Ditch the Black Plastic and Reduce Microplastic Exposure
As we set our intentions for 2026, many of us think about being more healthy, but what about what we cook with?
A recent NPR report highlights troubling findings about everyday black plastic kitchen items: researchers detected toxic flame retardants in many of these utensils and containers, including chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and neurological and reproductive harm. These hazardous substances can find their way into our kitchens because black plastics are often made from recycled electronic waste that originally contained them.
The New York Times’ Wirecutter review of toxic black plastic kitchen alternatives offers helpful guidance on safer options, from stainless steel and wood tools to high-quality silicone and glass storage that don’t carry the same risks as cheap plastic. These swaps not only reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, but they also limit the amount of microplastics that can end up in the food you prepare. Additionally, black plastics are hard to read by recycling scanners, so many times the container ends up in a landfill.
This year, consider making a kitchen reset part of your wellness goals:
- Replace black plastic utensils with wood, stainless steel, bamboo, or other non-plastic materials.
- Store food in glass or metal containers instead of plastic. When you go out to eat at a restaurant, don’t be afraid to bring your own containers! If you drive a car, you can store them there to avoid forgetting them.
- Choose alternatives for other high-risk plastic items, like cling wrap or cheap cutting boards. The Northbrook farmer’s market is a great source for beeswax wraps, which you can use to wrap the tops of bowls or use directly on wrapping cheeses. They are super cute too!
Small changes like these can make your kitchen safer and cut down the invisible particles and chemicals that may be entering your body with each meal. If you’re interested in helping make Illinois Plastic-waste free and reducing harm from Microplastics, check out the Coalition for Plastic Reduction.