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Article 3 simple ways to reduce nasty chemicals in your kitchen

By Sharon Hall
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In my last blog post we tackled 3 simple ways to remove some nasties from your home. This time we’re delving deeper into the toxic plastics in your kitchen.

So I have 3 more little suggestions to get your on the road to a safer home today.

Now after reading part 1 you’ve hopefully stopped using cling wrap to cover your food in the microwave – which is a great step. But the nasties that leach out of cling wrap into your food aren’t only found in plastic wrap. They are found in most plastic containers as well.

There are 3 main ways that these toxins can leach out into your food so my aim is to get you to quit them all – not as scary or as hard as it sounds I promise you. And these steps will make a HUGE difference to the number of toxins you and your loved ones are exposed to every day.

1) Never heat or microwave food or drinks in any plastic containers.

That’s because the nasty chemicals that leach out of the plastic do so much more easily, and more quickly, at extreme temperatures.

Ditto for making hot drinks in plastic cups also. Oh, and if possible, remove your plastic coffee lid before drinking your takeaway drinks.

2) Now for the same reason I am also suggesting that you don’t freeze in plastic either.

The extreme cold has a simular affect on plastics.

So what are the alternatives then I hear you ask?!?

Use glass, ceramic or stainless steel instead.

The first 2 are obviously more suitable for the microwave. I’m often heard telling my workmates to microwave their lunch on a ceramic plate rather than in the plastic container they brought it to work in.

There are some great toughened glass and stainless steel containers with plastic lids that are perfect alternatives. That way your lunch can go from bag to microwave to table, all in the one container. Just remove the lid before heating and, ideally, don’t fill it to the top so your food doesn’t touch the lid.

3) Finally please don’t store acidic food such as tomatoes and pineapple in plastic.

Again the leaching increases when exposed to acid.

The above-mentioned containers are also an easy replacement for plastics here. Now I am a big fan of reusing glass jars and bottles and actually happily spend a bit more for a product that comes in a glass jar knowing I wil reuse it again and again. These are perfect for storing things such as leftover pasta sauce.

Now let’s discuss how these tips translate to mums in particular.

My suggestion would be to never heat plastic baby bottles full stop. As a safer alternative when warming breast milk or water for formula use a glass container or glass baby bottle. If you only have plastic baby bottles it is much safer to transfer the liquid into this once warmed.

For older children replace plastic drink bottles with stainless steel ones, these come with a variety of lid options so should be an easy switch.

And for mums who love to make big batches of baby food and freeze the excess simply choose silicone ice cube trays, or the like, rather than plastic ones.

And finally bamboo makes the perfect alternative to plastic cutlery, plates, bowls and cups.

There we go another 3 easy ways to fewer chemicals in your home.

Stay tuned for more ways to reduce the toxins in your home coming soon.

Do you have a simple way to remove the nasty chemicals at your place? Please share in the comments below.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

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Comments

  • Wonder if the silicone containers are ok

    Reply

  • great tip about plastic! i will watch out for that now

    Reply

  • Will definitely be using this to clean around the house.

    • That’s great to hear, keep up the great work
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • A great article. I never thought about the plastic coffee cup lids before.

    • Thank you, glad I’ve got you thinking,
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • We are slowly transitioning to glass but it’s hard as I love my Tupperware so much!

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  • Thank you so much for sharing!
    My partner loves to cook in bulk & has been freezing in those lovely plastic Tupperware containers for years!
    Of course he defrosts in them too!
    Not any more!!!
    Is there a particular brand you would recommend?

    Reply

  • great article…all containers i use state that they are microwave safe however they seem to be melting in the dishwasher….my new fave containers in the kitchen are the glass pyrex ones….no nasty tasting chemicals

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  • I use glad in the microwave and it does state microwave safe?

    • I think their definition of “safe” and mine are definitely deferent!! They are probably more concerned about short-term acute safety where as I’m talking about long-term health.
      Do what feels right for you, thanks for reading.
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • You don’t mention alternatives to freezing food in something other then plastic?! My freezer usually has several plastic containers with food in them :/

    • Hi there,
      Sorry if I was ambiguous, “Use glass, ceramic or stainless steel instead.” was referring to what to freeze in. Thanks so much for your interest.
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • So much useful information here thank you for sharing this.

    • Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment.
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • Wow, this is interesting and concerning. I have a cupboard full of Tupperware that I’m told can specifically be used from freezer to microwave, etc. I have a pantry full of plastic for storage that I’ve been using forever.

    • I think Tupperware’s definition of “safe” and mine are definitely deferent!! They are probably more concerned about short-term acute safety where as I’m talking about long-term health.
      But I definitely know how you feel – I had lots of gorgeous matching Tupperware that made my cupboard very organised and smart!!
      My suggestion would be to keep it for dry goods at room temperature such as rice, nuts, pasta, biscuits etc. And replace freezing and heating containers as your budget allows.
      I hope this helps, and thanks for your feedback.
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • Our ice creams, dim sims etc come in plastic containers so am very concerned.

    • Please don’t worry too much. It is nearly impossible to go plastic free – I have tried!!
      Instead replace the things you can and don’t worry about the odd ones you can’t.
      And remember stress is a toxin itself so don’t beat yourself up about the things you can’t change, or haven’t got to yet.
      Just drink an extra glass of water to flush them through and smile and remember all the good changes you have been making 😉
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • Most tips I already bring in practice but I struggle with getting rid of the plastic bags in the freezer…it’s just so practical and takes up less space.

    • And that’s totally OK, congratulate yourself for all the good changes you have made.
      Well done you!
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • Great tips – but in what do you store your goods that your freeze?
    Most of the rest of your tips I am already doing.

    • Hi there,
      Sorry if I was ambiguous, “Use glass, ceramic or stainless steel instead.” was referring to what to freeze in. Thanks so much for your interest.
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • Interesting and helpful post.
    Glad state that their glad wrap is microwave safe, are plastic wraps with the wording microwave safe actually safe?

    • Not in my mind. I think they are looking at safety from a different perspective.
      They are probably more concerned about short-term acute safety where as I’m talking about long-term health.
      A plate is an easy swap a lot of the time but please do what feels right for you.
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • Thanks for posting this, I did not know about the issues around freezing plastics and storing acidic fruit in them!

    • Glad to be off help, I hope you’ll try them.
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • Thank you for this. I have always wondered how it can be done.

    • I’m glad to have helped.
      Keep up the great work.
      – Sharon

    Reply

  • So very important tips. What do you think about nonstick cookware? Should we be using them or not?

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  • I already follow these tips after doing a low tox course last year, but definitely a great place to start. Plastic is hard to get away from, but once you make the changes, it slowly becomes easier. Trust!

    Reply

  • Does that mean we should store tomatoes in glass containers? Tomatoes are acidic so I wouldn’t store them in anything metal – including stainless steel. The same applies to citrus fruit. I always put food in the microwave in a china bowl or on a plate. I don’t like the containers pre-packaged meals come in…and I only have one when not feeling well.

    • I’d definitely say yes to storing all acidic food in glass or ceramic.
      Keep up the great work.
      – Sharon

    Reply
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