5 Simple Swaps to Start Creating a Non-Toxic Kitchen
Making your kitchen healthier doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Start small. By swapping out a few common items for safer, non-toxic alternatives, you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful substances while keeping your cooking routine simple and stress-free.
Here are five easy, impactful swaps to kickstart your journey to a non-toxic kitchen.
1. Swap Plastic Storage for Glass or Stainless Steel
Why?
Plastic containers can leach chemicals like phthalates, BPA, or their substitutes (such as BPS), especially when used for hot or acidic foods. Glass or stainless steel containers are safer and more durable alternatives.
What to Do
Gradually replace old plastic containers with glass storage jars or stainless steel tins. Save and clean glass jars from pasta sauce and jams to make this easy swap for free!
I also love Ball mason jars. They're made in the USA, come in many different sizes (from adult smoothies to baby food!), and there are tons of helpful accessories out there on the market. Some of my favorites are Ball Mason's own stainless steel storage lids and Mason Bottle tops. No affiliate links here—I just really like these!
Instead of plastic wrap, use stretchy silicone lids or beeswax wraps for covering bowls. For a completely silicone storage solution, check out Zip Top containers (made in the USA!).
2. Ditch Non-Stick Cookware for Cast Iron, Stainless Steel, or Ceramic
Why?
Traditional non-stick pans often contain toxic chemicals like PFAS, which can release harmful fumes when overheated. Cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic are safer, long-lasting options.
What to Do
Start with one versatile piece, like a cast iron skillet or a stainless steel frying pan, and expand from there. Start by replacing your most used pan!
Each of these non-toxic cookware options have their pros and cons. I'll cover these and more cookware options in-depth in another post. The short version: season cast iron to make it naturally non-stick, use plenty of butter or oil with stainless steel to prevent sticking, and use only silicone utensils on ceramic.
3. Clean Produce with a Baking Soda Soak
Why?
Even organic produce can carry dirt, bacteria, and natural residues. A baking soda soak is an easy and effective way to remove pesticides and other contaminants.
What to Do
Fill a bowl with 2 cups of water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Soak your fruits and veggies for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
For leafy greens, separate or chop the leaves before soaking to remove hidden dirt. Use ice water to keep them crisp.
4. Replace Chemical Cleaning Sprays with Natural Solutions
Why?
Many commercial kitchen cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin, lungs, and eyes. Natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and Castile soap are just as effective and much safer.
What to Do
You can create your own DIY all-purpose cleaner for cents per gallon! Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water in a glass spray bottle. Optionally, add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent. (Avoid tea tree oil, which is estrogenic.)
Baking soda makes a great natural scrub for tough messes on countertops, sinks, and cooking surfaces! Mix baking soda with a little water to create a thick paste, apply it directly on top of the mess, then scrub away. Wipe or rinse then follow up with your non-toxic DIY cleaner.
5. Choose Whole Foods Over Processed
Why?
Processed foods often contain additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors that can contribute to toxin exposure. Manufacturing equipment used to process the foods can sneakily introduce phthalates and PFAS to your diet. Cooking from scratch with whole, fresh ingredients helps you avoid these risks, and is far more satisfying than tearing open a plastic package.
What to Do
Make your own cookies, granola bars, chips, and more! Subscribe to get all these recipes in your inbox.
Swap canned goods for fresh or frozen options whenever possible to avoid BPA or other chemicals in can linings.
Make simple staples like broths, sauces, and dressings at home to cut out unnecessary additives. Practice batch-cooking and freeze meals in silicone or glass containers for easy, non-toxic dinners.
Start Small, Make Big Changes
Even with just these five changes, I don't recommend attempting them all at once! Choose one to start implementing each week over the next five weeks. Here's a suggested schedule:
Week 1: Replace a few frequently used plastic containers with glass or stainless steel alternatives. Save glass jars or purchase a stainless steel bento box to pack your lunch.
Week 2: Swap your most used non-stick pan for a non-toxic upgrade like stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic. Try frying up some eggs and experiment with the amount of cooking fat you need or the right temperature for your cookware.
Week 3: Wash your produce from this week's grocery haul with a baking soda soak! Start with produce like apples, leafy greens, and berries.
Week 4: Swap your chemical cleaner with a DIY vinegar solution, or purchase a non-toxic cleaning alternative.
Week 5: Swap one processed food meal or snack for a homemade or whole food option. Subscribe to get this week's non-toxic recipes!
These five swaps are easy, actionable, and won’t disrupt your routine. By focusing on gradual changes, you’ll create a safer, healthier environment for your family.
What’s Your First Swap?
Which of these tips will you try first? Leave a comment and let me know—I’d love to hear about your progress!