Microplastics have been present in our food, water and even within the kitchen utensils we use to cook dinner and store our food, so it is no shock that it has been estimated that People eat between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles on a yearly foundation. As for a way that is affecting our well being, though extra analysis is required, studies have connected microplastics to a weakened immune system, sure kinds of most cancers and cell injury.
Regardless of my consciousness of microplastics, I would delay looking out by my very own kitchen to search out potential sources of microplastics. As soon as I lastly did, these are the gadgets I found and plan to exchange.
1. Plastic meals storage containers
Just some of the plastic containers I discovered hiding in my cupboard.
Once I went by my storage container cupboard, I discovered a number of plastic containers. Some I take advantage of solely for storing dry items, whereas others are reserved for leftovers within the fridge and reheating within the microwave. The latter declare to be refrigerator-, dishwasher- and microwave-safe, however all of them present indicators of wear and tear and are positively due for alternative.
A September 2024 study discovered that of the 14,000 recognized meals contact chemical compounds current in meals packaging, 3,601 — or roughly 25% — have been detected in people. Particularly, 235 FCCs in supplies that come into contact with meals have been present in people, together with plastic compounds.
There’s additionally explicit fear concerning the usage of microwaves and plastic containers. A June 2023 study concluded that heating a plastic container within the microwave resulted within the highest launch of microplastics and nanoplastics into meals, in comparison with refrigeration, storage at room temperature and different makes use of. Nevertheless, refrigeration and room temperature storage can nonetheless launch as much as billions of microplastics and nanoplastics into their contents over the course of six months. Nanoplastics are even smaller than microplastics, measuring lower than 1 micron, making them doubtlessly extra damaging to the human physique.
That is particularly regarding with plastic takeout containers that do not specify they’re heat-safe, and even after they do, that declare might just be marketing jargon. This yr, it was reported that Rubbermaid is being sued for claiming that its plastic containers are microwave and freezer protected when, allegedly, they nonetheless launch microplastics into meals. A consultant for Rubbermaid didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
An August 2024 review decided that even throughout freezing and thawing, microplastics may be launched from the interior floor of meals containers. One other concern is that when plastic is frozen, items can break off the container and contaminate your meals.
Whereas BPA-free containers, which do not include the commercial chemical bisphenol A, could also be higher since you keep away from potential health effects (although, once more, extra research are wanted), glass containers are your greatest guess.
The swap for plastic meals storage containers
I plan to exchange my present plastic containers with glass ones. I’ve already swapped just a few with the brand new Tupperware Voila collection — protected for the oven, microwave, freezer, dishwasher and underneath the broiler (with the lid off) — which the model kindly despatched me to attempt. Nevertheless, I additionally need to fill up on smaller containers.
2. A black plastic spatula
The dreaded black plastic spatula I ought to have changed ages in the past.
Like plastic containers, your plastic kitchen utensils may launch microplastic particles into your meals, as reported by a June 2024 systematic review.
I take advantage of picket slicing boards, metallic cutlery, a silicone spatula solely for mixing room-temperature components and wooden and metallic cooking utensils, so I believed I used to be within the clear with plastic utensils — till I noticed one factor: a black plastic spatula. I do know I ought to have gotten rid of it by now, however it’s the proper width for flipping pancakes and fried eggs. Writing this text is the wake-up name I would like.
The swap for a plastic spatula
I am planning to exchange my black plastic spatula with both a metallic or picket one. I have already got a number of wooden spatulas, however none are large sufficient, so I’d go for a stainless-steel fish spatula, such because the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner ($18) or the Victorinox 40415 Turner Slotted Wood ($54).
3. My non-stick air fryer
Guess it is time to spend money on a glass air fryer.
I’ve the Philips 3000 Sequence air fryer, and upon researching its composition, I used to be shocked to search out that Philips air fryer elements are principally coated with non-stick PTFE, a kind of plastic.
Philips states that this can be a frequent coating compliant with present laws on meals contact supplies. Nevertheless, a June 2024 study discovered that PTFE-coated cookware, like my air fryer, can nonetheless launch microplastics and nanoplastics if the coating is scratched by exhausting, sharp utensils or used at larger temperatures.
The swap for a plastic-coated air fryer
CNET’s choose for the best air fryer overall is the Ninja Crispi, which is product of glass and free from PFAS and PTFE, due to its crisper plate that makes use of a nano-ceramic coating, not plastic. I will likely be including this to my holiday wishlist.
4. Tea luggage
I used to be dissatisfied to study that my beloved tea luggage may include plastic.
I discovered dozens of tea luggage in my designated tea jar and the kitchen cupboard the place I retailer further bins, however I used to be shocked to study they did not simply include my favourite teas.
A February 2025 review discovered that tea luggage are the best contributors of microplastic particles to sizzling tea when the bag and string are steeped, as greater than 1 billion microplastics and nanoplastics may be launched into the liquid. It additionally would not matter whether or not the tea luggage include plastic that is used to heat-seal the baggage or are biodegradable, because the latter can nonetheless be created with plastic.
Upon inspecting all my tea luggage, I discovered that the majority of them declare to be compostable, which implies they’re constituted of plant-based supplies and do not include plastic. Nevertheless, I do have some tea luggage that lack this label, which implies they could include microplastics.
In the event you’re questioning in regards to the distinction between compostable and biodegradable, not-for-profit environmental firm Oceanwatch Australia says compostable merchandise are made with natural components that may break down over time in the best atmosphere, like in a compost bin, whereas biodegradable merchandise may be product of both plant-based supplies or petroleum-based plastic (which may depart behind microplastics).
The swap for tea luggage which will include microplastics
As a substitute of counting on non-compostable tea luggage for a sizzling beverage, I can select loose-leaf tea as an alternative. I have already got stainless steel tea infusers that I can use for steeping. To make sure that nothing leaches into the water I take advantage of to brew my tea, I can use a glass electric kettle, corresponding to CNET’s favourite OXO Adjustable Temperature Kettle ($120).
My closing ideas
Whereas there isn’t any must panic and hurriedly exchange each single merchandise that is plastic in your kitchen, as extra research are required to verify well being results, there isn’t any hurt in slowly swapping out plastic kitchen gadgets for these which might be silicone, wooden, metallic or glass, particularly for those who’re heating, refrigerating, dishwashing or freezing them. In spite of everything, a glass merchandise a day may maintain the microplastics away.
