When you think about potential health hazards, your kitchen probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. But let me tell you—I’ve been doing some digging, and what I’ve learned has made me rethink a lot of everyday kitchen staples!
The good news? When you know better, you can do better.
Many of the items we rely on daily—like plastic storage containers, nonstick cookware, and even our go-to cleaning sprays—can contain chemicals that disrupt hormones, leach toxins into food, or contribute to environmental waste.
The solution?
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Making simple swaps that are better for both your health and the planet. Here are eight common kitchen items that might be doing more harm than good—and smarter alternatives to use instead.
I do a lot differently at 59 vs. 39, and making smarter choices inside my home is one of them!
Now, let’s dive into each item with why they’re unhealthy and what a better choice would be:
1. Nonstick Cookware
Why It’s Harmful: Traditional nonstick pans are often coated with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), also known as “forever chemicals,” which can release toxic fumes when overheated. Over time, these chemicals may build up in your body and have been linked to hormone disruption, thyroid disease, and even certain cancers.
A Smarter Swap: Opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic-coated cookware. Cast iron skillets are naturally nonstick when seasoned properly, and they can even add a small boost of iron to your meals. Me personally, I swapped over to ceramic cookware and I’ve been loving them. They are easy to use and clean well.
2. Plastic Coffee Pods
Why It’s Harmful: Single-use plastic coffee pods contain BPA and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can leach into your morning cup, especially when exposed to heat. Plus, they create a massive amount of plastic waste that often isn’t recyclable.
A Smarter Swap: Switch to a reusable stainless steel coffee pod or a traditional French press. Both options reduce plastic exposure and are better for the environment. Or better yet, just get a new coffee maker that doesn’t use those pods at all. Brew coffee using organic beans by the way! (Coffee is one of the most sprayed crops.)
3. Plastic Food Storage Containers
Why It’s Harmful: Many plastic containers contain BPA or phthalates, which can seep into your food, especially when heated. Even BPA-free plastics aren’t necessarily safe—some alternatives still release hormone-disrupting chemicals. I do a lot of cooking and food prep at home to make sure I hit 30 grams of protein in every meal, and storing my food in plastic just doesn’t work for me anymore!
A Smarter Swap: Choose glass containers with airtight lids or stainless steel options. These materials won’t leach chemicals into your food and last much longer than plastic.
4. Plastic Cutting Boards
Why It’s Harmful: Over time, plastic cutting boards get scratched and worn down, creating tiny plastic particles that can make their way into your food. Some also contain antibacterial chemicals like triclosan, which has been linked to health concerns.
A Smarter Swap: Use a wooden or bamboo cutting board. They are naturally antimicrobial and much safer for food prep.
5. Plastic Cooking Utensils
Why It’s Harmful: Many plastic spatulas, spoons, and tongs contain harmful chemicals that can break down when exposed to heat. That means you could be stirring toxic compounds right into your meal.
A Smarter Swap: Stick to utensils made of wood, silicone (food-grade and BPA-free), or stainless steel. These materials are heat-safe and free of harmful chemicals. I even got rid of plastic measuring spoons and cups and opted for stainless steel and glass. Try these silicone food utensils that come with a counter top holder too.
6. Aluminum Foil
Why It’s Harmful: Cooking with aluminum foil—especially with acidic or salty foods—can cause small amounts of aluminum to transfer into your food. While the long-term effects are still debated, excessive aluminum exposure has been linked to neurological issues.
A Smarter Swap: Use unbleached parchment paper for baking and cooking, or switch to reusable silicone baking mats. If you need to cover food, glass containers with lids are a great alternative.
7. Plastic Baggies
Why It’s Harmful: Like other plastics, resealable baggies can contain BPA and phthalates that leach into your food. They also contribute to environmental waste, as most aren’t recyclable.
A Smarter Swap: Invest in reusable silicone food bags or beeswax wraps. Both options keep food fresh without the harmful chemicals or the waste. I am personally obsessed with these silicone food storage bags in all sizes. And they are so easy to clean-they can even go in the dishwasher.
8. Plastic Water Bottles
Why It’s Harmful: Single-use plastic bottles break down over time, releasing microplastics into your water. Even reusable plastic bottles can degrade and leach chemicals when exposed to heat or repeated washing.
A Smarter Swap: Choose stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free reusable water bottles. They’re safer, more durable, and better for the planet. I used to store filtered drinking water in the refrigerator in old plastic bottles. I then ordered glass gallon bottles (think like your old milk containers if you are my age.) and they are fabulous!
9. Dishwasher Pods
Why It’s Harmful: Many conventional dishwasher pods contain synthetic fragrances, phosphates, and other harsh chemicals that can leave behind a residue on your dishes. That means you could be ingesting tiny traces of these chemicals with every meal.
A Smarter Swap: Look for plant-based, fragrance-free dishwasher detergent or make your own using simple ingredients like baking soda and vinegar. My favorite brand after trying a handful of them is Blueland pods. They clean the dishes the best and nothing harmful in them!
10. Countertop Sprays
Why It’s Harmful: Many commercial cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and synthetic fragrances that can irritate the lungs and disrupt hormones. Spraying these chemicals onto your counters—where you prep food—can expose you to harmful toxins.
A Smarter Swap: Use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and water, or choose non-toxic, plant-based cleaners that are free of artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals. I am using Homecourt Surface Cleaner Spray in the fragrances CeCe and Neroli Leaf. Totally natural and smells amazing.
Small changes add up, and making these simple swaps can help you create a safer, healthier kitchen for you and your family. Which one will you try first?
