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Scientists have known for years now that plastic is extremely harmful to human health and the planet. Yet, companies continue to make items with synthetic polymers (aka plastic) because of how easy and affordable it is. As a result, many people are still using a ton of plastic in their homes without even realizing it—and some of the most toxic items are lurking right in their own kitchens.
According to Sandra Ann Harris, author of Say Goodbye to Plastic: A Survival Guide to Plastic-Free Living and founder of ECOlunchbox, the main problem lies with what happens to plastic once it comes into contact with heat.
“Whether it’s a plastic spatula being used over the stove or plastic containers run through the hot dishwasher, the process opens up the plastic and allows more leaching of micro-particles and likely toxins [into our food],” she says.
Many of the chemical additives commonly found in plastic, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and polyvinyl chloride, are known to not only disrupt the body’s cells, but also cause a wide variety of cancers, according to nonprofit the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Worse, researchers believe that when microplastics enter the body—whether through food, air, or water—they can stay there for years, since they don’t biodegrade. (This is why they’re known as “forever chemicals.”)
It’s no wonder many people are going plastic-free in their kitchens. But knowing what to toss first and what to replace it with can feel daunting. Read on as we simplify the process for you.
How to replace plastic in your kitchen—step by step
Ridding your home of plastic won’t happen overnight. Harris suggests starting simple so you don’t get overwhelmed.
“Go for low-hanging fruit first when it comes to weeding plastic out of your kitchen,” she says. With that in mind, work your way through this step-by-step guide at your own pace, or use it as a jumping off point.
Step 1: Replace plastic cooking utensils.
Remember, the main goal is to limit your exposure to harmful toxins, which are released through heat. That’s why Harris suggests paying close attention to the cookware you’re using on the stove.
Are you flipping pancakes with a plastic spatula or stirring spaghetti sauce with a plastic spoon? Replace them with plastic-free kitchen utensils made of materials such as bamboo, wood, stainless steel, or BPA-free silicone.
Our pick: Umite Chef Kitchen Cooking Utensils Set
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
This 33-piece set is made with food-grade silicone and has wooden handles, so it’s both non-toxic and heat-resistant. It also comes with a matching holder and in a variety of colors.
Step 2: Swap out plastic storage containers.
We’re all guilty of storing leftovers in plastic containers and then zapping them in the microwave. The problem is, microwaving plastic speeds up the release of harmful chemicals, which can leach right into your food.
“Same thing is true when it comes to washing plastic kitchen items in the dishwasher,” adds Harris, who suggests using glass or metal containers for food storage instead. (Don’t forget to transfer food from metal containers to a microwave-safe dish before nuking it.)
Our pick: PrepNaturals 5 Pack 36 Oz Glass Meal Prep Containers
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
This alternative to plastic containers is safe to use in the microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and oven. The lids are designed to prevent leaks, so they’re handy for storing soups or sauces. We also like that the glass containers can withstand up to 840 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the manufacturer.
Step 3: Know what your pots and pans are made of.
Many cookware sets are coated in a plastic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is also known under one of its trade names, Teflon. This gives pots and pans a non-stick and water-resistant layer that’s convenient, but also harmful due to its chemical properties.
Flip over your pans to see what they’re made of or look them up online to dive deeper into their manufacturing process. You might be surprised to learn what you’re actually cooking with.
Our pick: Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Cooking Set
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now at Caraway
There’s a reason this popular cooking set has more than 44,000 reviews and a 4.7 average customer rating. Instead of forever chemicals, Caraway says it uses only safe and non-toxic materials, including a non-stick layer made of ceramic instead of plastic. While it is a bit on the pricier side, customers have called it a “game-changer” that’s worth the extra money.
Step 4: Ditch other plastic cooking accessories for safer options.
Placing a cooking item under extreme heat—even if it’s not over the stove or in the oven—could leach chemicals. That applies to microwave lids and measuring cups, which may be easy to overlook. Colanders can also release chemicals, when hot liquids such as pasta water are strained through them.
Look for plastic-free alternatives that are heat-resistant—they won’t melt, rust, or crack.
Our picks:
Glass Microwave Splatter Lid with Collapsible Silicone
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
This versatile cover can be used in the microwave, over a pot on the stove, or even just to cover a plate of food so it doesn’t get cold. The company says it’s made with 100-percent tempered glass with a collapsible food-grade silicone base and a heat-resistant handle.
Pyrex 2-Piece Glass Measuring Set
Buy it now on Amazon
A glass measuring set is a kitchen staple. Toss plastic ones (including any with plastic handles) and replace them with a set like this. The set is made from non-porous glass that’s safe for the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher, according to the company.
Makerstep Over-the-Sink Colander Strainer Basket in Stainless Steel
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
We love that this over-the-sink colander makes the process of straining liquid super easy. Two extendable arms allow the basket to adjust to most sinks and sit high above the drain so the liquid is removed easily. It’s also safe for the dishwasher.
Step 5: Rethink all those single-use plastic bags and food covers.
