By April Braithwait
Starting my zero waste journey meant getting rid of my plastic and finding suitable materials that are durable. I’ve made a list of cost effective alternative to plastic which are non- toxic and long lasting for various cooking utensils, container storage and cookware.
Let’s get started on building your zero waste, plastic free kitchen!
Here are some of my favourite replacement materials to use in the kitchen and around the home:
1. Stainless Steel
I replaced my non stick pans and utensils all with stainless steel. This is because non stick pans use the forever chemical Teflon as a non stick coating. These can release microscopic plastic particles into food.
Pros
- Highly resistant to cracking, chipping, breaking
- Heat resistance, retention & even distribution
- Compatibility with all types of stove tops
Cons
- More expensive up front cost
- Learning curve to start cooking with
- Difficult to clean when used incorrectly
2. Wood
I’ve switched up my plastic cutting boards for bamboo or wood. This is because they are gentler on knife blades, antimicrobial, and prevent microplastics in food. Plastic scratches traps bacteria in grooves which are difficult to clean. Whereas wood traps bacteria safely inside grooves where they eventually die.
Pros
- Doesn’t react to acidic or alkaline foods, preserving flavour
- Gentle on cookware
- Eco-friendly & naturally anti-microbial
Cons
- Susceptible to moisture damage
- Hand washing and regular oiling to prolong lifespan
- Risk of splintering into food
3. Bamboo
Bamboo is a great material for cutting boards and kitchen utensils. Bamboo is unique in the way it is rapidly renewable and biodegradable. It is better for the environment and your health. Unlike plastics, bamboo is non-toxic, heat-resistant, and won’t leach harmful chemicals into food.
Pros
- Eco- friendly due to being a rapidly renewable material
- Can withstand high temperatures without cracking or melting
- Biodegradable material reducing waste & environmental impact
Cons
- More expensive than plastic
- Risk of utensils splintering into food
- Moisture absorbent which can lead to mold growth if not properly treated
4. Glass
Glass is a wonderful alternative to plastic food storage containers, baking dishes as well as drinking glasses. Glass is non-porous, like other materials it won’t leach toxic chemicals or microplastics into your food, even when heated. Additionally, glass does not absorb stains or odors and can withstand high temperatures, making it safer, long lasting, and easy to clean.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Doesn’t retain stains, odors
- Effective for preservation as it can withstand high temperatures
Cons
- High risk of breakage
- Cracking or shattering can occur under sudden temperature changes
- More expensive than metal or plastic alternative
5. Silicone
This material is non toxic when it is 100% food grade platnium silicone with no fillers. Silicone can be used for food storage containers, straw alternatives and cooking utensils. They are a hygienic, and non-toxic choice for everyday cooking. They are especially ideal for protecting pans from stratches.
Pros
- Cheap material
- Very flexible, whilst still able to return to original shape
- Non sticks without the use of Teflon coating
Cons
- Need to be careful about checking for ‘filler’ materials
- Prone to cuts and scratches when cleaned with abrasive tools
- Can be difficult to clean when food residue dries on it
I hope you start swapping and using these wonderful material alternatives in your kitchen. Remember simple swaps and a higher number of people going zero waste is more important than doing it perfectly.
Keep up the momentum towards your best health!