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Mar 14, 2025

How to Eliminate Microplastics from Your Kitchen — Best Microplastic Alternatives

If recent news has you concerned and you're looking for healthier, safer solutions, we have you covered. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a

If recent news has you concerned and you're looking for healthier, safer solutions, we have you covered.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

There's little doubt that microplastics negatively impact human health. Amid existing concerns, a new study suggests that microplastics may contribute to a rise in antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Essentially, the findings report that there's a stronger and thicker bond between bacteria and microplastics versus other surfaces—so strong that it prevents medicine from reaching the bacteria to kill it.

This furthers what we already know: it's important to reduce plastic consumption and use at every level—particularly with regard to anything that touches what you eat and drink.

As such, the kitchen is the best place to start to get rid of microplastics. Everything from plastic food containers and cutting boards to tea bags (yup) can be replaced with better options. Below, read about the most common kitchen items that contain microplastics and the best alternatives our editors recommend.

Microplastics are minuscule bits of plastic that are five millimeters or smaller. These tiny pieces come from larger chunks of plastic equipment or appliances and are slowly shed over time, and then enter the food chain and atmosphere.

Microplastics enter our bodies through our digestive systems and the air we breathe. As a result, they're found in places like our gut and bloodstream, organs, and tissue, even in human placenta. In the brain, high concentrations of microplastics have been associated with higher rates of Alzheimer's and dementia. Microplastics in the body have also generally been associated as a potential cause of the rise of irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer in people under 50, and declining sperm counts.

Spatulas and other cooking utensils constantly interact with hot surfaces like griddles, pans, and boiling water. Black plastic tools in particular have been observed to leach plastic when exposed to high levels of heat. We recommend food-safe silicone, wood, or metal replacements.

Even your hard plastic reusable water bottle may not be 100 percent safe. While they're less susceptible than some other kitchen items because they aren't exposed to high heat, we still recommend switching to a glass or metal like the ones at Yeti or HydroFlask.

Plastic cutting boards have a high potential of microplastic exposure due to cutting and abrasion coming into contact with hot food. We recommend switching from plastic to wood or glass.

Plastic food containers are another big one— especially if you use them to reheat leftovers in the microwave. Consider microwave-safe glass or ceramic container replacements.

Plastic cutlery and straws are convenient for camping, hiking, and meals on the go. They're easily replaced with plant-based disposable or reusable metal options.

Plastic disposable baggies are particularly vulnerable to degradation due to exposure to the sun, heat, tears, and constant opening and closing. Try wrapping your food in waxed paper or use silicone storage bags.

Electric tea kettles are often made with plastic, which, after significant exposure to heat, can leach into the water. There are several metal and glass electric kettles you can use instead, or go back to an old school stovetop kettle made of metal.

After a recent study found that some tea bags lined with polymers nylon-6, polypropylene or cellulose release billions of particles when exposed to hot water, it may be time to switch to loose leaf. Consider buying a metal tea ball or infuser in the place of your box of disposable bags.

Tom Price is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.

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