Avoid Microplastics This Fall With These Kitchen Tools

I find myself in the kitchen almost every day when fall hits. The season has me craving cozy, comfortable meals that taste better when they’re made with my own two hands. Since I cook and bake so often, it was important to me to swap out all my plastic, toxic kitchen gear and replace it with non-toxic alternatives. A salad, after all, tastes better when it doesn’t come with a serving of microplastic particles on the side. 

If you’re taking stock of your kitchen and realizing that it’s time for you to do a little updating of your own, worry not, because I found 22 non-toxic kitchen utensils, pots, cutting boards, and baking dishes at Amazon. The best part? Prices start at just $13.    

Swap Out: Plastic Kitchen Spoons 

With: Stainless Steel, Wood, and Silicone Kitchen Utensils

Microplastics are everywhere, even in places you wouldn’t expect. Everyday items, from kitchen sponges to tea bags, are releasing these harmful particles into our bodies. Once I was made aware of this, I immediately decided to swap out my plastic kitchen utensils with non-toxic stainless steel, wood, and silicone versions. Fortunately, I’ve found a few useful and durable products available at Amazon. From Earlywood’s editor-loved wooden spatula to GIR’s silicone kitchen spoon, these tools will make a big difference in how you cook.    

Swap Out: Small, Toxic Pots 

With: Large Cast Iron Dutch Ovens and Stainless Steel Stockpots 

If you’re anything like me, you love soup. Truthfully, I eat it year-round, but I only make it at home on a weekly basis when autumn hits. Ever since I ditched my small, toxic pots, I’ve been using cast iron Dutch ovens and stainless steel stockpots for all of my simmering, braising, and soup-making needs. Trust me, it makes a big difference when you use cookware that’s both durable and large enough to fit more than two servings. You can even score some of my favorite brands at Amazon, including Le Creuset, Lodge, Made In, and more. These pieces are expensive, but they’re designed to last, which is more than I can say of the nonstick pot you bought last year that’s already flaking. 

Swap Out: Plastic Cutting Boards

With: Microplastic-Free Cutting Boards

Every time you slide your knife across a plastic cutting board, the friction causes microplastic particles to release into your food. Such particles can have a negative impact on our heart health and on our guts, so it’s a good idea to limit our exposure by replacing them with non-toxic versions. Since a wooden cutting board is gorgeous enough to double as a centerpiece, this swap shouldn’t be a burden. Plus, if you keep it out of the dishwasher, dry it immediately, and oil it regularly, it will last much longer than a flimsy plastic board.

• Teakhaus Extra-Large Wooden Cutting Board, $139 
• Made In Cookware Butcher Block, $129 
• Allsum Bamboo Cutting Board, $14, originally $20
• John Boos CB Series Square Maple Cutting Board, $60
• Shun Cutlery Large Hinoki Cutting Board, $74, originally $80
• Sonder Los Angeles Large Teak Cutting Board, $80, originally $90
• Ironwood Gourmet Acacia Wood Cutting Board, $60

Swap Out: Toxic Bakeware 

With: PFAS-Free Bakeware 

Whether I’m baking pie for Thanksgiving or roasting vegetables for dinner, I appreciate having a healthy supply of non-toxic baking dishes to choose from in my kitchen. If you’re just getting started on your healthy bakeware journey, you can’t go wrong with brands like Pyrex and Nordic Ware. They’re popular for a reason — and that reason is excellent quality and decades of trust. Comparatively, Caraway and Our Place are new(er) to the market, but they’ve made quite the impression. With trendy, colorful designs, non-toxic construction, and the stamp of approval from Food & Wine editors, you’ll be baking a microplastic-free cake in no time.