10 Easy Kitchen Swaps for a Healthier Non-Toxic Home

The kitchen is truly the heart of every home. It's where we prepare meals, share stories, and build family traditions. However, many of us are unaware that our kitchen tools can leach harmful chemicals into our food. Items coated with substances like PFAS or made from petroleum-derived materials such as plastics can contaminate what we eat and may cause lasting adverse effects in our bodies.

By choosing better kitchen items, we can lower our exposure to toxins and enhance the quality of our meals. Let's get started with these 10 easy kitchen swaps for a healthier non-toxic home and environment.

10 easy kitchen swaps for a healthier non-toxic home

1. 100% Wooden Cooking Utensils

One of the easiest changes you can make is switching from plastic to 100% wooden cooking utensils which, unlike plastic, are biodegradable. Bamboo utensils are a common choice for many due to their more affordable nature but there is usually formaldelyde in the glues used to formulate bamboo products. Instead, opt for Acacia, beech, and maple products. Not only are these materials durable and aesthetically pleasing, but they also won’t leach harmful chemicals.

• A good option is this set from Amazon

2. Glass Tupperware without Plastic Lids

For food storage, glass Tupperware is a great replacement for plastic containers. Unlike plastic, glass does not retain odors or stains and is free of all Bisphenols such as BPA and BPS, chemicals which could have harmful effects on the endocrine, reproductive, and brain tissue and can also cause certain types of cancers.

While most glass Tupperware utilize plastic lids, you can opt for brands such as this one on Amazon that has a fully glass and silicone lid. This makes it a much better option than the brands that use plastic lids, as those plastic lids can leach microplastics into food especially when heated or frozen.

If your only available option is currently glass tupperware that utilizes plastic lids, then here are two steps you can take to reduce leaching of microplastics from the lids.

1. Leave some space between the plastic lid and your food so that the food is not in direct contact with the plastic lid.

2. Do not microwave or heat up the Tupperware with the lid, which can accelerate release of microplastics.

   

   
   

3. Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Glass Lids

Switching to stainless steel mixing bowls can vastly improve your kitchen experience. These bowls do not absorb food odors or colors, ensuring your dishes taste fresh. By choosing glass lids, you go the extra step to eliminate additional unnecessary plastic use. Unlike silicone lids, glass lids do not warp over time. This set here offers utilizes no plastic in its composition, making it a good choice.

4. 100% Wood Cutting Boards

Many cutting boards are plastic, which can harbor bacteria over time, not to mention the constant leaching of microplastics into food cut on them. By choosing a 100% wood cutting board, you minimize your exposure to toxic microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Wood is naturally antimicrobial. For example, research indicates that wood surfaces can inhibit bacterial growth, making them a safer option for food prep. Plus, when cared for correctly, wooden boards can last a lifetime. Ziruma and some other brands on amazon offer 100% wood cutting boards that are free from petroluem-derived finishes.

5. Nontoxic Cookware Sets

Investing in quality nontoxic cookware is vital. Look for options made from stainless steel, cast iron, or 100% ceramic (not ceramic coated), all free from harmful PFAS used as nonstick coatings. These materials not only ensure your meals are safe, but they also enhance your cooking experience.

For instance, cast iron pans can withstand high heat and improve over time, lasting a lifetime with proper seasoning. High quality cast iron cookware can also be found in many thriftstores, including online stores like Facebook Marketplace.

Stainless steel pans could also last a lifetime with proper care and can be used to cook just about anything with the right preparation.

Ceramic cookware is considered the least toxic of all the options but is limited in its use as it cannot be used on induction stoves and is very fragile and prone to breakage which limits its long-term utility.

Some nontoxic brands to consider include:

• Cast Iron: IronClad, Lodge, Utopia Kitchen

• Stainless Steel: Made In, KitchenAid, All-clad, and other smaller, yet high quality, brands on Amazon.

• Ceramic: Xtrema

6. Plastic-Free Kitchen Sponges & Brushes

Most kitchen sponges and brushes are made from plastic which break down into microplastics. By choosing plastic-free options made from natural materials like hemp, loofah, sisal, cellulose, walnut, or coconut, you reduce your microplastics exposure while also choosing a biodegradable and sustainable product.

For dish brushes, opt for those made from wood, and bamboo with bristles made from natural materials such as sisal. These alternatives are highly effective and promote sustainability. A shift to these items can cut down your plastic waste and exposure.

Here are some options to consider:

• Sponge: Loofah sponges, Hemp scrubbers, Cellulose sponges, Walnut sponges, Coconut husk scouring pads, Sisal scouring pads

• Scrubs: Plant-based scrubbers

7. Linen Bread Bags

Ditch plastic bread bags in favor of linen. Linen allows your bread to breathe and is biodegradable, helping keep it fresh longer without the risk of chemicals.

These bags not only maintain the quality of your bread but also support eco-friendly practices. Studies show that bread stored in linen can stay fresh for 20% longer compared to plastic bags.

8. If You Care Parchment Baking Paper

For avid bakers, consider using If You Care parchment paper. This brand uses unbleached parchment paper that is fully compostable and free from PFAS, making it safer for your baking needs.

Using this parchment paper ensures your baked goods are free from unnecessary toxins and enhances the flavor of your treats.

9. Bee's Wrap Beeswax Wraps

Bee's Wrap offers a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap. Made from organic cotton coated in beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin, it is reusable and safe for covering bowls or wrapping food.

These wraps are compostable and can last up to a year with proper care. Switching to Bee’s Wrap can save approximately 300 feet of plastic wrap from landfill waste each year, showcasing a meaningful sustainable and non-toxic choice.

10. Nontoxic Dishwashing Detergents

The dishwashing detergent you use can impact both your health and the environment as most dishwashing soap is filled with toxic petroleum-derived ingredients and fragrances which linger on our dishes and get absorbed into our meals and water supply. For example, opting for eco-friendly detergents can reduce harmful substances entering wastewater systems by up to 60%, benefiting both your family and the planet. Choosing nontoxic, plant-based detergents eliminates harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Various brands now offer safe and effective cleaning options.

Some options include:

• Solid bar: Zero Waste Natural Dish Soap, Dadali Natural Dish Soap Bar, RE: Soap

• Liquid detergents: Molly's Suds

• Dishwasher detergent: Rosey's by Thrive Market

A Path to a Cleaner Kitchen

Making simple swaps for non-toxic options offers a significant step toward a healthier home. By replacing potentially harmful items with safe, sustainable alternatives, you can drastically lower your exposure to toxic chemicals.

Start with one or two swaps, and soon you will find that creating a non-toxic kitchen is easily achievable. Remember, every small change contributes to a healthier you and healthier environment!