It seems that barely a week goes by without another headline about microplastics. From our drinking water and tea bags to chopping boards and food containers, tiny plastic particles are finding their way into the most unexpected places.
While scientists are still unravelling exactly what it means for our long-term health, emerging research has linked microplastics to a range of issues, including cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
The good news is that we don’t need to overhaul our entire kitchen overnight – a few simple changes can make all the difference.
6 easy swaps to reduce plastic in your kitchen
Filter your drinking water
We’re lucky in the UK to have access to clean, safe drinking water, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s free from microplastics.
A 2025 study from researchers at the University of Birmingham found microplastics in every tap water and bottled water sample they tested.
“Tap water, while treated and generally safe by public health standards, regularly contains trace levels of chemicals, heavy metals and microplastics,” says our founder, Liz. “Over time, this low-level exposure may burden the body in ways that are subtle but potentially significant.”
Filtering our water can help reduce microplastics, depending on the type of filter. Simple jug and gravity filters can remove some particles, while under-sink systems generally provide more comprehensive filtration. Reverse osmosis systems are among the most effective, although they’re a bigger investment and you need to remineralise the water afterwards.
“Filtering our drinking water is a simple way to make every sip more significant,” Liz adds.
Our pick: Aarke Purifier
Create cleaner, purer-tasting tap water using this sleek, modern water filter pitcher. The glass and stainless steel design features a steel filter cartridge plus one refill bag of Pure filter granules. Save 15% off your order.
Choose a stainless steel kettle
Filtering our water is only part of the picture. How we use that water is key, too.
Researchers at the University of Queensland found that boiling water in brand-new plastic kettles released billions of microplastic particles. Although the number reduced over time, particles were still detected after 150 boiling cycles.
Fortunately, this is an easy swap to make. Stainless steel kettles are widely available, durable and don’t contain plastic on the interior where the water is heated.
Our pick: Aarke Stainless Steel Kettle
Stainless steel with a heat-proof handle, this kettle is ideal for everything from delicate teas to boiling water for cooking. Save 15% off your order.
Ditch plastic tea bags
Talking of boiling the kettle, let’s not overlook tea. Some tea bags may be adding an unwanted ingredient to our morning cuppa.
Research shows that certain plastic-containing tea bags can release billions of microplastic particles when steeped in hot water. This statistic becomes even more eye-watering when you consider that around 96% of tea sold in the UK comes in bags.
Instead, try switching to loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel infuser or reusable tea strainer. Choosing organic varieties can also help to reduce exposure to pesticide residues.
Our pick: Tea People Organic Tea
Tea People offers a variety of loose-leaf teas and holds organic certification accredited by the Soil Association.
Swap plastic chopping boards for wooden ones
Plastic chopping boards release tiny fragments of plastic each time we use them.
Research shows that chopping vegetables on polyethylene and polypropylene boards can release microplastics that stick to the food we’re preparing.
“I have ditched my plastic chopping boards and utensils for wooden ones,” says Liz. “Every time a sharp knife hits plastic it releases microplastics into your food.”
There’s another benefit, too.
“Studies show wooden boards can actually harbour fewer bacteria than plastic ones when properly cared for,” Liz adds.
A good-quality wooden chopping board should last for years.
Our pick: Brosisincorp Solid Sapele Wood Cutting Board
Chop away stress free. This durable chopping board is made from one piece of organic wood without glue to help keep it free from toxins.
Get on board with glass storage
Plastic food containers are undeniably convenient, but they don’t last forever.
Over time, repeated use, washing and exposure to heat can cause plastics to degrade, increasing the likelihood that tiny particles and chemicals may migrate into food.
Heating plastic is particularly worth avoiding.
“A 2023 study found that microwaving reusable plastic containers released a staggering number of microplastic particles,” says Liz. “Some containers released more than four million particles from just one square centimetre after only one minute of microwave heating.”
Glass containers offer a simple alternative. They’re durable, easy to clean, don’t absorb food odours and many can go straight from the fridge to the oven, making meal prep even easier.
Our pick: Glass Food Storage Containers
These budget-friendly containers are ideal for storing both leftovers and your lunch.
Rethink your non-stick pans
A recent study found that both plastic kitchen utensils and worn non-stick cookware can release microscopic particles during food preparation.
“Your fried egg might glide beautifully onto the plate from a non-stick pan,” says Liz, “but there’s been growing concern around the chemicals used in non-stick coatings.”
Much of the early concern centred on PFOA, a chemical previously used in some non-stick coatings that has now largely been phased out. However, many modern non-stick pans still contain other PFAS compounds – this is a family of chemicals that we still don’t fully understand the health and environmental impacts of.
“As soon as a non-stick pan becomes scratched or damaged, it’s time to replace it,” Liz advises. “Personally, I much prefer cooking with stainless steel or cast iron.”
Both can last a lifetime with the right care.
Our pick: Titanium Always Pan
A worthwhile investment, this clever pan is utilises a unique, coating-free design that uses titanium grooves to create a durable, non-stick surface that’s 300% harder than stainless steel, offering long-lasting performance without the risk of harmful chemicals like PFAS. Save 15% off your order.
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