The kitchen brings family, friends and neighbors together. It is a place to share a meal and get to know one another. While preparing for a meal, many eco-friendly kitchen products are available to save energy and reduce waste.

Glass Drinking Straws – Reusable and washable, these straws are made from the strongest glass available to avoid breakage, are microwave-safe, and avoid waste of a plastic straw for every drink. ($24)

Bag-E-Wash Plastic Bag Washer – Plastic storage bags become sanitized, dry and reusable after one wash in the dishwasher with the Bag-E-Wash. The EPA reported that Americans threw away more than 3.3 million tons of plastic storage bags in 2000 and only 5.4 percent were recovered and recycled. ($11)

Biodegradable Euro Sponge – These surprisingly stylish sponges are durable and 100 percent biodegradable (made from cellulose harvested from renewable tree farms Norway), and its packaging waste is designed to be turned into a bird feeder. ($22)

Recycled Bike Chain Bottle Opener – This useful kitchen accessory is made from an old bike chain and a bike’s cog piece. Get people talking in the kitchen with this interesting conversation piece. ($10)

Cotton String Bags – This Euro-influenced bag can hold up to 40 pounds but can also be folded to fit in a pocket. It is made from unbleached, organic cotton. ($32)

Recycled Glass Pitcher – Natural Home’s eco-friendly kitchen product is hand spun and is made from 100 percent recycled glass. ($60)