How to Reduce Microplastics at Home: A Practical Australian Guide

Every day, mum and dad juggle the chaos of breakfast, the humdrum of lunch prep, and the orchestrated symphony of dinner. Amidst the chopping and stirring, an invisible guest often goes unnoticed — microplastics.

When I first read the findings from a 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology, I went and looked at my own board. It estimated a plastic chopping board could shed up to ~50 grams of microplastics per person per year under the study's assumptions. After considering the potential for needless exposure, I made some changes in my own kitchen.

The Invisible Invaders

Microplastics are tiny particles, less than 5mm in size, that originate from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items and the shedding of particles from plastic products. In the kitchen, they can come from cutting boards, food storage, and even the plastic wrap we use to cover leftovers.

Why Start with the Kitchen?

The kitchen is the heart of the home, where we prepare food for our loved ones. It's also a hotspot for microplastic exposure. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that polyethylene boards released more microplastics than polypropylene boards when chopping carrots. This is a significant finding, as it directly impacts how we handle food.

Practical Swaps for a Safer Kitchen

1. Choose the Right Cutting Board

When it comes to cutting boards, boards might not be the best choice. Instead, consider switching to a Richlite or Epicurean style board, made from compressed wood fibre and phenolic resin. These boards are durable, easy to clean, and less likely to shed microplastics.

2. Store Food Wisely

How we store food can also contribute to microplastic exposure. Opt for glass containers over plastic ones for food storage. Glass is non-porous and won't leach microplastics into your food.

3. Embrace Reusable Options

Reusing containers, bags, and wraps can significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in our environment and, consequently, our kitchens. Invest in reusable food wraps and beeswax wraps as alternatives to plastic wrap.

4. Be Mindful of Plastic Utensils

Even everyday utensils can contribute to microplastic exposure. Consider using stainless steel or titanium knives instead of plastic ones. While titanium is softer than hardened knife steel and will develop a natural patina over time, it's a longer-lasting option that won't shed microplastics.

What This Means for Your Kitchen

By making a few thoughtful swaps, you can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics in your kitchen. It's not about achieving perfection, but rather taking practical steps to reduce needless exposure.

FAQ: Microplastics in the Kitchen

Q: Are all plastics shedding microplastics? A: Not all plastics shed microplastics at the same rate. Some materials, like polypropylene, release more microplastics than others when used as cutting boards.

Q: Can I wash microplastics away? A: Washing can help remove some microplastics, but it's not a complete solution. The best approach is to reduce the use of plastic items that are known to shed microplastics.

Q: Are there any safe plastics for the kitchen? A: While all plastics have the potential to shed microplastics, some materials like Richlite or Epicurean style boards are less likely to contribute to microplastic pollution.

Q: How can I be sure I'm reducing microplastics? A: By choosing non-plastic alternatives for cutting boards and food storage, and opting for reusable items over single-use plastics, you can significantly reduce microplastic exposure in your kitchen.

The Final Touch: A Thoughtful Swap

When considering a new cutting board, one option is a titanium board. While it will naturally develop a patina over time, it won't contribute to microplastic pollution in your kitchen. It's a small change with a big impact.

Written by Adam Oliver, founder of Perfect Titanium.