Welcome to Plastic-Free Kitchen Week

The author, Kiki Aranita, a former senior editor at The Strategist and a chef for over a decade, details her journey toward a plastic-free kitchen. This initiative is part of Plastic-Free Kitchen Week on The Strategist, where various plastic alternatives for kitchen items, from appliances to cleaning supplies, are explored. Aranita's motivation stems from personal experiences, including witnessing plastic pollution on Kaua’i and discovering hidden plastics in industrial food processes. While acknowledging plastic's utility and the trade-offs (cost, convenience) involved in going plastic-free, she emphasizes the growing availability of eco-friendly options. Aranita highlights specific plastic-free cleaning products that have successfully replaced their synthetic counterparts in her kitchen. Her top recommendation for dishwasher detergent is Blueland Dishwasher Detergent Starter Set, which uses plastic-free, naturally derived enzyme tabs. She contrasts these with conventional tabs that use polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, a water-soluble synthetic polymer, addressing the ongoing debate about its environmental impact by opting for a complete avoidance of such materials. For scrubbing tasks, Aranita praises the Blueland Scrub Sponge, a three-pack option made from FSC-certified cellulose and natural loofah, stitched together with cotton thread. She notes its superior performance compared to synthetic alternatives like Scrub Daddy sponges, which are petroleum-derived, and standard green and yellow kitchen sponges. Another effective tool is the PlantishFuture Sisal Dish Brush, discovered during her private chef work, which efficiently removes burnt-on residue from stainless-steel pans. Regarding kitchen towels, Aranita uses linen towels, citing their durability and compostability. She mentions Kitchen Garden Textiles, an eco-friendly linen company, and the PA Flax Project, which aims to reestablish the flax-linen industry in Pennsylvania. She also discusses household gloves, opting for natural latex gloves with cotton lining from If You Care for infrequent use, or Earth’s Natural Alternative Compostable Food Prep Gloves for single-use situations. These compostable single-use gloves are particularly useful for tasks like picking up pet waste or lining compost bins. For general cleaning, Cleancult All Purpose Cleaner, packaged in an aluminum bottle, is her choice. She appreciates its plastic-neutral certification and effective, non-toxic formula for various surfaces. Complementing this, Cleancult Dish Soap Liquid Refill, which comes in a milk carton with a minimal plastic cap, is noted for its lather and grease-cutting ability. The article also mentions a Redecker Dust Brush made of horsehair and wood for sweeping crumbs, and Marasol Coconut Scrub Pads as effective, non-plastic alternatives to walnut scrub pads. Lastly, the Kamenoko Tawashi Scrub Brush, made from hemp palm fibers, is presented as a long-standing favorite for dish scrubbing. The article implicitly suggests that while achieving a completely plastic-free kitchen involves compromises, numerous viable and effective alternatives exist for conscious consumers. #PlasticFreeKitchenWeek #EcoFriendlyCleaning #SustainableProducts #KitchenEssentials #ZeroWasteLiving #HomeCleaning #KikiAranita

The Brownstone Boys document their recent progress on their brownstone renovation, focusing on the kitchen. The kitchen is part of a larger open-plan layout, created by removing several walls, including a structural one that required a 14-foot beam. The new kitchen measures 14 feet wide and features a 7.5-foot island. This installment of their renovation diary covers the installation of kitchen cabinets, the selection of appliances, and the initial stages of lighting and counter/backsplash installation. The couple opted for gray Shaker-style cabinets from the RTA Store, moving away from their previous preference for white cabinets. They highlight the affordability and quality of the solid wood, pre-assembled cabinets, which were comparable in price to IKEA options, especially during sales. Although some cabinets arrived with minor damage, the RTA Store has been cooperative in resolving the issues. The Brownstone Boys undertook the design and measurement themselves, saving costs. They also creatively adapted a refrigerator panel that was initially too deep and too short to fit their design. Excitement builds with the upcoming delivery of Fisher & Paykel appliances, chosen for their clean lines, flat panels, and streamlined appearance, signaling the final stages of the renovation. The article acknowledges a current challenge in creating additional storage on the wall opposite the kitchen due to an old fireplace bump-out and a radiator. While initial plans included a wall of cabinets and open shelves, the current strategy is to decide on a long-term storage solution after they move in, especially for tall storage needs. They are actively seeking inspiration for this future project. Lighting for the kitchen is progressing with the installation of ultra-thin, flush-mounted, dimmable recessed lights from Nadair. Additionally, three pendants for the island are being custom-assembled using parts from Antique Lamp Supply. The final touches for the kitchen surfaces are underway, with stone slabs for the counters ordered and templating scheduled. The chosen material is Montauk, a light marbled quartz from HanStone Quartz. The backsplash will feature a white 2-by-6-inch handmade tile from Fireclay, installed in a herringbone pattern. A farm apron sink from Nantucket Sinks and hardware from Rejuvenation will complete the kitchen's aesthetic. The authors express anticipation for further progress on these elements. #BrownstoneBoysReno #KitchenRenovation #BedStuy #InteriorDesign #GrayShakerCabinets #FisherAndPaykelAppliances #QuartzCounters #HerringboneBacksplash #HomeRenovation

