Thinking about making the switch to a plastic-free kitchen but you don’t know what to do? Follow this easy 4-step process!
Like any modern American, my kitchen had been full of plastic until just a couple years ago.
I used plastic cups and plates for patio dining, plastic food storage containers for leftovers and packed lunches, plastic sippy cups for my young children, and plastic utensils for my Teflon-coated pots and pans.
It all changed, though, when I began learning the dangers of Teflon, BPA, BPS – and how all plastic leaches toxins.
Eliminating plastic from my kitchen
It may have taken a little longer than I would have liked, but over a few years I upgraded to healthier options. I now use:
- Stainless steel pots, pans and utensils,
- Cast iron skillets,
- Wood and bamboo cutting boards,
- Reusable cloth snack bags,
- A lot of glassware (from baking dishes to storage containers and reusable, repurposed glass jars).
I’ve almost completely eliminated plastic, but I still use:
- Plastic resealable storage bags (occasionally) for packed lunches,
- Plastic wrap when covering leftovers in stoneware and glassware,
- Plastic lids that came with my reusable glass food containers.
I probably could make the switch to entirely plastic-free, but for the sake of convenience I don’t know if that will ever happen. (I still need to try out silicone lids.) And I’m OK with that. I know I’ve made a lot of healthy changes – and have stopped using a lot of plastic.
Your plastic-free kitchen
Making the switch from plastic isn’t as difficult as you may imagine. Here’s a simple 4-step process for you:
- First, make a decision to stop using plastic in your kitchen.
- Then, prepare. Stock up on glass storage containers. Reuse glass jars. Make the switch to stainless steel, cast iron or ceramic cookware.
- Pitch your plastic. Go ahead and get rid of your plastic containers and plates so you’re not tempted to use them.
- Finally, enjoy the health benefits! Now that you have plastic-free options in your kitchen, you can say goodbye to being exposed to chemicals leached from plastic!
Want to find out how you could make the switch to a paper-free kitchen? Click here!
What steps are you taking toward a plastic-free kitchen? What plastic products do you still use?
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Miriam mqthen5 says
I was just talking to someone yesterday about a product called bee’s wrap. It’s a sustainable reusable alternative to plastic wrap
Kate says
If you iron some pretty cotton fabric with grated beeswax between baking paper you can do away with plastic wrap on top of left overs. To clean just wipe with a sponge. Beeswax has anti-bacterial properties.
I prefer to store leftovers in bowls so there is less chance of food touching the wrap and I have less cleaning to do. You just warm the wrap with your hands and it should stick or mold to the plate.
This will also mold around things like sandwiches keeping them fresh and stop the bread from drying out.
I do have silicon wrap for over plates I found the thinner it is the easier it is to stretch over the plate. But you can’t use these on warm foods as the steam makes it impossible to stick.
I use a lot of wooden utensils too. The spatulas are the first I reach for. Although I have two sets, one for savoury foods and the other for sweets.
Hilary says
I absolutely love your homemade beeswax plastic wrap solution, Kate! Thanks so much for sharing!
Rachel Payne says
I’d love to do this. I’m wondering if the plastic bottles that some drinks come in leach toxins into the drinks even if they aren’t heated? We keep them in the fridge and recycle them afterwards.
Hilary says
With plastic, I’m just not sure, Rachel! I know all plastic leaches, but I don’t know how much when it’s a cold liquid, or even room temperature. I often wonder the same thing about any food – like oils or condiments. Not many come in glass bottles!
Barb Stump says
No more reusing cool whip and smart balance containers? Here I thought we were being “thrifty” 😏. Is Tupperware and Rubbermaid plastic? Now I have something else to think about 😳😩!!!!!
Shaylynn says
I use stasher bags instead of ziplocks! They are silicone and have many more uses than plastic baggies 🙂 As a vegan I also use veggie wax wrap instead of beeswax wrap you can find it on Etsy!
Shaylynn says
I forgot to mention FoodHuggers all silicone to replace plastic wrap or lids