The Plastic-Free Kitchen

We store food in plastic containers, heat food in plastic, wrap food in plastic film, drink from plastic cups, and cook in non-stick pans coated with synthetic polymers. Most of this happens multiple times a day, every day.

BPA became the most well-known kitchen chemical concern after research showed it could leach from polycarbonate plastics and the lining of metal cans into food and beverages. BPA is a synthetic estrogen that can disrupt hormone signaling. After public pressure, most manufacturers switched to BPA-free plastics. The problem is that many BPA replacements, including BPS and BPF, appear to have similar estrogenic activity to BPA. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that BPS and BPF may be as harmful to hormone signaling as BPA, meaning BPA-free does not necessarily mean safer.

Heat Dramatically Increases Leaching

Microwaving food in plastic containers, even those labeled "microwave safe," increases the rate at which plastic compounds migrate into food. "Microwave safe" means the container will not melt or deform, not that it is safe to eat food heated in it. The FDA's testing parameters for "microwave safe" designation use very conservative assumptions about exposure that may not reflect how people actually use these containers.

Phthalates are plasticizers that make plastic flexible and are found in many food packaging materials, plastic wraps, and storage containers. They migrate into food, especially fatty foods, because they are lipophilic. Multiple studies have found correlations between phthalate exposure from food packaging and health effects.

Non-Stick Cookware

Non-stick cookware coated with PTFE (Teflon) has its own chemistry. PTFE itself is considered safe at normal cooking temperatures. The concern is with PFOA, the chemical historically used to make PTFE, which was found to be highly persistent and toxic and was phased out from manufacturing by 2013 in the US. However, if PTFE pans are overheated or scratched, the coating can release particles and at high temperatures can release toxic fumes. Ceramic and cast iron are the cleanest alternatives.

Practical Swaps, in Order of Priority

• Never microwave food in plastic: use glass or ceramic bowls instead
• Replace plastic food storage containers with glass (Pyrex, Weck jars, or any glass container with lids)
• Use a stainless steel or glass water bottle
• Switch to cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel cookware
• Use beeswax wraps or silicone lids instead of plastic wrap
• Replace plastic cutting boards with wood or bamboo