Microplastics: how to get rid of them in your kitchen
They're invisible, but omnipresent. Microplastics - the fragments produced by the breakdown of plastic - find their way onto our plates far more often than we think. Cutting boards, preserving tins, utensils... Our daily kitchen routines encourage the ingestion of these particles, which are a health concern. Here's how to limit them simply by changing a few habits.
Cutting board: ditch the plastic
Cutting your vegetables or meat on a plastic board can release up to 1.7 oz/50g of microplastics a year, according to some studies. Repeated rubbing damages the material and disperses invisible particles. Solution? Switch to wooden or bamboo boards, which are more durable and safer.
Reheating: never in plastic
Even "microwaveable" containers release millions of particles when heated. To avoid this, always transfer your food to a glass or ceramic container before microwaving. And don't use disposable trays or plastic pots in the oven.
Conservation: beware of disposable bags
Freezer bags, zipped pouches... they're practical, but easily release microplastics, especially when opened or cut. Opt for reusable silicone containers, glass jars or beeswax packaging.
Plastic film: never on hot surfaces
Placing plastic film on a still-warm dish can cause particles to migrate... or even partially melt the film. Prefer glass lids, reusable films or, outside the microwave, aluminum foil.
Plastic utensils: a false friend
Plastic spoons and spatulas degrade under the effect of heat and contaminate your preparations. Wooden or stainless steel utensils are safer and just as practical.
Tea bags: beware of invisible plastic
Some tea bags (especially transparent or glossy ones) are made of polypropylene or nylon, releasing billions of microplastics into your infusion. Choose loose tea with a metal infuser, or plastic-free cotton or paper bags.
Small changes make a big difference
Limiting microplastics in your food doesn't mean revolutionizing your kitchen, but it does mean keeping an eye on things and making a few informed choices. Choose sustainable materials, avoid hot plastic and read labels carefully. In addition to being better for your health, it's often more ecological and more aesthetically pleasing. In short, it's good for you and good for the planet.
Adèle Peyches
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