Now that you’ve ditched plastic storage containers for glass or stainless steel, consider other plastic items you regularly put your food in. Instead of sandwich bags, cling wrap, and other single-use plastic items, find plenty of safe and eco-friendly alternatives to choose instead. Look for reusable food covers made of beeswax, silicone storage bags that are dishwasher safe, and even mesh produce bags you can use over and over again.
Our picks:
Reusable Beeswax Food Covers
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
You can use these compostable sheets to wrap up or cover food many times over. They’re made from organic cotton, beeswax, organic plant oil, and tree resin.
Ecowaare Reusable Mesh Produce Bags
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Instead of reaching for plastic produce bags at the grocery store, try these reusable bags. The thin mesh material is see-through and washable, so you can rinse produce off easily or toss them in the washing machine in between uses.
Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
This 14-piece set has a leak-proof silicone design that’s great for packing away leftovers, marinating meat, or bringing lunch to work. They’re fridge- and freezer-safe, BPA-free, and can be easily cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher.
Step 6: Take stock of what you’re eating on and drinking from.
In many cases, plates, bowls, drinking glasses, and portable water tumblers are made from common plastics like melamine or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). They’re inexpensive and non-breakable, but not dishwasher- or microwave-safe.
Go through your kitchen cabinets and consider non-toxic alternatives that are every bit as durable, but safer for your family.
Our picks:
Mora Ceramic Dinner Plates
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
If you want a durable set of dinner plates that will stand up to wear and tear, these are worth a look. According to the manufacturer, these plates are made from Paladin clay, which is purportedly 20 percent stronger than other clays, and are coated with a lead-free glaze that resists scratches. Plus, they’re safe to put in the dishwasher, microwave, and even the oven.
Wheat Straw Drinking Glasses
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
A standard cup made with 100 percent glass will always be safe, but if you’re looking for a non-breakable, kid-friendly alternative, consider one like this, made from wheat straw fiber. According to the company, they’re free from heavy metals and BPA, stackable in the cabinet, and can be placed in the dishwasher, freezer, or microwave.
Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
This insulated tumbler from Simple Modern is made from 100 percent stainless steel with a BPA-free top that helps prevent leaks. It’s also safe for the dishwasher. However, the BPA-free plastic straws need to be replaced every two-to-three months. Check out something like these Hiware 12-Pack Reusable Stainless Steel Straws instead, which eliminates the need for plastic.
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Step 7: Read labels closely before bringing anything else into your kitchen.
It’s not easy to be an informed consumer these days, since it tends to require a lot of research and diligence. But knowing some common mistakes people make in going plastic-freecan make all the difference.
For example, Harris warns that just because something is labeled “BPA-free” doesn’t mean it’s completely safe.
“What many consumers are not aware of is that while companies might be trying to select plastics that are less toxic and presumably made without estrogen-mimicking chemicals, they are not always transparent about their formulations,” she says. In fact, they “often replace the bisphenol A (BPA) with other substitutes, such as bisphenol.”
Frequently asked questions
How do I get rid of plastic in my kitchen?
“When it comes to saying goodbye to plastic, it’s easy to focus on how hard it can be,” says Harris, conceding that there are some plastics the average consumer will never be able to avoid, like those found in tech devices or medical tools. “Luckily, plastic in the kitchen is not so hard to get rid of,” she says. “It just takes some advance planning.”
Before you go on a shopping spree, take inventory of what you have. Identify the plastic items that you regularly cook with or eat from that come into contact with heat, and replace those first.
As for how and where to dispose of them, look no further than your garbage and/or recycling bin. There’s no use in donating these toxic items.
What can I use to store leftover food, other than plastic?
Glass or metal storage containers are great alternatives to plastic. Just check the lids for plastic. If they’re made of plastic, they aren’t microwave-safe. Same goes for metal storage containers. In those cases, transfer the food into a microwave-safe dish or a pot before heating it up.
What can I replace plastic cooking utensils with?
Common replacements for plastic utensils include bamboo, wood, stainless steel, and BPA-free food-grade silicone—all of which are non-toxic. Still, they each have their pros and cons.
Items made from bamboo and wood are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and organic, but they can also harbor bacteria and absorb food stains more easily, which may require replacing them more than you’d like.
Stainless steel can last a lifetime, but is also prone to rust if placed in the dishwasher and can scratch some cookware.
Silicone utensils are becoming increasingly popular because of their flexibility and durability. They’re also heat-stable, meaning they can withstand high temperatures without the risk of melting. That said, not all silicone cookware is created equal, as some are made with chemical additives. Be sure to read labels closely before purchasing.
Is it going to cost a lot to replace all of the plastic in my kitchen?
According to Harris, this is a common misconception. However, research her company conducted for her own products show that opting for safe, reusable kitchen items can save more than $400 a year for many families.
That said, if you need to replace a lot of plastic kitchen items, you can make the switch slowly. Until you can replace them, Harris suggests hand-washing plastic items instead of cleaning them in the dishwasher.
Kaitlin Stanford is a freelance writer and editor from New York. She has covered various topics from trending news to women’s health for Yahoo, Parents, and Bustle, among others.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
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