The Plastic Detox – Kitchen Edition

Written by Kajsa Ingelsson • June 25, 2019
@ Go Green

Did you catch last week’s article about plastic?

It’s really a nasty business in so many ways, and it really got a hold on us as a society.

But, change is coming and it’s starting with you and me! I’ll post updates on my stories and please do send me yours 🙂 We are in this together.

Let’s start our plastic free journey in the kitchen by doing the following;

  • Cook more at home, in that way you are eliminating the need for takeout = containers. Or, when you are hitting that whole foods buffet, bring your own glass containers.
  • Avoid microwaving food in plastic. If microwaving food in plastic is unavoidable, then pay attention to the recycling codes at the bottom of the container. Avoid any that have the code 3 or 7.
  • Go through the plastic containers you already got, tossing any that are scratched or damaged. They might be a leaching risk.
  • Choose supplements that comes in glass bottles and jars instead of the plastic ones. There are a lot of great ones out there (example)
  • Switch to glass containers in your kitchen. Most glass containers are microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, do not stain and last for a long time.
  • Invest in a water filter instead of buying bottled water. Here’s a list of a few different ones in all different price classes!
  • Buy a reusable water bottle, to go coffee cup and smoothie container.
  • Skip canned goods when possible: The plastic lining the inside of your bean or soup can could be made with BPA. Some companies use BPA-free cans which are labeled.
  • Go thru your pantry and fridge and see where you are stocking the most plastic. DONE? Now, make a commitment to start buying these items in a zero waste store instead.
  • Add your local farmers market to your place to grocery shop (click on link for a smart guide 🙂 Bring your own shopping and produce bags, of course.
  • Choose glass or paper packaging before plastic, even though it might be €1 more.
  • This one is not in the kitchen, but rather something not to do when you are picking up what you need to make some food magic happen; Do not handle receipts. The special thermal paper used to print credit card receipts or vendor machine receipts also contains BPA. Simply touching a receipt allows your skin to absorb the BPA. Avoid asking for or picking up those receipts to evade exposure.

There, easy breezy but yeez what a difference! Next week I’m tackling another part of your home and life (looking at you bathroom). Stay tuned and let’s kick our plastic addictions together! 💚

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