I Ditched Microplastics With These 8 Non-Toxic Kitchen Tools

It was a sobering moment, to say the least, when I was told the microfiber towels I used in my kitchen daily were one of the quickest ways to spread microplastics on food-safe surfaces. I promptly added cotton kitchen towels to my shopping list, but I finally felt motivated to start switching more of my toxin-riddled kitchen tools for better alternatives. At this point, I’ve now moved from plastic containers to non-reactive Pyrex glass food storage containers, from heat-sensitive plastic utensils to a simple wooden spatula, and even from my nonstick pie pans to the Le Creuset stoneware pie dish. Here are some other swaps I’ve made that have made my kitchen, and therefore the food I eat, much healthier.

Best Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps Overall

Butter Bell Ceramic Butter Crock

Sourdough baking season is at its peak, and I like to keep softened butter on the countertop for spreading on fresh loaves of bread. I don’t like storing it in a plastic butter keeper — not only is it unstylish, but also butter spreaders can scrape against the plastic, increasing your risk of consuming microplastics. I prefer the Butter Bell, which is ceramic, chip-resistant, and a tested winner in our butter dish tests.

Ayiaren 12-Inch Teak Wood Spatula

Initially, I bought this wooden spatula to avoid scraping my Made In ceramic nonstick egg pan and other delicate cookware. Now, I appreciate it for even more: I use the versatile, non-toxic cooking utensil to scrape fond from cast iron and sauté over nonstick surfaces. And it has lasted me over two years.

Lane Linen 100% Cotton Kitchen Towels, Set of 12

A winner in our kitchen towel tests, this set of absorbent kitchen towels is made of 100% cotton with no shedding microfibers in sight. While they’re not the decorative type you may want to keep on your stove handle or a towel rod, the cotton fibers are great for scrubbing and absorbing messes during cleanup.

Pyrex Essentials 3-Pack Glass Measuring Cups Set

I own two sets of these editor-favorite Pyrex measuring cups, and I don’t plan on ever downsizing to one. Unlike my plastic measuring cups that began to scratch and chip after a while, these have been through the dishwasher, microwave, oven, and more without a hint of wear.

De’Longhi 16.6-Ounce Thermal Glasses, Set of 2

Growing up, using a 20- or 30-year old plastic tumbler was not out of the question. Now, I’ve thrown out most of my plastic cups for glass, including these double-walled borosilicate drinking glasses. My partner and I use them every day for coffee, tea, water, and more, and I love that they’re microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

Pyrex Simply Store Round Glass Food Storage Container

Food-safe plastic food storage containers have their uses in the kitchen, but for most purposes, I like to use these Pyrex glass dishes. They’re made of freezer-safe glass that you can also put in the air fryer or oven for easy reheating. I like that I can eat meal prep directly from the container without scratching the surface with a fork or knife.

Le Creuset Stoneware 9-Inch Heritage Pie Dish

If you’re still using a scratched-up nonstick pie pan, this Le Creuset pie dish might be one of the most underrated kitchen swaps you can make. Its glazed ceramic construction is all but indestructible, and its nonstick properties were just as effective as actual nonstick models in my pie pan tests.

Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 1.5-Quart Saucepan with Lid

This fully stainless steel saucepan gives me a non-toxic cooking surface for small tasks like boiling a serving of noodles or making oatmeal. It also heats more efficiently, since it doesn’t have that pesky heat-insulating nonstick lining. Not to mention, Tramontina is one of the best cookware brands you can buy.