Baking is a joyful, creative act—but it can also generate a surprising amount of waste, from single-use plastics to disposable parchment and packaging. At itsprinkles.com, we believe every baker can make a difference by choosing tools and ingredients that are better for the planet.
Hi, I’m Megha Mehta, owner and baker at It Sprinkles here in Austin. I personally use these eco-friendly essentials in my own kitchen and truly believe they help reduce waste without sacrificing any of the fun or flavor in baking.
Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just starting out, these mindful swaps and tools will help you create delicious treats while treading lightly on the earth:
1. Silicone Baking Mats: Ditch the Disposable Parchment
Why It’s a Game-Changer
What Makes It Special
- Reusable for thousands of bakes, saving money and reducing landfill waste.
- Nonstick surface means less oil or butter needed, making recipes healthier.
- Easy to clean—just rinse or pop in the dishwasher.
- Withstands high oven temperatures and resists warping or tearing.
- Fits standard baking sheets and rolls up for compact storage.
Real-Life Scenario
You’re prepping a batch of cookies and simply lay out your silicone mat—no more cutting parchment or running out mid-recipe. After baking, a quick rinse and it’s ready for the next round.
Pro Tip
Invest in a set of two or three mats so you can rotate between batches or use them for roasting veggies, too.
2. Compostable Parchment Paper: For When You Need a Liner
Why It’s a Game-Changer
What Makes It Special
- Made from unbleached, chlorine-free paper.
- Certified compostable in home or municipal systems.
- Greaseproof and heat-resistant for reliable baking.
- No toxic coatings or dyes.
- Can be cut to fit any pan or tray.
Real-Life Scenario
You’re baking a gooey cake that needs a liner. Compostable parchment lets you unmold with ease and toss the used sheet in your compost bin, guilt-free.
Pro Tip
Cut sheets to size before baking to minimize waste and maximize coverage.
3. Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons: Bye-Bye Plastic
Why It’s a Game-Changer
What Makes It Special
- Rust-resistant and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Engraved measurements won’t fade over time.
- Sturdy construction prevents bending or breaking.
- Often come with detachable rings for organized storage.
- A timeless look that suits any kitchen style.
Real-Life Scenario
You’re measuring flour and sugar for a cake. Your stainless set feels solid and accurate, and you know it’ll last for years—no more cracked plastic handles.
Pro Tip
Choose a set with both US and metric markings for international recipes.
4. Glass Mixing Bowls: Sustainable and Versatile
Why It’s a Game-Changer
What Makes It Special
- Microwave, oven, and freezer safe for all-purpose use.
- Won’t absorb odors, stains, or flavors.
- Clear sides let you monitor mixing and rising.
- Stackable for efficient storage.
- Easy to recycle at end of life.
Real-Life Scenario
You’re proofing bread dough in a glass bowl, watching it rise through the clear sides. After baking, the same bowl goes straight to the table for serving salad.
Pro Tip
Look for sets with lids to store leftovers or dough in the fridge.
5. Bamboo Mixing Spoons & Spatulas: Renewable and Gentle
Why It’s a Game-Changer
What Makes It Special
- Lightweight yet strong—won’t scratch bakeware.
- Naturally resists odors and stains.
- Biodegradable and compostable when worn out.
- Smooth, comfortable handles for easy mixing.
- Often sold in sets for all your baking needs.
Real-Life Scenario
You’re folding batter with a bamboo spatula, knowing it’s as kind to your pans as it is to the planet. When it eventually wears out, it goes in your compost, not the landfill.
Pro Tip
Hand-wash bamboo tools to extend their life and avoid splitting.
6. Reusable Silicone Cupcake Liners: No More Paper Waste
Why It’s a Game-Changer
What Makes It Special
- Nonstick and flexible for easy release.
- Bright colors add fun to your bakes.
- Dishwasher safe for quick cleanup.
- Can double as snack cups or freezer molds.
- Stack neatly for compact storage.
Real-Life Scenario
You’re baking muffins for a brunch. After serving, you simply wash the liners and store them for next time—no more peeling off stuck paper.
Pro Tip
Lightly grease silicone liners for extra-easy release, especially with sticky batters.
7. Organic Cotton Kitchen Towels: Swap Out Paper
Why It’s a Game-Changer
What Makes It Special
- Super absorbent for spills, drying hands, or covering dough.
- Machine washable and quick-drying.
- Free from pesticides and harsh chemicals.
- Soft and lint-free for polishing glassware.
- Available in stylish patterns and colors.
Real-Life Scenario
You’re cleaning up flour spills and wiping down counters with a soft cotton towel. After use, it goes in the wash, not the trash.
Pro Tip
Keep a stack of towels handy and designate a few for baking-only use.
8. Beeswax Food Wraps: Sustainable Storage Solution
Why It’s a Game-Changer
Plastic wrap is single-use and rarely recycled. Beeswax wraps mold to bowls and baked goods, keeping them fresh without plastic waste.
What Makes It Special
- Reusable for up to a year with proper care.
- Naturally antibacterial and breathable.
- Molds with the warmth of your hands for a tight seal.
- Comes in various sizes for different needs.
- Compostable when worn out.
Real-Life Scenario
You cover a bowl of rising dough or wrap leftover brownies in a beeswax sheet. After use, a quick rinse and it’s ready for next time.
Pro Tip
Refresh wraps by warming them in the oven for a few minutes to redistribute the wax.
9. Compost Bin for Kitchen Scraps: Close the Loop
Why It’s a Game-Changer
Baking often creates food scraps—eggshells, fruit peels, coffee grounds. A countertop compost bin makes it easy to collect and divert these from landfill.
What Makes It Special
- Odor-blocking lid and charcoal filter for a fresh kitchen.
- Compact size fits on any counter.
- Easy to empty into outdoor compost or municipal collection.
- Stainless steel or bamboo options for durability and style.
- Encourages a zero-waste mindset.
Real-Life Scenario
You’re cracking eggs and peeling apples for a pie. All scraps go straight into your compost bin, making cleanup easy and eco-friendly.
Pro Tip
Line your bin with compostable bags for mess-free emptying.
10. Bulk Pantry Storage Jars: Reduce Packaging Waste
Why It’s a Game-Changer
Buying flour, sugar, and other staples in bulk cuts down on single-use packaging. Glass or stainless steel jars keep ingredients fresh and
organized.
What Makes It Special
- Airtight seals preserve freshness and prevent pests.
- Clear sides let you see what you have at a glance.
- Easy to label and stack for a tidy pantry.
- Reusable for years, reducing plastic waste.
- Stylish enough to display on open shelves.
Real-Life Scenario
You refill your jars at the bulk store, skipping plastic bags and boxes. Your pantry looks organized, and you always know when it’s time to restock.
Pro Tip
Label jars with ingredient names and expiration dates for easy tracking.
Conclusion: Bake Greener, Bake Better
Eco-friendly baking isn’t about perfection—it’s about making small, thoughtful choices that add up to a big impact. With these sustainable tools and swaps, you’ll enjoy a cleaner kitchen, less waste, and the satisfaction of knowing your delicious creations are kinder to the planet. Ready to make your next bake greener? Shop the essentials above and visit itsprinkles.com for more tips, recipes, and inspiration for a sustainable kitchen!