This article addresses the common challenge of establishing a plastic-free pantry, acknowledging the prevalence of plastic in food storage and offering various alternatives. It emphasizes that building a pantry, especially a plastic-free one, is a highly personalized endeavor, with optimal solutions varying based on individual dietary habits and shelf dimensions. The advice suggests a mixed-material approach, combining different styles and sizes of containers rather than adhering to a single type, and recommends a gradual accumulation of items to test their practicality before making large purchases. Several specific product recommendations are provided, primarily focusing on glass containers due to their transparency and reusability. Anchor Hocking features prominently, with multiple options highlighted. The Anchor Hocking Stackable Square Canisters are noted for their rectangular shape, which optimizes space in tighter pantries, and their varying heights (one, 1.5, and two quarts) while maintaining a consistent base size (4.25 by 4.25 inches) for stacking. These are made entirely of glass with a silicone gasket, though the article notes some user feedback suggesting they may not be perfectly airtight. Another Anchor Hocking option features an aluminum lid instead of glass, offering a similar range of sizes and sealing mechanism. For those who prioritize aesthetics, the Anchor Hocking Montana Jars with Acacia Lids are presented as an attractive alternative, although they are round. They offer similar capacities (1.5, two, and three quarts) and also feature a silicone seal. Additionally, a three-piece Anchor Hocking Gripper Jar Set with screw-top metal lids is recommended for its ergonomic design, which facilitates handling and pouring, making them suitable for snacks or items that are easily crushed. The article also showcases more premium and specialized options. Caraway Glass Airtight Container Trios are highlighted as a plastic-free solution, praised for their substantial yet not overly heavy glass construction and an effective lever-based airtight seal. These come in 2.5-quart and four-quart sizes, suitable for various dry goods like rice, flour, or cereal, and can also be used for refrigerating leftovers. For rice connoisseurs, a Paulownia Wood Rice Container from JOC Goods is introduced as a beautiful, though pricier, option for storing large quantities of rice. Stainless steel is also considered, with a Dynami 304 Stainless-Steel Storage Container, recommended by a chef known for building plastic-free restaurant kitchens, suggesting its utility for bulk items like 20-pound bags of rice. A key consideration for opaque containers like wood or stainless steel is the need for labeling due to lack of visibility. Smaller storage needs are addressed with Brabantia Stackable Jars, which are lightweight, feature tight-fitting silicone lids, and are dishwasher-safe. These are useful for items like lentils or nuts, or even ground coffee. A similar, all-glass alternative from Hawkins New York is mentioned for those preferring glass lids. Finally, the article revisits the utility of Mason jars, specifically suggesting Ball Glass Half-Gallon Storage Jars for bulk items like granola or cereal, noting their wide mouth makes them practical for scooping ingredients like flour and sugar. The overarching advice encourages a thoughtful, iterative approach to building a plastic-free pantry, prioritizing functionality and personal needs. #PlasticFreeKitchen #PantryOrganization #SustainableLiving #GlassStorage #KitchenEssentials #HomeOrganization #EcoFriendlyProducts #FoodStorage

This article highlights a significant deal on W&P's silicone reusable stretch lids, marking them as the "Deal of the Day." The promotion offers a six-piece set for $12, originally priced at $20, with an additional six-piece set provided as a free gift, effectively giving customers 12 lids for the price of one set. This offer is featured during "Plastic-Free Kitchen Week" at The Strategist, a period dedicated to exploring alternatives to plastic kitchenware. The article references a previous investigation by senior writer Emma Wartzman into the safety of silicone as a plastic alternative. Her findings indicated that food-grade silicone is a viable and safer option. W&P's products, including the featured stretch lids, are confirmed to be food-grade silicone. Arielle Avila, a writer for The Strategist, endorsed these stretch lids, noting their airtight seal and durability over two years of use. The lids are versatile, available in six sizes to fit various containers, from canned goods to different-sized storage solutions. Shipping costs for orders under $100 are an additional $8. Beyond the stretch lids, the sale extends to other plastic-free W&P products, encouraging a broader shift towards sustainable kitchen practices. These additional items include silicone ice-cube trays, portable stainless-steel utensil sets, and glass travel bowls, several of which have been previously recommended by The Strategist's staff. The article reinforces the theme of plastic reduction in the kitchen, aligning with the ongoing "Plastic-Free Kitchen Week." It implicitly promotes a lifestyle choice by offering affordable and practical alternatives to common plastic items. The emphasis on independent selection by editors and the disclosure of commission on purchases maintain transparency with the reader. This piece serves as a product recommendation, capitalizing on a timely sale and an environmentally conscious theme to provide value to its audience. #WP #SiliconeLids #KitchenGadgets #PlasticFree #Deals #HomeGoods #SustainableLiving #Kitchenware #ProductReview

