What to Use Instead of Plastic: On-the-Go or At Home
Feb 25
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What to Use Instead of Plastic: On-the-Go or At Home -- see the different options you have that will get you & your family away from plastic. Also, learn about what you'll need to watch out for when purchasing/using these alternatives.
By now we all know plastic is not a good choice when consuming beverages while on-the-go or otherwise and well, it goes much further than water bottles. Not only is plastic bad for the environment but it’s also unhealthy to the body.
Traditional plastic takes up our lands fills, poisions our lands and waters while posing great threat to wildlife and harming the planet & people from many different angles. One of the cringiest things about plastic especially single-use, is how the micro plastics begin to leach into whatever they're holding relatively quickly as it's beamed by sunlight! Be it food or water, even the things you put on your skin like chapstick or lotion . . . Nice, just what I wanted to have to worry about!
Imagine one stack of credit cards. Now, imagine a second stack.
It’s said we consume around 50 credit cards worth of microplastics each year which weighs in at 260 grams … that's OVER A HALF A POUND of plastic folks!!!
A simple switch from plastic to one of these other options for drinking, eating, cooking/preparing or storing puts you on track to lower your annual microplastic intake by probably more than you realize …
Read along to see what you can start using instead of plastic!
Benefits of Not Consuming Micro Plastics include:
Reduced Inflammation
Improved Gut Health
Hormonal Balance
Reduced Uncertain Cancer Risks
Less Cellular Stress
A Lower Toxic Chemical Load
Some additional ways to avoid microplastics
Stay away from plastic-packaged foods
Filter your drinking water or ensure it’s spring sourced (good way to stay away from added fluoride)
Throw out your plastic cutting board and spatuala as well as any other kitchen products (especially the black ones, they're e-waste. Yes, electronic waste.)
Don't leave consumables held in plastic in the sun. Things like drinking bottles, food left overs in plastic, condiments, soap/lotion, body sprays, chapstick, etc. . . (anything you don't want microplastic leaching into)
Get rid of the polyester & other synthetic, plastic based fabrics in your closet. This ‘trending’ topic will get its only blog soon.
Aviod single use coffee & tea cups -- the lining is plastic, not good for hot liquids -- bring your own cup!
Reduce plastics from your life, period.
We’ll also go over some healthier options for sustainable food storage as well as an alternative for single-use or low quality plastic items!
Here are Some Different Options to go for Instead of Plastic
Table of Contents
Other items:
Single-use:
My Top 3:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is regarded as being one of the healthiest and cleanest options out there. I, myself am a proud stainless steel user and have appreciated the durability it offers me whether in the kitchen or on the trail. A lot of the options for stainless steel bottles out there are insulated too which will help keeping things hot or cold.
This is a great option for hiking, if you’re pretty active with your bottle or like me, are look for some extra durability.
Stainless Steel also makes for my favorite cookware, from pots & pans to mixing bowls and utensils.
What to Watch Out for:
Stainless steel should be 304 steel which is food grade. Look for stainless steel that is 18/10, 18/8 or best 18/0 (steel:nickel). If there’s no grade rating, avoid it. Also, be wary of pieces weighing in light on the scale, they’re probably junk.
I try to find 18/0 but it's harder than it sounds. 18/8 is common. If you're concerend with lowering your nickel intake, when it comes to those high-heat pots & pans and flatware I'd spend the extra time looking for 18/0.
"Too high" of heat on the stove -- particularly with acidic foods -- could relase the nickel into your freshly cooked meal, in time potentially contributing to neurotoxicity symptoms. Remember, this alone isn't going it cause neurotoxicity but you are not helping yourself. Some other daily things that contribute to bodily feuds with nickel are cheap jewelery, cosmetics, smoking/vaping.
Look, we shoudn't be in a postion where we're consuming trace amounts of toxins then b told "it's okay, it's not enough to hurt you". I believe this is a facade and there is no good reason for this. That's just my opionion. I mean, the cruel manufacturers of our time haven't given us much of a reason to trust them, so can you blame my stance? . . .
Nickel-Based Toxicity Symptoms & Effects:
Allergic reactions
Headaches & Dizziness
Memory issues
Lethargy // Tiredness
Anxiety
Depression
Higher oxidative stress (overwhelmed cells that lead to...)
Dead cells in brain regions responsible for memory
Overall brain dysfunction due to toxin overload
Think this is crazy talk? Check out the Nontoxic Dads blog and if you enjoy it, peep his IG, he's a great follow!
Oh, and by all means stay away from teflon! Search teflon flu on the web.
How to Care for:
Normal care
Soap and hot water
Can polish with white vinegar or baking soda
Remember to clean your water bottle, don’t let it grow bacteria
Glass
Ahh, my favorite. Glass is in my opinion just feels the cleanest, freshest and most enjoyable - there’s nothing like the sculpture from a little sand and some high heat!
What to Watch Out for:
When buying glass products make sure you're getting something like borosilicate or soda-lime & preferably a tempered glass depending on your use. Check that it’s lead-free (more common with decorative glass).
