Not Sure How to Avoid Microplastics? Try These Swaps

It’s no secret that microplastics are a real concern. A 2024 study conducted in New Mexico found that these particles are lingering in our bodies. After 52 autopsies, scientists discovered microplastics in patients’ brains. They could even leech into the blood through the blood-brain barrier. Now, it doesn’t mean we need to remove all traces of plastic from our lives—that is physically impossible and mentally exhausting. But we can make some simple swaps to reduce exposure.

Try swapping plastic containers for glass containers, plastic produce bags for reusable cloth bags or plastic prep bowls for glass bowls. You don’t need to swap everything here, either—I just go with what works best in my routine and fits my budget. The alternatives below are simple to use and maintain, and prices start at $7. 

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Ditch: Flimsy Plastic Containers 

Grab: Durable Glass Containers 

Pyrex Simply Store 18-Piece Glass Container Set

I always prefer the fuss-free nature of glass containers: they don’t stain, absorb odor or require scrubbing. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a set without plastic lids, but this doesn’t bother me too much, especially when it comes to my top pick from Pyrex. It’s also one of our favorite glass container sets after rigorous testing. They seal well, are easy to clean and maintain a smooth, sleek finish and absorb no stains or smells. 

Ball 4-Piece Glass Mason Jar Set

Mason jars are a must for the pantry and refrigerator. Take them on the go with berries, snacks or overnight oats stored inside. Or, use them to store pantry staples, dressings and prepped vegetables like carrots and jams. The jars make an excellent set because you get four jars in different sizes: two 16-ounce and two 32-ounce jars. They’re both wide-mouth, which means you’re not limited to a narrow lid for storing specific things you don’t need to reach in for, like sauces. They’re reusable, have a tight seal, and are so multi-purpose that you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t have them. 

Ditch: Plastic Wrap

Grab: Reusable Wrap 

Bee’s Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wrap

It is nice to have plastic wrap on hand, especially for food safety (i.e., raw meat or fish), but a lot of the time it can be replaced with this reusable beeswax wrap. Think: storing odds and ends of produce and bread, wrapping a bowl of a pre-made salad for a barbecue, sealing leftover butter—the list can go on. It seals using a sticky wax-based coating that is washable and reusable. Because you can cut pieces to the size you need, like plastic wrap, you’re not limited in terms of uses. 

Ditch: Plastic Produce Bags

Grab: Reusable Cloth Bags 

Organic Cotton Mart 6-Piece Reusable Cotton Mesh Produce Bag Set

Using plastic produce bags is arguably wasteful and unnecessary. These cotton mesh bags come in sizes between 12 x 15 inches and 8 x 10 inches and are made with a washable cotton material. They have a drawstring closure to keep your ingredients locked in. I love that they’re mesh because the ingredients can breathe, and you can easily see what’s inside. If you prefer an option with no holes, the brand offers this cotton set for a similar price. 

Ditch: Plastic Condiment and Dressing Containers 

Grab: Durable and Reusable Glass Containers 

Vitever 6-Piece Glass Condiment Jar Set

It’s a good idea to replace plastic dressing containers with this set of glass jars. They’re a generous size at 2.6 ounces and are perfect for jams, sauces, homemade dressings and other condiments like ketchup. Plus, they’re completely leakproof: The plastic lid twists on tight, similar to a mason jar, so you can carry on without worrying about any sudden spills or drips if you’re on the go.  

Ditch: Plastic Straws 

Grab: Reusable Straws 

Hiware 12-Piece Stainless Steel Straw Set

At this point, we all know that a plastic straw isn’t the best option, but those paper straws are far from perfect. I prefer stainless steel straws like these because I know they’ll last and I can comfortably use them for hot drinks. With the included brush, they’re also easy to clean. I tend to wash them straight away, so I know I can get all of the remnants out immediately. (Dried, stuck-on bits are these straws’ enemy.) I’ve had mine for years and they’re still as good as new. This set is only $7 and comes with 12 straws, so there’s plenty to go around all week. 

Ditch: Plastic Cutting Board 

Grab: Composite or Wood Cutting Board 

Epicurean Composite Cutting Board 

I love plastic cutting boards because they’re great at preventing cross-contamination, but sadly, they leak microplastics into our food. A 2024 Environmental Science & Technology study confirmed that they leech these tiny particles into your produce and meat during prepping. Still, I never really knew what to replace them with. That is, until someone recommended this Epicurean Composite option to me. It’s made from Richlite paper, composed of—you guessed it—paper. It is fused with a form of resin to harden it, however thermosetting resins are a type of plastic that are more stable than typical plastics and don’t leach microplastics under normal use.

John Boos Chop-N-Slice Wood Cutting Board 

Wooden cutting boards are another fantastic choice. Starting with a good quality option is ideal for easier maintenance, and we love this John Boos board. It’s 20 x 15 x 1.25 inches, so there’s a ton of surface area to work with, which is why it’s our favorite larger option. It’s also designed to be double-sided, getting double the lifespan. Boos cutting boards are one of my favorite wooden options and I’ve used them often in professional kitchens because they’re well-made and durable. 

Ditch: Plastic Prep Bowls 

Grab: Glass Bowls 

Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Bowl Set 

I couldn’t go without these Pyrex bowls. Not only are they a better pick compared to plastic, they’re also more effective. They’re microwave- and dishwasher-safe, plus you can trust that they can hold hot things without breaking. Because they’re glass, they’re see-through, so I can see if anything needs to be mixed more, like a homemade muffin batter. The lip on the edge also makes these maneuverable. With three different sizes, it’s an everyday essential.