have had some of my travel food containers for years at this point!

The two brands I love are Stasher bags and Ukonserve. Both of these companies produce high quality storage containers that keep my food fresh and organized in my zero waste pantry and fridge.

How do you keep your zero waste kitchen organized? I would love to hear about your ideas in the comments below and hopefully it helps other readers as they are figuring out how to organize their own eco friendly kitchen! 

Be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you would like sustainability and wellness tips sent directly to your inbox! 

Stay well, 

Maggie 

This post was all about the best zero waste gift wrapping ideas. 

Other posts you may like: 

• 5 Simple Ways You Can Save Money and Reduce Plastic on Your Low Waste Lifestyle Journey
• 7 Sustainable Home Decor Ideas Guaranteed to Make Your Home the Coziest Oasis
• 14 Charming Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas On A Budget

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