Rethinking plastic in the kitchen started with an eye-opening article about microplastics.
The study revealed that 7 grams of microplastics—the weight of a spoon—could be floating in our brains.
This alarming fact sparked a personal journey to reduce plastic exposure at home.
But making changes can feel overwhelming. That’s why Local 4 tracked down Anne-Marie Bonneau, a chef who began cutting plastic from her life more than a decade ago.
“You can’t change everything overnight,” Bonneau said. “You can’t say I’m never using plastic again, it’s impossible. But we made very simple changes.”
Related: Microplastics are everywhere -- even inside us. Here’s what to know
So, where do you start when plastic is everywhere?
Bonneau began her zero-waste journey in 2011 after learning about the impact of plastic on ocean animals.
“I thought that’s it, I’m going to try to break up with plastic,” Bonneau said. “Then I started to discover this stuff is bad for us.”
Many everyday items are packaged in plastic, making it hard to avoid. However, experts agree that there are practical steps to take and some things to definitely avoid.
For example, avoid storing or reheating food in plastic containers, even if they are labeled as microwave-safe.
Heat can cause harmful chemicals to leach out. When it comes to drinks, bottled water often contains microplastics, so stainless steel or glass bottles are better choices.
Before shopping, plan how to bring groceries home.
These reusable canvas bags are available online for less than $30 each and can be kept in your car.
Instead of plastic produce bags, consider using these cotton mesh bags, which cost under $8 for a six-pack.
Plastic cutting boards are another hidden source of microplastics.
A recent study found they shed between one and nearly seven spoons worth of microplastics per person each year.
Switching to a wooden cutting board is a safer alternative. You can find a wooden cutting board for about $30 at Meijer.
If you still use plastic utensils, consider switching to wooden ones.
For leftovers, store food in glass containers or wrap it with beeswax paper instead of plastic wrap, an inexpensive and eco-friendly option.
You can find beeswax paper for $1.99 at Meijer.
When cleaning, consider choosing plant-based sponges. Traditional sponges break down and release microplastics and nanoplastics into the environment.
A 12-pack of coconut-based sponges costs around $12 and is a better choice.
“I would say don’t worry about being perfect, because it’s impossible,” said Bonneau. “We didn’t create this system with disposable everything, plastic everything.”