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How I Learnt About Microplastics

Okay okay okay I know I said I would not become that guy reading labels in the kitchen.

But after years of living in shared houses, reheating meal prep in plastic tubs, boiling water in whatever kettle was cheapest, and cooking 3 to 4 times a day because gym, hockey, life… I started looking into what actually touches my food.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that shed from everyday items. Heat, friction and wear make it worse. Think chopping boards, food containers, kettles, utensils. They are small enough to enter food and water. Research is still ongoing, but they are linked to inflammation and hormone disruption. Not ideal…

This is not about panic. It is about reducing exposure where it is easy to do so.

I work from home. I cook a lot. I bake. I am a foodie. These are swaps I actually use.

Buy Fewer but Better Items

One thing I have learnt from moving house after house after house is this. Cheap stuff breaks. Then you replace it. Then you replace it again.

A solid glass container or stainless steel pan can last years. Sometimes decades. It is incredddible how much calmer your kitchen feels when it is not full of warped plastic lids.

Buy once. Buy better. That is the vibe.

You Don’t Need To Break the Bank

You do not need a full zero waste Pinterest kitchen overnight.

Start with the items that touch heat and food most often. That is where small upgrades can be low effort game changers.

Here are 5 realistic swaps.

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Glass Food Storage Containers UK AMAZON

Glass Food Storage Containers US AMAZON

If you meal prep like I do, this is the first swap. Plastic tubs plus microwave heat equals more shedding. Glass is neutral and does not absorb smells from that leftover chilli.

What I love about them
You can see your food. They do not stain. They last years. Oven safe in most cases. Feels more grown up somehow.

Things to consider
Heavier than plastic. Lids are still often plastic so avoid heating with lid on.

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Solid Wood Chopping Board UK AMAZON

Solid Wood Chopping Board US AMAZON

Plastic boards shed every time you slice. I did not think about that until I was cooking daily as a gym goer and keen baker. Wood self heals better and looks amazinnngg on the counter.

What I love about it
Durable. Gentle on knives. Doubles as a serving board when friends come over.

Things to consider
Needs occasional oiling. Do not leave soaking in water.

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Stainless Steel Electric Kettle UK AMAZON

Stainless Steel Electric Kettle US AMAZON

Boiling water in a plastic interior daily felt like an easy upgrade. I make coffee, tea, oats, everything. This was a quiet but solid improvement.

What I love about it
No plastic touching boiling water inside. Feels sturdy. Cleaner taste in my opinion.

Things to consider
Check that the interior is fully stainless steel not just the outside.

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Stainless Steel Cooking Utensil Set UK AMAZON

Stainless Steel Cooking Utensil Set US AMAZON

Those cheap black plastic spatulas get scratched and brittle. High heat plus wear equals more particles. Stainless steel is simple and lasts.

What I love about them
Practically indestructible. Easy to clean. Feels chef level without being expensive.

Things to consider
Can scratch non stick pans. Pair with stainless or cast iron cookware.

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Silicone Food Storage Bags UK AMAZON

Silicone Food Storage Bags US AMAZON

For snacks, freezer bits, chopped veg. Reusable silicone is more stable than thin plastic bags and cuts down waste.

What I love about them
Reusable. Easy to wash. Good for freezer and lunch prep.

Things to consider
Buy thicker, good quality versions. Cheap ones can feel flimsy.

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This is not about perfection. I still have plastic in my kitchen. I am not living in a bamboo cabin in the woods.

But small swaps in high use areas have made me feel better about what I am cooking in and storing food with. When you cook as much as I do, that peace of mind is worth it.

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