We spend so much time in the kitchen, and unfortunately it’s one of the biggest sources of toxins. Why do we care so much about what we eat but not what we cook with? You don’t need to throw everything out or make everything perfectly non-toxic, but there are some swaps you can make that will really make a difference in you and your family’s health.
Here are some kitchen favorites I have to make your home a healthier and safer place!
1. Cookware
Traditional nonstick pans can actually release harmful chemicals such as PFAs, lead, and microplastics when scratched or heated. Those chemicals can be released into your food!
Instead, I swapped my cookware to be made of stainless steel or ceramic. My favorite brand is OurPlace. They have wonderful options for ceramic or stainless steel cookware, bakeware, and more. They also come in beautiful colors and sets. After the fires, they sent me a replacement of all the pans I used to have from them. They truly are such an amazing company, even beyond their product.
OurPlace: https://fromourplace.com/collections/cookware
Swapping out your cookware for a healthier option is a major upgrade, not a sacrifice. It’s worth every penny to know I’m not ingesting chemicals while eating my food!
2. Dishes
This is another big one. Again, why eat healthy if your dishes aren’t? Plastic bowls, plates, cups, and storage containers can add microplastics to your food when put in the freezer or especially when heated. Glass and stoneware are beautiful options for healthy dishes.
Check out our non-toxic tableware here to find plenty of options for dinner plates, platters, pitchers, cups, glasses, bowls, and more. My favorite collection is Pacifica from Casafina. I have the whole set in my house right now!
3. Beeswax wrap
Ditch the saran wrap or plastic bags and use beeswax wrap for sandwiches, avocados, or to seal half a watermelon. It’s washable, reusable, and completely natural. However, after a lot of use and repeated washings, I find sometimes the wraps need to be retired.
4. No Metal on food - if the beeswax wrap is more than you can handle it’s ok to cover food with plastic wrap or tin foil but the main thing is to make sure the wraps do not touch your food…add a piece of parchment paper under the plastic or tin wrap and your food is protected. Better yet swap all wraps into a glass container for storage. Glass Container Link
5. Natural kitchen cleaner
Heavy chemical cleaners with synthetic fragrances aren’t the only options that are effective at cleaning your kitchen. Koala Eco is a great all natural cleaning brand that has veggie wash, dish soap, and disinfectant for your countertops. Sometimes I even use 50/50 vinegar and water and will even throw in lemon scraps if I have any.
6. Ditch the commercial tea bags and plastic coffee pods
Steeping commercial tea bags made of nylon or polypropylene releases billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles straight into your cup (source). K-cups for the Keurig are plastic and leech a ton of microplastics in your coffee as well. Nespresso is a little better since their pods are made from aluminum and food-grade polymer lacquer, but the best, cleanest method is a moka pot or a pour over with a stainless steel filter. Loose tea is less expensive in most cases and a stainless tea ball allows you to create the perfect amount of tea strength.
Final Thoughts
Making changes to create a non-toxic home doesn’t need to be overwhelming or out of fear. Small swaps here and there can really make a difference. Choose better when you can, and you’ll feel a lot better too.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve found any other non-toxic kitchen swaps that have been game-changing for your family! And if you’re just beginning your non-toxic journey, I’m here to help!
