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Minimizing Microplastics: Food Storage Resources
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Chef Laura Bonicelli profile picture
Chef Laura Bonicelli
Plastics are a problem. They not only pollute our planet, but they are harmful to our bodies. Considering plastics are everywhere in food production and storage, this is a difficult and confusing issue. Here's some general Information About Plastics ...
Sections
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Articles and Websites
 
Safe Storage
 
Cook
 
Clean
 
Cosmetics and Skincare
 
Water

Articles and Websites

There is much more information about plastics related to pollution than there is about harmful microplastics in food and water, but resources are becoming available and awareness is building.

 
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There are ways to reduce plastic consumption substantially. And it can work, if everyone participates.
We can cut #plastic #pollution by 80% by 2040 – here’s how
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This is a good list of things we can do every day to keep plastics out of our bodies and off of the planet.
10 Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution
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Switching to glass and non-plastic storage containers is suggested in this article. It also brings up microplastics in cosmetics.
15 Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Waste
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A great article on the microplastics we all need to be aware of and avoid.
Microplastics are in our bodies. Here's why we don't know the health risks
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Here's what the government has to say on the subject. It's geared more towards recycling than microplastics in food and water.
Sustainable Management of Plastics | US EPA
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Wirecutter is such a great resource. This article gives the basics about microplastics and it has lots of suggestions for how to (and products that will help) you avoid them.
Microplastics Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Avoid Eating Them.
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I love the EWG, even though they are constantly asking for money:-) Their work is important - good article. (disclaimer - this is not how you hold a knife or cut a tomato)
Making meals without microplastics: Tips for safer cutting boards
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Safe Storage

Food storage is a difficult area. We are inundated with plastic from stores and in our kitchens. We're told to reuse things like plastic forks, but it's unsafe because they break apart into microplastics. It's best to avoid them altogether. Glass and... 

 
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Plastic wrap is one of hardest things to cut down on in the kitchen. While I don't store many things in bowls, sometimes you just have to. These work beautifully. Every kitchen needs a set.
Stretch & Seal Silicone Lids - 6 Pack
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I've had a set of these for years. They wash beautifully, last, and don't have any plastic.
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LOVE THESE - high quality and organized.
Porter Bags
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One of my favorite brands! Each bag is made from one piece of 100% LFGB-certified silicone with no chemicals, glues, or adhesives Flip the bags inside-out to hand-wash or throw in the dishwasher Clear front lets you mark and see contents, while color...
Containers, Bags, and Ice
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Deli containers are a must! They last, they come in different sizes, and you can give them away without feeling like you need to ask for your container back. These are considered safe in terms of microplastics and chemicals. I do not reheat in them, ...
Food Storage Container with Lids, Round Plastic Deli ...
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I have had a set of these for several years. They are in constant use! LOVE them! These are BPA-free, but I never heat them.
Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver, Medium and Large Produce Storage Containers, 6-Piece Set
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One of the toughest things to cut down on in the kitchen is plastic wrap. I've tried beeswax coated products, but I like this much more. It doesn't taint the flavor of the food and it's fun to use.
Reusable Stretch Wrap
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These are new. I can't wait to try them! I love that they come in different sizes. Much of my plastic use in the kitchen is from covering small things like a half a lemon.
Reusable Stretch Produce Savers | W&P
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Safe in the oven and fridge! This one surprised me. I just ordered two.
Silicone Reusable Stretch Lids - Casserole Lid | W&P
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Ironically, glass is frowned upon in a commercial kitchen (because it can break), but it's the best choice in a home environment. These containers can take the heat and the cold. They are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe. (no mention of the ov...
Pyrex Simply Store Glass Storage Container Set with Lids, 14 Piece
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Cook

Microplastics are released when you cut on plastic cutting boards and mats. Unfortunately, plastic boards were the preferred NSF choice for commercial kitchens. Epicurean is changing that. 

 
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You can find these boards in many stores. They are made by a company that started out building skateboard parks. The boards are NSF, plastic-free, and fairly light. Love them!
Epicurean Cutting Boards & Kitchen Utensils | USA Made
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Bamboo is a great option for sustainability and plastic-free prep.
Bamboo Cutting Boards & Bamboo Serving Boards | bambu®
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Don't forget the utensils. Bamboo is so durable!
Kitchen Basics, Set of 3 Bamboo Cooking Utensils
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Clean

Microplastics are released from the typical scrubbers we use in our kitchens. Here are some wonderful options to help you ditch the plastic - non-biodegradable options. These sites have great alternatives. 

 
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I love these! They a durable, bio-degradable, clean well, and they contain no plastics.
Grove Co. Walnut Scrubber Sponge
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Coconut scrubbers work very well. They are plastic free and biodegradable.
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It's time to say goodbye to plastic dish tools and this set is a great place to start.
6-Piece Sink Kit
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Cosmetics and Skincare

Microplastics are small plastic particles, typically less than 5mm in size, that are intentionally added to a variety of cosmetic products. These microplastics can be found in products like exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and makeup, where they serve...& Gray LLP)​​ (COSlaw EU)​. Concerns and Regulatory Actions Environmental Impact: Microplastics do not biodegrade and can persist in the environment for centuries, contributing to pollution in oceans and waterways. These particles can be ingested by m...& Gray LLP)​​ (COSlaw EU)​. Health Concerns: Research indicates that microplastics can carry harmful chemicals, including endocrine disruptors and heavy metals, which can pose risks to human health. These risks have led to increased regulatory scrutin...& Gray LLP)​​ (COSlaw EU)​​ (CTPA)​. Regulatory Measures The European Union has implemented significant regulations to phase out microplastics in cosmetics. As of October 2023, the EU has banned the use of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics, with addit...& Gray LLP)​​ (COSlaw EU)​. Industry Guidance To help the cosmetics industry comply with these new regulations, organizations like Cosmetics Europe and the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI) have published detailed guidance. This inc...

 
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Microbeads in cosmetics is still quite common. This app is designed specifically to give information about cosmetics and has a scanning feature to help you buy microbead-free products.
International Campaign Against Plastic in Cosmetics - Beat the Microbead
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I heard about Yuka from a student. It was developed in France and scans food products as well as cosmetics. I started by scanning everything in my kitchen. I did pretty well there, but had to toss most of my skincare and cosmetics due to microbeads a...
The Mobile App That Scans Your Products - Yuka
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Research shows that microplastics are bad for the environment and bad for you. This site is a great resource to track the banning of synthetic polymer microparticles.
New EU restrictions on microplastics in cosmetic products
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Water

Another essential area to address is our water. There are some great, highly-rated options here. 

 
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AquaTru water purification systems remove 100% of microplastics and bunches of other dangerous chemicals.
Water Purifiers Archives
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Slightly less effective than the AquaTru, but still very highly rated.
Epic Water Filters | American-made | Certified against NSF/ANSI Stds
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iSpring RCC7 provides excellent filtration for microplastics and other contaminants, using a 5-stage reverse osmosis system. It’s an affordable under-sink option with a long-lasting filter life, making it highly efficient.
Quality Whole House Water Filters and Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Systems by iSpring
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Great if you're removing microplastics and other contaminants from your whole house.
Whole House Water Systems - Kind Water Systems
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Stylish and very effective.
LifeStraw Home 10-Cup
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