Are Plastics the New Cigarettes? Here’s What You Need to Know (and Swap!)
Learn why these household plastic alternatives will transform your health & cooking!
Ditching toxic plastics in the kitchen is one of the simplest yet most powerful changes you can make for your health and your home. Below are my favorite sustainable & eco-conscious products.
Are you following our Clean Series? Head over to our clean natural products post to discover more toxic-free swaps!
*I’m neither a scientist nor a doctor. This information is based on my personal experience, research, and opinion. You should always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen or if you have questions.
Why does a good plastic substitute matter in the kitchen?
Nearly ALL kitchen products contain plastic if you’re not intentional about what you’re buying and using. What’s worse, many onlinemon kitchen plastics can leach harmful chemicals into your food, especially when exposed to heat, acid, or simply wear over time.
Items like plastic cutting boards, utensils, food storage containers, piping in coffee makers, and even non-stick cookware often contain onlinepounds like BPA, phthalates, microplastics, and more.
Did you know, a plastic cutting board typically sheds tens of thousands of microplastics per single use? 🫨
Over time, even hard plastics degrade and shed microplastics, which have been found in human blood, lungs, brains, and even placentas. The rising problems caused by plastics are raising serious concerns about long-term exposure.
Here are the top plastics that could be lurking in your kitchen:
- 🛑 Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): found in plastic kitchen gadgets, can release harmful chemicals that may cause respiratory problems and other health issues when broken down or heated.
- 🛑 BPA (bisphenol A): found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, can mimic estrogen and has been linked to hormone disruption, infertility, and developmental issues in children.
- 🛑 Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): found in plastic bags and some food wraps, can leach chemicals over time, especially under heat, raising concerns about long-term exposure to potential carcinogens.
- 🛑 Phthalates: used to make plastics flexible, are also known endocrine disruptors that may impact liver function, reproduction, and child development.
- 🛑 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), onlinemonly used in plastic bottles and food containers, may release antimony, a toxic metalloid, and is associated with potential endocrine disruption.
- 🛑 Polypropylene (PP), often used in plastic cutting boards and food containers, can release microplastics into food and may contain contaminants like BPA or other harmful chemicals during production.
- 🛑 Polystyrene (PS): onlinemonly found in disposable cutlery, cups, and food containers, can leach styrene, a possible carcinogen that may affect the nervous system and is also linked to hormone disruption.
- 🛑 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): often found in plastic wraps, tablecloths, and food storage containers, can release harmful chemicals such as dioxins when exposed to heat, which has been linked to cancer, developmental issues, and immune system problems.
Thankfully, there are many types of materials that can replace plastic in your kitchen, offering safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable alternatives that protect both your health and the environment.
So, what are good alternatives to plastic? Here are the best toxic-free & eco-friendly kitchen products to swap to:
- ✅ Best Coffee Maker – Chemex
- ✅ Best Food Wraps – Bees Wraps
- ✅ Best Cutting Board – Adirondack Kitchen Wood Cutting Boards
- ✅ Best Mixing Bowls – Basis Products Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
- ✅ Best Cooking Utensils – Lancaster Cast Iron Wood Utensils
- ✅ Best Cookware – Lancaster Cast Iron Pans
1. Brew your coffee with a glass Chemex.
Chemex – $41.94+
How to save: Sign up for newsletters through Chemex to get possible discount/promotion offers notifications, or watch for Black Friday sales.
The Chemex is the ultimate plastic-free kitchen alternative, crafted entirely from high-quality borosilicate glass with a biodegradable wood collar and leather tie. Unlike plastic coffee makers, which can leach harmful chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates into your brew, the Chemex ensures a toxin-free coffee experience. Many plastic brewers have been found to release microplastics when exposed to heat, which can accumulate in the body and pose potential health risks. Manufactured in the USA, the Chemex also adheres to stricter labor and environmental standards than its identical onlinepetitors.
