Making the switch to a plastic-free kitchen can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to happen overnight. Here's how to start small, make swaps that are sustainable, and build a kitchen you feel good about.
Why start with your kitchen
The kitchen is typically where single-use plastic is used the most, and where exposure to plastics and microplastics occurs on a daily basis. Plastics can leach harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates into food. Exposure to heat, ageing of the plastic, or storing fatty or acidic foods can accelerate this process - introducing microplastics into your body. The good news? Making swaps to plastic-free items is easy. You don't need to throw everything out at once! Simply replace objects one at a time as they run out.
5 Easy swaps you can make
1. Plastic Cling Wrap → Beeswax wraps
Used only once, cling wrap is one of the most wasteful, single-use plastic items in the kitchen! Once thrown out, it stays in landfill for hundreds of years. Not to mention its a pain to handle sometimes. Switching to beeswax wraps is a simple swap you can make. Reusable, naturally antibacterial, and lasting up to 12 months, they are an easy substitute for plastic cling wrap. Bonus: They make a thoughtful gift idea. Shop Beeswax wraps here.
2. Plastic sponges/dishwands → Natural scrubbers
Conventional sponges are made from polyurethane, a petroleum-based plastic. They shed microplastics every time they are used, which goes straight onto dishes, kitchen benches and your water supply. Swap to natural plant-based sponges such as cellulose, cotton, coconut fibre, loofah and bamboo. They dry more quickly, reducing bacterial growth and that awful smell that occurs with plastic sponges and brushes. Shop natural scrubbers here.
3. Plastic food storage containers → Stainless steel containers
Plastic food containers slowly degrade and breakdown over time, causing tiny microplastics to enter your food. This process is accelerated when exposed to heat or fatty or acidic foods. Switching to stainless steel containers means you will have a more durable, longer lasting food storage, that won't degrade and leach microplastics. Shop stainless containers here.
4. Dishwashing liquid → Dishwashing bar
Dishwashing liquid is stored in plastic containers. Overtime through squeezing, twisting and opening the bottle, the plastic can start to break down, shedding microplastics into the liquid. Some may also contain synthetic polymer thickeners in the liquid. Meanwhile a dishwashing bar comes in plastic free packaging and contains plant-based oils, helping you to avoid microplastics. Shop dishwashing bar here.
5. Plastic cloths/wipes → Swedish wipes
Standard cloths or wipes are usually made of plastic blends such as polyester, polypropylene and nylon which shed microplastics through rubbing, friction and high heat exposure. Switching to swedish cloths which are made of cotton and cellulose will help to reduce microplastics forming on kitchen surfaces and dishes when cleaning. Shop swedish cloths here.