Not only brewing coffee, but drinking it! I had to search a while before I found a travel mug that didn’t have a plastic lid. I found one on Amazon - the body is insulated stainless steel and the lid is ceramic. I will be careful that the lid doesn’t break, but at least it is not plastic!
Hi Surrie, an RO system is effective in removing microplastics and pesticides. From what I've read, it's debatable how necessary it is to use a filter for the whole house as water used for bathing, toilets, etc probably doesn't need to be filtered and it can be very expensive. I am by no means an expert on home water filters (I have well water at home, so have never had to buy one), so please do your own research. I do still use a Brita water filter pitcher sometimes, but I plan to upgrade at some point to Aarke as their sparkling water maker is really. high quality.
Thank you for such valuable information! On the coffee front, I found full sized filters for French Press that is like a sock. Fold the edges down and when it is ready press down. No grounds and oils filtered out. Super easy to clean! I also just ordered a silicone lid for stainless steel travel mugs. Hope it works.
Thanks for the article and the suggested alternatives. I've notice an increase in glass and ceramic food storage products in the major stores. I have implemented a few of them all ready. Do you have a recommendation for reusable food storage bags?
Hi Kevin, yes "nontoxic" kitchen items are now trendy, a good thing! As for food storage bags, I have used Stasher bags and they work really well. But I haven't found a nonplastic alternative I like.
Thanks for the article, Annie! My understanding is that BPA- free plastic is as bad or worse than BPA. Is this not yours? I’ve replaced as much plastic as I can in my kitchen with silicone which I understand to be much safer and can go in the dishwasher and oven. Would be interested in your thoughts!
Hi Rachel, yes it's true that BPA-free is only part of the story. Ideally we would want to avoid BPS (Bisphenol S) and BPF (Bisphenol F), all of which have been found to be endocrine disruptors. Silicone is a good choice, but please see my comments about how to purchase a good product in the post.
Has anyone tried the Truly Free dish-washing powder and laundry detergent? I get some sponges from a company called Airnex on Amazon. They are plant based using cellulose and coconut fiber.
I filter my water with an RO system but unfortunately I do believe that the housing of the filters are made of plastic. Ugh
So appreciate all of your knowledge and advice Annie!
If you can come up with an example of a good sponge and some good cleaning products, it would be enormously helpful. Already purchased the dishwashing pods you suggested.
This article was incredibly helpful! It gave me great insight into how to swap out plastic in the kitchen for more durable, long-lasting alternatives which is something I’ve been trying to figure out for a while. I’m also reaching out to RidWell for solutions to responsibly handle the items I’m eliminating other than taking them to the donation center, and food packaging is next on my list!
(On a different note, has anyone tried Guppiefriend bags? Do they actually work as described, eliminating microplastics in laundry?)
Thanks! I use heavy wooden boards made from hardwoods; they are heavy and pretty durable, although I've had a few crack. I also have a lightweight bamboo board that has lasted several years.
I have thin flexible cutting boards made of bamboo. They’re cheap and easy (and I thought a good alternative to plastic) but they need to be replaced regularly when they get stained and have cut marks. Maybe that means they’re not so great after all? I’d love your thoughts, Annie!
Beautiful! But too expensive, unfortunately. I just looked up the boards I have and I was mistaken, they are made of “wheat straw” (whatever that is), not bamboo. Do these look safe to you?
Not only brewing coffee, but drinking it! I had to search a while before I found a travel mug that didn’t have a plastic lid. I found one on Amazon - the body is insulated stainless steel and the lid is ceramic. I will be careful that the lid doesn’t break, but at least it is not plastic!
Hi Elisa! I’d love to hear how it works out. I have had bad luck with nonplastic lids—would love to find one I can recommend.
Fantastic info. Way ahead of the curve. Thanks. Dr. Dharma
Thanks for reading Dharma!
Hi Annie
Could you recommend a whole house water filter? Would reverse osmosis be the best method?
Also do you have a recommendation for a filtering water pitcher? Life Straw has a nice glass pitcher but filters are plastic.