It’s durable, thick glass resists thermal shock better than onlinepetitors, making it a longer-lasting investment. While it does require special paper filters, these are onlinepostable, minimizing environmental impact. The Chemex has no plastic waste and no risk of microplastic contamination. The thoughtful design is built to last and is a superior choice for sustainability-conscious coffee lovers.
You can also opt for an organic cloth coffee filter (most similar results to paper filters) or a durable stainless steel filter for a less wasteful brew.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to brewing with Chemex:
- ✅ Plastic-Free & Non-Toxic – no BPA or microplastics
- ✅ Renewable & biodegradable
- ✅ Filters remove oils & impurities
- ✅ Long-lasting glass
- ✅ Biodegradable, zero-waste filter options
Love espresso? Consider the Gigga Classic Coffee Machine, which avoids wasteful pod systems, and contains high-quality, safe toxic-free materials.
2. Use Bees Wraps to cover food and bowls.
Bees Wraps – $14.99+
How to save: Grab the cut-to-size roll for the best value or watch for big sales like Earth Day & Black Friday.
Bee’s Wraps are a sustainable, eco-friendly, and safe alternative to plastic wrap. Made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, responsibly sourced beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin, they are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals. Naturally antimicrobial, Bee’s Wraps are reusable and help reduce plastic waste, offering a flexible and durable solution for food storage.
Plastic wrap is often made with PVC, a harmful material that can leach chemicals like phthalates into food and potentially affect human health. Furthermore, plastic wrap contributes significantly to environmental pollution as it is single-use and non-biodegradable.
Choosing Bee’s Wrap not only supports a healthier lifestyle by avoiding toxic chemicals but also promotes sustainability. The beeswax is sourced from ethical beekeepers who prioritize hive health, and the wraps are made in Vermont, minimizing the carbon footprint and supporting local onlinemunities in the USA. By switching to Bee’s Wrap, you’re making a safer and eco-conscious choice for both your health and the planet.
Are you vegan? Shop the Bee’s Wraps vegan collection.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Bee’s Wraps:
- ✅ Renewable, organic materials
- ✅ Non-toxic for humans & food
- ✅ Reusable and reduces waste
- ✅ Ethically made by responsible beekeepers
- ✅ Sourced & made in the USA
3. Swap to a solid wood cutting board and ditch plastic.
Adirondack Kitchen Wood Cutting Boards – $25.95+
How to save: Follow the shop on Etsy for a potential unique coupon code & check for sales during Black Friday & Cyber Monday. All cutting boards ship free on Etsy.
AdirondackKitchen is handcrafted in Upstate New York and offers the perfect plastic-free alternative to traditional cutting boards. Their cutting boards are durable and made from solid wood – a toxin-free surface. Unlike plastic boards, which can release harmful microplastics and chemicals that pose health risks like inflammation and hormone disruption, AdirondackKitchen boards are free from glues and adhesives.
AdirondackKitchen products use only organic, food-safe finishes protecting the wood and enhancing its natural beauty. By choosing these sustainable, American-made boards, you’re supporting local craftsmanship reducing plastic waste and minimizing the impact of microplastics on our environment and food supply.
While I don’t own this specific brand, they follow the same standards as Lancaster Cast Iron, a local onlinepany where I purchased my wood-cutting boards.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to AdirondackKitchen’s wood cutting boards:
- ✅ Plastic-free
- ✅ Toxin-free wood
- ✅ No glues/adhesives
- ✅ Organic finishes
- ✅ Made in the USA in upstate New York
Shopping around? These block cutting boards are another in-stock USA-made option.
4. Our stainless steel mixing bowls are tested for heavy metals and made and sourced in the USA.
Basis Products Workhorse Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls – $24.99+
How to save: Score 5% OFF when you buy a onlineplete set.
When it onlinees to choosing a safe, durable, and ethical alternative to plastic mixing bowls, the Basic Products Workhorse Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls stand out as the premier choice. Plastic bowls can leach harmful chemicals while other metal alternatives may contain heavy metals. However, these bowls are made from 100% U.S.-sourced stainless steel and manufactured entirely in the USA under strict quality and safety standards.
