Plastic-Free Kitchen Makeover: 10 More Recommended Swaps

After the outpouring of interest in my original post on ditching plastic in the kitchen, I quickly realized just how many of us are looking for simple, sustainable swaps that are better for our homes and health. So today, I’m going deeper.

These aren’t just feel-good changes—they’re practical, esthetic, and long-lasting upgrades that make your kitchen more functional, less toxic, and far more enjoyable to cook and live in. If you’re trying to build a cleaner, low-waste lifestyle one step at a time, this post is for you.

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1. Glass Olive Oil Dispenser with Stainless Steel Pour Spout

Ever notice how plastic oil bottles get sticky over time and somehow never look clean? And then there’s the issue of plastic leaching into the oil, especially when stored near heat. I swapped mine out for a clear glass dispenser with a narrow spout, and honestly, I’m never going back.

The stainless steel pour spout allows for precise drizzling, and the sleek design looks so much better on the counter or table. It’s also easier to monitor how much you have left, and refill from larger, more eco-friendly bulk containers.

👉 Try this one with a no-drip spout. They also offer a 3 pack if you have multiple oils on hand.

2. Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids

My plastic mixing bowls were scratched, discolored, and smelled faintly of everything I’d ever cooked in them. Switching to tempered glass mixing bowls changed the game. They’re non-porous and incredibly versatile—plus many come with snug-fitting lids so they double as storage.

I now use them for meal prep, serving, and even marinating, without worrying about lingering smells or chemical breakdown. The weight of the glass also helps them stay in place during mixing, which is an unexpected perk!

👉 Look for a set that nests to save space and includes lids for leftovers.

3. Glass Coffee Mugs or Double-Walled Cups

If you’re drinking hot beverages from plastic, there’s a good chance your morning ritual includes a dose of microplastics—and that’s not a great way to start the day. I switched to borosilicate glass mugs, and the difference is huge.

The double-walled ones are especially lovely. They keep drinks hot longer, are cool to the touch, and give your coffee or tea a floating look that just feels luxurious. They’re also dishwasher-safe and don’t retain coffee stains like plastic mugs tend to.

👉 Check out these heat-resistant, modern styles that look good on open shelving.

4. Glass Produce Containers for the Fridge

Keeping your fruits and veggies fresh is easier when you can see them clearly. I replaced all my plastic fridge bins and Tupperware with stackable glass containers and noticed two immediate results: my produce lasts longer, and I waste less food.

Glass doesn’t trap odors, and I love that I can prep berries, chopped veggies, or salad greens ahead of time and they actually stay fresh. No wilting, no odd aftertaste—just crisp, clean produce.

👉 Try these larger sizes for all sizes of produce.

5. Glass Spice Jars with Bamboo or Stainless Steel Lids

This was one of those small swaps that made a huge visual and functional difference in my kitchen. Instead of mismatched plastic spice containers from different brands (all with varying levels of freshness), I transferred everything into uniform glass jars with airtight lids.

Not only do they keep spices fresher longer by sealing out moisture and air, but they also make it easier to find what I need while cooking. I labeled mine with minimal waterproof labels and placed them in a tiered spice rack in a drawer. It’s so satisfying to open it and see everything organized, fresh, and plastic-free.

👉 Look for a set that includes jars, labels, a funnel, and a chalk pen for easy setup.

6. Glass Salad Dressing Bottles with Recipes

Store-bought dressings often come in plastic bottles full of preservatives, sugars, and questionable oils. Making your own in a glass shaker bottle with measurements lets you take control of ingredients—and skip the waste.

These bottles often have recipes printed on the side, and the built-in spouts make them easy to pour without dripping. I use mine for homemade vinaigrettes, marinades, and even oat milk.

👉 Go for dishwasher-safe glass with leak-proof lids and measurement guides.

7. Glass Pitcher for Beverages

Plastic pitchers get scratched, cloudy, and can release toxins when filled with hot or acidic beverages. I switched to a glass pitcher with a wide mouth and infuser insert—and now I keep it filled with lemon-cucumber water or cold brew in the fridge at all times.

Glass doesn’t alter flavor and is easy to clean thoroughly. It also looks much nicer for serving guests or displaying on an open fridge shelf.

👉 Choose one that fits easily in your refrigerator door and has a secure lid.

8. Glass Meal Prep Containers

The big win here is how many uses these containers have. I use them for lunch prep, storing leftovers, freezing portions of soup, or even baking small casseroles. They stack neatly, don’t stain, and the locking lids make them leak-proof and travel-friendly.

They’re also oven-safe (just remove the lid), which means less dishwashing since you can reheat and eat from the same container. That’s a win in any busy household.

👉 Buy a set with varied sizes to cover snacks, mains, and everything in between.

9. Glass Citrus Juicer

A surprisingly satisfying old-school tool. My vintage-inspired manual glass citrus juicer sits right on my counter and gets used almost daily for lemon water, salad dressings, or adding a quick burst of lime to grilled veggies.

It’s simple, effective, and no electricity (or plastic housing) required. Plus, it rinses clean in seconds—unlike electric juicers that come with 15 pieces to wash.

👉 Look for a wide base with pour spout and seed-catching ridges.

10. Glass Pantry Jars for Dry Goods

There is something deeply satisfying about decanting pantry staples—rice, beans, oats, pasta—into clear, uniform glass jars. You can instantly see what you have and how much is left, which helps prevent overbuying and makes your shelves feel instantly organized.

I added chalkboard labels and bamboo lids for a cohesive look and even found that dry goods like nuts and flours stay fresher longer without the plastic bag crinkles and air gaps.

👉 Choose jars with airtight seals to keep bugs and moisture out.

We often think of plastic as “convenient,” but the truth is, over time it becomes stained, warped, cracked, and sometimes toxic. Glass, on the other hand, is durable, safer for food contact, and infinitely reusable. It won’t leach chemicals, doesn’t retain smells, and it elevates the feel of your kitchen instantly.

These swaps aren’t about perfection—they’re about making intentional, doable changes that protect your health, your family, and the planet.

Every time I swap out a plastic item for a glass one, I feel a little more peace in my kitchen. It’s cleaner. It’s calmer. And best of all, it’s mine—crafted intentionally around how I actually cook, prep, and store food.

If this post inspired you to start—or continue—your kitchen detox journey, be sure to check out my original post on the first round of glass swaps. And don’t forget to pin your favorites to revisit later or share with friends who are on the same journey.

Let’s make “plastic-free” not just a goal, but a lifestyle—one thoughtful swap at a time.

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I’m Sara

Welcome to Coast to Coast travel, dedicated to all things home, lifestyle & travel. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey to explore and simplify your life. Let’s get creative!

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