Thank you
Hi Surrie, an RO system is effective in removing microplastics and pesticides. From what I've read, it's debatable how necessary it is to use a filter for the whole house as water used for bathing, toilets, etc probably doesn't need to be filtered and it can be very expensive. I am by no means an expert on home water filters (I have well water at home, so have never had to buy one), so please do your own research. I do still use a Brita water filter pitcher sometimes, but I plan to upgrade at some point to Aarke as their sparkling water maker is really. high quality.
Thank you for such valuable information! On the coffee front, I found full sized filters for French Press that is like a sock. Fold the edges down and when it is ready press down. No grounds and oils filtered out. Super easy to clean! I also just ordered a silicone lid for stainless steel travel mugs. Hope it works.
Hi Elisa! I am curious to know if the silicone lid is leakproof. Please let us know!
Thanks for the article and the suggested alternatives. I've notice an increase in glass and ceramic food storage products in the major stores. I have implemented a few of them all ready. Do you have a recommendation for reusable food storage bags?
Hi Kevin, yes "nontoxic" kitchen items are now trendy, a good thing! As for food storage bags, I have used Stasher bags and they work really well. But I haven't found a nonplastic alternative I like.
Thanks for the article, Annie! My understanding is that BPA- free plastic is as bad or worse than BPA. Is this not yours? I’ve replaced as much plastic as I can in my kitchen with silicone which I understand to be much safer and can go in the dishwasher and oven. Would be interested in your thoughts!
Hi Rachel, yes it's true that BPA-free is only part of the story. Ideally we would want to avoid BPS (Bisphenol S) and BPF (Bisphenol F), all of which have been found to be endocrine disruptors. Silicone is a good choice, but please see my comments about how to purchase a good product in the post.
Has anyone tried the Truly Free dish-washing powder and laundry detergent? I get some sponges from a company called Airnex on Amazon. They are plant based using cellulose and coconut fiber.
I filter my water with an RO system but unfortunately I do believe that the housing of the filters are made of plastic. Ugh
Sounds like you are doing your best Terri! That's really all we can do. Thanks for the recommendations on sponges. I'll check out Truly Free too.
So appreciate all of your knowledge and advice Annie!
If you can come up with an example of a good sponge and some good cleaning products, it would be enormously helpful. Already purchased the dishwashing pods you suggested.
Thank you so much!!
Thanks Molly!
See Terri's comment
I have the same question, especially for recommendations of sponges!
This article was incredibly helpful! It gave me great insight into how to swap out plastic in the kitchen for more durable, long-lasting alternatives which is something I’ve been trying to figure out for a while. I’m also reaching out to RidWell for solutions to responsibly handle the items I’m eliminating other than taking them to the donation center, and food packaging is next on my list!
(On a different note, has anyone tried Guppiefriend bags? Do they actually work as described, eliminating microplastics in laundry?)
Thanks KC. I haven't tried Guppyfriends. I did read that some countries require filters for washing machines to trap microplastic waste.
Informative article - what brand of cutting boards do you prefer? I have some I need to replace.
Some of my pantry storage jars are acrylic. Do these need to replaced?
Thanks, Annie
Thanks! I use heavy wooden boards made from hardwoods; they are heavy and pretty durable, although I've had a few crack. I also have a lightweight bamboo board that has lasted several years.
I have thin flexible cutting boards made of bamboo. They’re cheap and easy (and I thought a good alternative to plastic) but they need to be replaced regularly when they get stained and have cut marks. Maybe that means they’re not so great after all? I’d love your thoughts, Annie!
This is one of my boards--it's reversible so I use one side for things like onions and garlic. https://fromourplace.com/products/walnut-cutting-board?irclickid=2M7TFRWgRxyKT8dyNP0bLWXeUksVWiWGMQRGRU0&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=249354&utm_term=%22VIP%22&irgwc=1
Beautiful! But too expensive, unfortunately. I just looked up the boards I have and I was mistaken, they are made of “wheat straw” (whatever that is), not bamboo. Do these look safe to you?
https://a.co/d/ijX4HD4