We all know microplastics are everywhere. These tiny particles are present in our oceans, landfills, and even in our food. They are also hiding in our kitchen, making their way into your drinking water and food.

Imagine cooking pasta with marinara sauce from a plastic container, stirring with a plastic spatula, and serving with water from a plastic jug. It all seems normal, right? But did you know that each of these materials releases microplastics that can enter your food and get into your body? The question is can you avoid microplastics? Don’t worry; I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to guide you on how to avoid microplastics in your kitchen. Let’s explore!

How To Avoid Microplastics In The Kitchen?

We know that microplastics are found in our kitchen. Here is an action plan for you to create a microplastic-free kitchen.

Replace Plastic Items:

Replacing plastic items with suitable alternatives in your kitchen can reduce microplastic exposure and environmental impact. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace plastic items with eco-friendly options:

• Replace Plastic Food Storage Boxes: Instead of using plastic food storage containers, always opt for glass or stainless steel. Use mason jars for leftovers, stainless steel for lunch boxes, and glass containers with airtight lids for pantry items. This small change can have a big effect.
• Replace Plastic Wraps: Use beeswax wraps as an alternative to plastic wrap. You can also use reusable silicone lids. Interestingly, beeswax wraps are naturally antibacterial, reusable, and moldable. Plus, they come in fun patterns.
• Replace Plastic Cooking Utensils: Swap plastic cooking utensils for wooden spoons, bamboo spatulas, or stainless steel whisks. These eco-friendly alternatives reduce your exposure to microplastics in the kitchen.
• Quit Plastic Fiber Tea Bags: Stop using plastic fiber tea bags and choose loose-leaf tea with a stylish tea infuser. Select tea bags made from natural fibers like paper or cotton for a cleaner, better cup of tea.

Related Post: How to Reduce Microplastics In Body?

Shop Smart to Reduce Plastic:

• Buying in Bulk: Buying in bulk helps reduce packaging waste and saves money. Bring your own reusable containers to the grocery store for bulk buying.
• Attention to Packaging: Pay attention to the packaging when you shop. Look for products with no or less plastic packaging. Frequent use of plastic packaging materials can release microplastics into your food and drink. Farmers’ markets are great places to buy fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the people who grow them. This supports local farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture, reducing the environmental impact of packaging and transporting food over long distances.
• Rinse and Repeat: Wash fruits and vegetables properly before eating. This helps remove microplastics on the surface.

Rethink Your Cookware Choices:

• Choose Wisely: Always use cookware made of stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramics. Avoid non-stick cookware, as stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Ceramic is a great non-stick option without microplastic worries. Lastly, cast iron is a kitchen workhorse that lasts forever.
• Handle with Care: If you must use non-stick cookware, avoid utensils that scratch the surface. Non-stick cookware is coated with Teflon, which can release up to 9,100 microplastics that can enter your body through food.

Reduce Plastic Waste:

You can reduce plastic waste in the following ways:

• Laundry: Wash clothes only when necessary. This saves water and energy. Use cold water instead of hot. It’s better for the environment and extends the life of your clothes. Use filters in washing machines to catch tiny plastic fibers that can pollute water when washing synthetic clothes.
• Cleaning: Use a vacuum with HEPA filters. It traps tiny particles, making your kitchen cleaner and healthier. Choose natural cleansers that effectively remove dirt instead of harsh chemicals. Avoid products containing microbeads, as they contribute to microplastic pollution. Opt for dishwashers with stainless steel interiors, as they won’t release microplastics. Hand-wash plastic containers, as high dishwasher temperatures can degrade plastic and release microplastics into your kitchen.

Microplastic-Free Cooking:

You can engage in plastic-free cooking by following these steps. These steps helps you to avoid microplastics in your food.

• Use loose tea instead of tea bags.
• Use plastic-free filters.
• Use glass or stainless steel kettles.
• Instead of plastic wraps, use beeswax wraps.
• Use stainless steel coffee pods.
• Choose eco-friendly food containers.
• Use bamboo, wood, ceramic, or stainless steel utensils.
• Always use hemp sponges or natural fiber sponges instead of plastic sponges.
• Use plastic-free organizers.
• Use plastic-free mixing bowls.