The article reviews Material Kitchen’s new MK Free Board, a cutting board designed to be a plastic-free alternative to their popular reBoard. The author, Emma Wartzman, a senior kitchen and dining writer at the Strategist, notes that the original reBoard, launched in 2019, gained significant popularity among food enthusiasts and professionals due to its thin profile, textured surface, and vibrant colors. However, growing concerns about microplastics have led Material Kitchen to introduce the MK Free Board, which is made from natural clay minerals and biodegradable biopolymers derived from plants. Wartzman's testing of the MK Free Board over several weeks reveals that its surface closely mimics the reBoard in both appearance and feel. It maintains a subtle texture, a feature praised in the original for aiding steady and controlled cutting, and does not damage knives. A new addition to the MK Free Board is a moat, which the reBoard lacked. While the moat is shallow, it effectively contains liquids from foods like citrus, tomatoes, and even skirt steak, though a deeper moat would be preferred for very juicy items like watermelon. The new board is larger and thinner than its predecessor. While the author personally prefers the slightly smaller size of the original reBoard for ease of handling, cleaning, and storage, the increased size of the MK Free Board still offers ample cutting space. A minor observation was that knife marks appeared on the surface after cutting kale, but this was deemed acceptable given the board's plastic-free composition, which prevents the release of microplastics. The article concludes by recommending the MK Free Board for its performance and its environmentally conscious design. #MaterialKitchen #PlasticFree #CuttingBoard #Kitchenware #ProductReview #EcoFriendly #SustainableProducts #KitchenGadgets

The article discusses the potential health risks associated with black plastic kitchen utensils, urging readers to consider alternatives. It highlights that while many plastics are used in the home, black plastic, in particular, may pose significant health hazards. The author shares a personal anecdote about discarding a sentimental black plastic spatula due to growing concerns about its safety. Black plastic kitchen utensils are typically made from polypropylene or polystyrene and contain an additive called “carbon black,” which gives them their distinctive deep color. A significant concern is that some black plastic utensils, especially those made from recycled electronic waste, can contain harmful substances. These include flame retardants like bromine, as well as heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury. Carbon black itself is derived from burning petrochemicals, essentially a form of soot, adding another layer of concern regarding its composition. Experts like Aminah Taariq-Sidibe from EarthDay.org and Dr. Paul Savage, a toxin expert, emphasize that these materials can leach into food, especially when exposed to heat or acidic ingredients. The leached chemicals, including brominated flame retardants (BFRs), BPAs, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as “forever chemicals”), and phthalates, are linked to a range of serious health problems. These adverse effects include neurological issues, impaired brain development, endocrine system disruption (affecting hormones, fertility, and reproductive systems), various cancers, immune system suppression, liver toxicity, and thyroid dysfunction. Heavy metals like cadmium and lead further contribute to risks such as cancer and kidney dysfunction. Beyond specific chemical leaching, all plastic utensils can shed microplastics into food. Dr. Savage notes that these microplastics are not merely an environmental problem but also a health hazard, capable of accumulating in the body and causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and long-term health complications. A recent study published in the *New England Journal of Medicine* corroborated the link between microplastics and cardiovascular disease progression, suggesting their role in aggravating heart conditions. The article addresses some confusion surrounding previous research, specifically a 2024 paper in *Chemosphere* by Toxic-Free Future that initially sounded a strong alarm. Although the authors later corrected their calculations, stating that toxin levels were not as high as first estimated, they maintained their conclusion that black plastics are indeed harmful. This underscores the ongoing nature of research into plastic chemicals and the general recommendation from health professionals to adopt a cautious approach by avoiding plastics where possible, especially given the limited understanding of the health effects of thousands of chemicals present in plastics. For those looking to replace black plastic utensils, numerous safe alternatives are available, including wood, bamboo, stainless steel, ceramic, and silicone. When disposing of black plastic items, the article advises simply throwing them away, as they are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills anyway, where they continue to be toxic. Donating them is discouraged to prevent exposing others to potential harm. The article also lists other contaminants to avoid, such as old aluminum cookware, cheap melamine utensils, painted ceramics (due to potential lead), plastic cutting boards, and scratched nonstick pots and pans made with PFOA or PFAS. Additionally, it warns against heating food in plastic containers or placing aluminum foil directly over acidic foods. Practical advice is also provided regarding the longevity and deterioration of plastic utensils. Sticky utensils indicate polymer breakdown, often due to wear and tear or exposure to high heat from cooking and dishwashing, signaling that they should be discarded immediately to prevent increased toxin leaching. The lifespan of black plastic kitchen tools varies but can range from a few months to a few years, with discoloration, stickiness, or warping being clear indicators for replacement. #PlasticUtensils #KitchenSafety #HealthHazards #ToxicChemicals #Microplastics #HouseholdProducts #EcoFriendlyAlternatives #MaterialScience #ConsumerHealth