How to Care for:
Normal care
Soap and hot water or the dishwasher
Remember, if it’s chipped or cracked, THROW IT AWAY.
really good to remember if you're opening a glass bottle like a soda or beer. As much as you may want to drink it, don't. Grab another and pour that one out for the homies.
Ceramic
A nice natural, yet traditional option. From plates and mugs to vases and floor tiles, ceramics have been around for centuries and when taken care of, last you forever!
What to Watch Out for:
Be sure the enamel coating on the ceramic is lead-free & cadmium-free (will find this issue with older items maybe found at garage sales or thrift shops, even at home).
Another thing to watch for is cracks and chips. Bacteria can grow on porous, broken/exposed (not coated) ceramic. When this happens, toss it.
How to Care for:
Normal care
Soap and hot water
dishwasher (not for all)
Keep an eye out for broken, exposed ceramic and deal with accordingly
Other options
Wood & Bamboo
Probably the most natural and unrefined/processed of them all, wood! You have some options when it comes to this one but the important thing is to opt for a “hardwood” like a maple or beech. You can also go with something like bamboo! -- This one, a little more refined.
Wood is used for alot of different kitchenware. You can even find it as things like watch bands or glasses cases. One of my favorite wooden alternatives is a wooden grill scraper!
What to Watch Out for:
Make sure your wood is not treated and if it’s coated with anything, check that it is food-safe.
Good labels to look for will say: “food-safe”, “FDA-Approved” or “non-toxic finish”.
Try to go for products sealed with natural oils like beeswax, coconut oil, mineral oil or even something untreated.
Keep in mind, bamboo products are technically a grass that's tightly compacted, whereas wood is a solid piece and comprised completely different so they vary in their needs for care.
Specifically for bamboo, make sure it's 100% real bamboo and not a composite filled with plastic or melamine.
Just make sure the manufacturer is transparent about what they are selling you. If not, they are more than likely trying to fool you.
How to Care for:
This could be a big one! When using, for example a wooden cutting board for raw meat, you’re open to bacteria growing on the board (especially in those crevasses that’s seen a bit of slicing and dicing). It’s important to clean your wood properly by:
Extra care
Hand wash with a brush or rag
Sponges hold bacteria, I personally avoid them and use bamboo bristle brushes
Avoid soap with harsh chemicals
Instead, use baking soda for stubborn spots
Use white vinegar for a sanitizing clean
The occasional oiling to prevent cracking
Avoid soaking for long periods
Plant Based (PLA & Bagasse)
Next time you have a get-together, or you’re looking for another way you can be eco friendly, consider plant-based! You can get everything from cups & plates to silverware & napkins, even take-home boxes for that piece of birthday cake or those dinner party left-overs! This is a great option if you’d like to get away from cheap, thin plastic containers or non-composable materials that end up saturating landfills and destroying our planet.
Another point I’d like to make is: if you can afford to, choose to buy this stuff and help create the demand that will drive the price down for everyone! It may cost a little more up front but ask yourself, is it worth it?
What to Watch Out for:
Well, this is where the give and take comes in. In order to have a cleaner, more sustainable choice, durability gets sacrificed. However, not nearly enough to disregard the plant based option.
PLA: bioplastic made from fermented plant sugars (more-so resembles traditional plastic)
watch for synthetic coatings used for water resistance or additives for strength.
also be sure it's not blended with non-compostable products or toxins.
Bagasse: a fibrous byproduct of sugar cane (looks & feels more 'organic')
See to it that you purchase “unbleached” or “chemical-free” products.
It's not a bad idea to make sure your products are labeled: food-safe, FDA-Approved or BPA-free. Look for certifications.
Red flags: vague labeling and/or no certifications listed.
This is a good rule of thumb when buying a lot of things in the sustainability space.
How to Care for:
Minimal or no care
More times than not, throw it away after use. Better yet, toss it in the compost pile!
Sustainable Food Storage:
Over the years I’ve come to learn how important proper food storage is. It will keep your food longer, fresher and tastier! Personally, my absolute favorite food storage is glass containers with a lid. Simple, yet the most effective (I’ve found). I will link the set I’ve been using for a while now and love!
You could also go for cermaic storage containers as well. We used to have them growing up for things like flour and sugar!
Another use for glass containers could be for beverages like milk, OJ, lemonade, or whatever else you like to keep cold in the fridge.
What to Watch for:
Like we said above, be sure it’s non-toxic. The borosilicate set I've shared is a nice option for this application due to its ability to be taken right from the freezer to the oven!
The lids with a silicone seal are perfect for keeping your food airtight and fresh!
Be sure the plastic lids are BPA-free & silcone is food grade!
How to Care for:
Normal care
Soap and hot water
Be sure to take out the seal and clean it along with your lid after each use — this is something that gets overlooked and can cause mold to grow, potentially making you sick.
Tip: If your silicone stinks, it may not be food-grade.
Thanks for reading and ditch those plastics!
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or health advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making changes to your health, diet or lifestyle.
Links:
Glass food storage on Amazon (that I use)
Glass beverage storage on Amazon
Stainless mixing bowls (that I use)
West Elm Ceramic holding containers
Bamboo dish brushes (that I use)
*We are not sponsored by anyone, I am only sharing what I use and/or would buy
