We all know how pervasive microplastics are and — though the exact effects are still being studied — that they’re bad for us and the planet.
It’s a topic that’s increasingly on everyone’s minds. There was the great black-plastic spatula scare of late 2024. After that, the Strategist Slack became full of chatter about how everything is made from plastic. At this point, my friends can hardly order takeout or grab a disposable water bottle on an extra-hot day without feeling like they’re consuming a literal credit card.
It’s a topic that spurs anxiety and feels overwhelming to tackle. Where to start?
We decided that the kitchen — an especially major hub for plastic use — would make sense to focus on. Many food-storage containers, nonstick skillets, cooking utensils, and small appliances are made from plastic or at least contain plastic parts. But the good news is that plenty of better alternatives exist.
We have five days of stories dedicated to just that. Welcome to Plastic-Free Kitchen Week.
Our search has been extensive. I’ve made scrambled eggs on seven different popular ceramic nonstick skillets nearly every morning for many months; I talked to a professional chef who built an entirely plastic-free restaurant kitchen about his favorite gear; and I scoured my own kitchen (and the internet) to make a list of all the nicest spoons, spatulas, tongs, whisks, and every other utensil you could possibly need. One colleague set out to find a replacement for much-beloved deli containers (a task I initially deemed impossible, but she did it); another rounded up the best plastic-free dinnerware for kids; and yet another found the best plastic-free dish-cleaning supplies. You’ll find all that and a whole lot more.
My hope is that these stories will inspire you — and make it easy for you — to take a bit of control where it feels right and where you’re able. Sometimes substitutions mean you need to compromise, but in many cases, you don’t — and that’s what this week is about.
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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
