15 Easy Low-Tox Kitchen Swaps for a Healthier Home
When it comes to creating a healthier home, the kitchen is a great place to start. Many of the everyday items we use for cooking, storing, and preparing food can contain harmful chemicals that leach into what we eat.
By making simple swaps, we can significantly reduce toxins in our kitchens and create a safer space for our families. Here are 15 practical low-tox swaps to consider.
1. Ditch Plastic Food Containers
Swap plastic containers for glass or stainless-steel options. Plastic can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, especially when heated or scratched. Glass containers are durable, microwave-safe, and easy to clean. Do yourself a favor and ditch all the plastic if possible!
Shop Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Containers Here.
2. Replace Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick pans often contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are linked to various health issues. Opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware for a toxin-free alternative.
I love the Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware! It is heavy duty and easy to clean. Yes, it is handwash only, but no good cookware should go in the dishwasher!
Shop Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Here.
3. Use Silicone Baking Mats
Instead of single-use parchment paper or aluminum foil, try reusable silicone baking mats. They’re non-toxic and eliminate waste.
Shop Silicone Baking Mats Here.
4. Upgrade Your Cutting Boards
Replace plastic cutting boards with wood or bamboo alternatives. Wooden boards are naturally antimicrobial and less likely to harbor harmful bacteria than deeply scratched plastic ones. Added bonus, wood cutting boards double as a beautiful base for your charcuterie boards!
Shop Wooden Cutting Boards Here.
5. Choose Safer Water Bottles
Switch to stainless steel or glass water bottles instead of plastic ones. This prevents chemical leaching and keeps your drinks tasting fresh. Staying hydrated is SO important, and you will drink more water if you have it with you at all times!
My favorite water bottle is the Simple Modern 40-ounce tumbler. I love that I can fill it once and it will last me the whole day. Yes, I drink more than 40 ounces of water a day, but add a glass in the morning and another at night and you should be good to go.
The Simple Modern Tumbler fits easily in my car cup holder and does not spill. Did I mention it is sleek and beautiful, too.
Shop the Simple Modern 40 Ounce Tumbler Here.
6. Avoid Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap can release toxins into your food. Instead, use beeswax wraps, silicone covers, or glass storage containers with lids.
Shop Beeswax Wraps Here.
7. Kid Safe Cups
Do you need kid friendly cups that aren’t yucky plastic? Yes, there are great options that can stand up to your little ones! Wheat straw cups are a great alternative and are BPA free and dishwasher safe.
Shop Wheat Straw Kids Cups Here.
8. Filter Your Water
Invest in a high-quality water filter to remove contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and microplastics. Pitcher filters, under-sink systems, or countertop models can all be effective. Berkey is the best filter on the market with its ability to filter over 250 typical contaminants that are often present in freshwater sources without the need for electricity, tools, or plumbing.
Shop Berkey Water Filter System Here.
9. Choose Natural Dishware
Avoid melamine and plastic dishware. Ceramic, glass, or stainless-steel plates and bowls are safer and free from harmful additives. They are much prettier than plastic too!
10. Switch to Safe Cooking Utensils
Plastic utensils can degrade over time and release toxins into your food. Replace them with stainless steel, wood, or silicone utensils.
11. Avoid Plastic Sponges
Plastic sponges often shed microplastics into the environment. Use natural alternatives like compostable sponges or dish brushes made of bamboo and natural fibers.
Shop Truly Free Natural Cleaning Sponges Here.
Discover how to live clean + pretty + simple
Come check out my freebie library filled with valuable resources you will love!
This exclusive collection available at no cost, is packed with resources and printables to help you simplify your home + beauty routines, make low-tox swaps of items you use every day in your home, and grow your faith in easy + authentic ways.
12. Pick Safe Storage Bags
Replace single-use plastic bags with reusable silicone storage bags. They’re durable, dishwasher-safe, and free from harmful chemicals. These reusable bags are a great alternative for the kiddos lunches.
Shop Silicone Storage Bags Here.
13. Avoid Canned Foods with BPA
Many canned goods are lined with BPA, a chemical linked to hormone disruption. Look for BPA-free cans or choose fresh or frozen options. Whole Foods Market offers a variety of foods in reliable safe packaging.
Shop Whole Foods Market Canned Goods Here.
14. Opt for Cloth Towels Over Paper Towels
Reduce waste and exposure to bleached paper products by using reusable cloth towels and napkins. Cloth towels will save you money over time and avoid so much garbage waste. Plus, who doesn’t love a pretty dish towel draped on their oven door?
Featured Products
Branch Basics Starter Kit
Truly Free Laundry Wash
Blueland Dishwasher Tabs
15. Choose Natural Cleaning Products
Swap out conventional dish soaps and cleaners for low-tox, biodegradable alternatives. Look for products with minimal ingredients or make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Shop Low-Tox Cleaning Supplies Here.
Clean Kitchen, Peace of Mind
Transitioning to a low-tox kitchen doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start by identifying the items you use most often and gradually replace them with safer alternatives.
Not only will these swaps reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, but they will give you peace of mind knowing you are helping to reduce the toxin load for your household. Small changes add up, and over time, you’ll have a healthier space that supports your well-being and the ones you love most.
Hey, Sweet Friend!
Welcome! I’m Ashley, a lover of beauty in all its facets. I am a hairstylist, writer, & girl mom passionate about helping women flourish by seeking beauty beyond the surface. I love to encourage women to create clean & healthy beauty habits & homes grounded in faith and live by my motto…clean, pretty, + simple. I would love for you to join me in your healthy beauty journey!
