Avoid Microplastics in Food with These Kitchen Swaps Under $20

I never realized just how often plastic comes up in the kitchen—it’s pretty much everywhere. Unfortunately, I believe it’s unavoidable, and I’ve come to terms with that. While it may be difficult to completely remove plastic from my kitchen or food storage, I am all for figuring out how to reduce microplastics wherever I can.

Luckily, I found six replacements that are both easy to swap and inexpensive. All of these kitchen swaps are under $20, with some even starting as low as $7. 

Swap Plastic Utensils for Wooden Utensils 

OXO Good Grips Wooden Corner Spoon

I love cooking with wooden utensils, especially when shaped for different uses. The $7 OXO corner spoon features a sharp edge that easily wiggles into nooks and crannies, something its plastic counterpart is known to be good at. But because it has a divet, it doubles as a serving and scooping spoonit’s like a three-in-one tool.

Swap Plastic Cutting Boards for Wooden Cutting Boards 

Totally Bamboo Cutting Boards, 2-Pack 

Plastic cutting boards are known to release microplastics over time. It makes sense: You’re repeatedly putting a sharp blade onto a surface, slicing, dicing and unfortunately cutting into it. Swapping to wooden cutting boards is easy and doesn’t have to break the bank. We love these bamboo boards from Totally Bamboo. They’re a lot more stable and durable due to their thin, streamlined design. There are three sizes in the set, making these just under $6 apiece. 

Swap Plastic Containers for Glass Jars 

Ball 32-Ounce Glass Mason Jars, 2-Pack 

Instead of relying on plastic containers for storage, keep Ball jars on hand. They seal beautifully, work for liquids and dry ingredients, and can be used in the pantry and refrigerator. I love having these on hand for jams and dressings, in addition to keeping nuts, seeds, chocolate, specialty flours and other pantry ingredients fresh and organized.  The 32-ounce size is versatile and costs $18, a low price for something that can be reused for years and years to come. 

Swap Teflon Pans for Cast-Iron Pans 

Lodge 8-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet

Teflon is a form of plastic, so steering clear of any nonstick pan that contains this material is a must for folks concerned about microplastics. I am always calling out my love for cast-iron pans. While they require a little more upkeep, cast-iron can last a lifetime. Not only are you avoiding that pesky Tefton material, you’re also saving yourself from needing to buy nonstick pans over and over again when they ultimately break down. One of my favorite brands is Lodge, and this cast-iron pan performed flawlessly in our tests. 

Swap Plastic Sponges for Natural Fiber Brushes 

Vove Bamboo Dish Brush

Here’s a plastic product you probably rarely think about: Dish sponges. You don’t necessarily need to swap it immediately, but it’s an easy change, especially when products like this Vove dish brush exist. The bristles are crafted with heat-safe sisal, a type of agave plant, and the handle is made with bamboo. With the set, you get the brush plus two replacement heads, so you can get right to cleaning those dishes. 

Swap Plastic Bags for Reusable Silicone Bags  

Stasher Silicone Storage Bag, Snack Size 

We’re huge fans of reusable storage bags for waste-reduction purposes, but they’re also great for avoiding microplastics. The Stasher bags scored high marks from us thanks to their incredibly durable and versatile design—easily used over and over again. The seal is also truly airtight. Since they’re made with silicone, they’re more stable and safe to use, according to scientists.