Plastics in food

Plastic chemicals can get into our food from the fertilisers used in soils, the plastics used in the transport, processing, and packaging of our food, and even from how we prepare and cook food at home. However, there are steps people can take at the supermarket, when eating out, and in their homes to use less plastic.

Here are five practical tips to reduce plastics in your kitchen 

1. Switch to wooden chopping boards: Replace plastic cutting boards with wooden ones. If you are worried about meat, have a separate board just for meat and wash and dry it well after every use.

    

2. Use stainless steel cookware: Non-stick cookware can contain plastic chemicals, and heating plastic can help the plastic transfer into food. Stainless steel cookware is a plastic free and durable alternative (and they can often be found second hand in op shops!)

    

3. Microwave in glass or ceramic: When reheating food, use glass or ceramic containers instead of soft plastic (e.g. pre-cooked rice in sachets) or hard plastic (e.g. Tupperware containers). A humble ceramic dinner plate with another plate on top is a plastic free, affordable option.

    

4. Store food in plastic-free containers: Instead of plastic containers, use glass or stainless steel for storing leftovers, pulses or cereals. Old jam or passata jars make great alternatives.

    

5. Swap your water bottle: It’s great for the environment to have a reusable water bottle, but next time you replace yours, try choosing one made of steel or glass instead of hard plastic.

Ready to cut plastic from your kitchen for good? Dr Amelia Harray's nutrition programs show you exactly how to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, the easy way.