Adopting these habits can create a microplastic-free kitchen and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.

Reduce Your Use of Bottled Water:

Research shows that plastic bottled water is a major source of microplastics. Various studies indicate that bottled water has a higher concentration of microplastics compared to other common drinks and foods. One study found that plastic bottled water contains 240,000 tiny particles of plastic, most of which are nano-plastics.

Although both tap water and bottled water contain microplastics, bottled water generally has a higher concentration. If you’re concerned about microplastics, avoid plastic bottled water. Always use stainless steel or glass water bottles to reduce plastic waste and drink clear water without tiny plastic particles. This helps protect the environment from plastic pollution and promotes a healthier lifestyle.

Don’t Use Plastics to Store Food:

Avoid plastic containers for food storage. Plastic food storage packaging is prevalent, and studies show that microplastics can leach from these containers and harm your health. According to research, people who consume plastic-stored food 5-7 times a week may ingest 360-6,069 microplastic particles per month. Try to avoid plastic packaging for food, and keep plastic away from heat, as sunlight, moisture, and certain food acids can break down plastic and release microplastics, even from BPA-free or microwave-safe plastics.

Don’t Microwave in Plastics:

Avoid heating food and water in plastic containers, even if labeled microwave-safe. Heating can cause harmful substances used in plastics to migrate into the food we eat and the water we drink. Use glass or ceramics to heat food; many microwave-safe products, like glass lock container sets, are available.

Use Wood or Bamboo Cutting Boards:

Cutting fruits and vegetables on plastic boards can release microplastics that enter your food. Research indicates that wooden cutting boards are safer and more effective because plastic cutting boards are not biodegradable. Chopping on polyethylene cutting boards releases microplastics that can stick to your food. Replace plastic cutting boards with bamboo, which is more durable and bacteria-resistant.

Clean Your Air:

Use an air purifier to keep your kitchen air-free from microplastics. Always choose HEPA-certified purifiers, as they filter the air with up to 99.97% efficacy. The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH is a highly-rated brand that filters particles with 99.999% efficiency. Regular cleaning of kitchen utensils and appliances can prevent microplastic accumulation.

Where Microplastics Are Hidden in Your Kitchen?

Want to know where microplastics are hidden in your kitchen?

• Microplastics in Food Packaging: Most food items come in plastic packaging, which contains microplastics. Plastic wraps, bags, and containers are common sources. When we heat food, tiny particles can leach into it.
  
• Tip: Buy in bulk, bring grocery bags made from biodegradable materials, and avoid products with plastic packaging.

• Cookware and Utensils: Cookware and utensils made from non-stick materials and plastic can release microplastics when scratched. Spatulas, mixing bowls, and plastic pots can contaminate your food with microplastics.
  
• Tip: Use stainless steel, ceramic, and glass cookware or utensils.

• Water Supply: Both tap water and bottled water contain microplastics, which can come from the environment or plastic plumbing pipes.
  
• Tip: Prefer tap water, as boiling it can help encapsulate microplastics, and after filtration it can remove up to 90% of microplastic concentration.

• Synthetic Textiles: Kitchen textiles made from synthetic fibers, such as aprons, pot holders, and dish towels, shed microplastics during washing.
  
• Tip: Use filters in washing machines to capture microplastics or avoid synthetic textiles.

• Food and Cooking Products: Sauces, dressings, and processed foods may contain microplastics from plastic packaging or during the production process.
  
• Tip: Opt for products with plastic-free packaging.

• Cleaning Products: Many cleaning products, especially scrubs, contain microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are added for their abrasive properties, contributing to microplastic pollution.
  
• Tip: Use natural cleaning agents in the kitchen, like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, castile soap, and olive oil.

• Dishwasher: Microplastics can also be found in your dishwasher. Using plastic dishes, cutlery, and containers during washing can cause heat and agitation to release microplastics.

Related Post: Where Do Microplastics Come From.

Conclusion:

Being aware of these hidden sources of microplastics in your kitchen can help you make more informed choices. Opting for glass or stainless steel containers, avoiding plastic packaging, and using natural cleaning products can all help reduce your exposure to microplastics while promoting a healthier kitchen environment.