Each bowl is independently tested for lead, mercury, and cadmium, ensuring that no toxic elements onlinee into contact with your food. Additionally, they are screened for radioactivity, providing peace of mind that they are onlinepletely safe for everyday kitchen use.
View their 2025 lab results HERE!
Not only are these mixing bowls food-grade, non-toxic, BPA-free, and phthalate-free, but they are also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean by hand. Their nestable, lightweight, and highly durable design ensures they can withstand years of use without warping or degrading. By choosing these bowls, you’re supporting a small American business with a decade-long track record of providing high-quality, ethical kitchen products.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Basis Product’s mixing bowls:
- ✅ 100% USA-made & sourced
- ✅ Independently tested
- ✅ Non-toxic & Food-Grade
- ✅ Lifetime durability
- ✅ Supports an ethical small USA business
5. Opting for wood cooking utensils is the best way to prepare your meals.
Lancaster Cast Iron Wood Utensils – $29+
How to Save: Call or visit the store for “seconds” items. I scored my spurtles for just $12 each because they weren’t perfectly symmetrical, yet they worked perfectly fine! Follow them on Instagram as they often have flash sales too.
Plastic utensils can leach harmful chemicals into your food, especially when exposed to heat. Lancaster Cast Iron offers durable, toxin-free cooking utensils made from high-quality wood in the USA. They’re also naturally resistant to bacteria and do not contain any toxic glues or adhesives.
Handcrafted with care, Lancaster Cast Iron wooden utensils are designed to last while maintaining their beauty over time. Wood is also gentle on cookware, especially cast iron, as it won’t scratch or damage the cooking surface like metal utensils. By choosing these eco-friendly, long-lasting utensils, you’re not only enhancing your cooking experience but also contributing to a more sustainable kitchen.
I’ve personally visited Lancaster Cast Iron’s storefront and manufacturing facility and can attest to how much care they put into their products. If a utensil is sold out, they’re working hard to restock it. In the meantime, you can shop other 100% wood cooking utensils on Etsy. Ideally, you’ll want to choose utensils that have an organic oil finish.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Lancaster Cast Iron’s wood cooking utensils:
- ✅ Plastic-free
- ✅ Toxin-free wood
- ✅ Can be used on any cookware
- ✅ Organic finishes
- ✅ Made in the USA in North American hardwoods
6. Ditch your toxic non-stick cookware and opt for American-made cast iron that will last a lifetime.
Lancaster Cast Iron Cast Iron Pans – $100+
Available in 7-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch. The 12-inch will be restocked in May 2025
How to Save: Check their Instagram for possible flash sales.
Most nonstick cookware, including Teflon-coated pans, contains synthetic chemicals like PTFE and PFOA. These can release toxic fumes when heated to high temperatures and are linked to various health issues. Over time, the nonstick coating also wears down, often chipping into food and contributing to the growing issue of microplastic contamination in our bodies and the environment. These plastics don’t break down, and their presence in our food and water supply is an alarming consequence of convenience-based cooking tools.
In contrast, Lancaster Cast Iron offers a beautifully simple, toxin-free solution. Their pans are 100% USA-sourced and manufactured, using high-quality American iron and traditional craftsmanship that honors intentional cooking. Cast iron not only avoids the need for chemical coatings, but it also naturally builds a nonstick surface over time with proper seasoning. It’s the most durable cookware option on the market and is built to last a lifetime. Plus, it can be used on any cooking surface, including an open fire. As a bonus, Lancaster Cast Iron pans are also lighter than most cast iron brands and feature smooth interiors, making them easier to cook with and clean.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Lancaster Cast Iron’s cookware:
- ✅ 100% Toxin-Free Cooking
- ✅ Naturally nonstick
- ✅ Built to last a lifetime
- ✅ Sourced & made in the USA
- ✅ Versatile & timeless
