If you’ve thought about making your home a little healthier but have no idea where to start, you’re not alone. I’ve learned that a few intentional swaps can make a huge difference in our daily exposure to chemicals, especially in the kitchen where we cook, eat, and store food every single day. You don’t have to replace everything you own or spend a fortune to improve your health in a meaningful way. Here are four non-toxic kitchen swaps I started with and the ones I’d recommend first to upgrade your home’s health without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Swap Non-Stick Cookware

WHAT I USE: Caraway Ceramic Coated Cookware

If you only make one change in your kitchen, this is the one I’d start with.

Traditional non-stick cookware is often made with PFAS (sometimes called “forever chemicals”), which can break down over time, especially when exposed to high heat or scratches. That breakdown can transfer to your food and has been linked to hormone disruption and other long-term health concerns. Once I understood that, continuing to cook with my old, worn non-stick pans just didn’t sit right with me.

I switched to ceramic-coated cookware, specifically Caraway brand, and I’ve been really happy with it. Food cooks evenly, nothing sticks, and cleanup is genuinely easy. I use the mini fry pan almost daily for eggs, and their saute pan is the perfect size for dinners. They perform better than any non-stick pan I’ve owned, without the chemical concerns, and bonus – they look beautiful in my kitchen too.

They’re hand wash only, but I’ve never put cookware in the dishwasher anyway, so that wasn’t a drawback for me. If you’re starting from scratch, the 12- or 16-piece cookware set can save money and comes with storage that keeps everything organized. Or you can build your collection slowly like I did, adding one piece at a time for birthdays or holidays.

One thing worth noting is that ceramic-coated pans are best used over low to medium heat, which honestly covers the majority of everyday cooking. But if I’m doing a high-heat sear on a steak or something similar, I’ll reach for a stainless steel pan instead.

Other non-toxic alternatives worth considering:

• Stainless steel for high-heat cooking and searing
• Enameled cast iron for slow cooking and braising
• GreenPan for a more affordable ceramic option

2. Swap Plastic Food Storage

WHAT I USE: Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids

This was one of the most eye-opening lessons for me.

I grew up in the era of Tupperware and never thought twice about what I was storing my food in until I learned that heating food in plastic containers can cause chemicals to leach into your meals, especially when microwaving or reheating leftovers. This swap alone dramatically reduced my daily exposure without changing how I eat or cook.

I now use glass food storage containers, especially for meal prep. The set I have includes two different sizes, which makes it easy to store everything from soups to leftovers to prepped proteins. They stack neatly, seal well, and are safe for the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher (the lids just can’t go in the microwave or oven).

3. Swap Plastic Cutting Boards

WHAT I USE: Wood Fiber Composite Cutting Board

This was a kitchen item I hadn’t even considered until I learned that tiny particles from plastic cutting boards can end up in your food.

I wanted to find an alternative that felt just as low maintenance but without the risk of consuming microplastics. Traditional wood boards require upkeep, and I personally don’t love using them for raw meat. Wood fiber composite ended up being the perfect middle ground.

The board I use is non-porous, dishwasher safe, and incredibly sturdy. I love that it has a groove around the edge to catch liquids and rubber feet that keep it from sliding while chopping. It cleans easily, doesn’t hold odors, and feels solid and high quality.

4. Swap Plastic Cooking Utensils

WHAT I USE: Silicone Cooking Utensils

This was the least expensive swap I made and one I wish I’d done sooner.

Plastic utensils can break down when exposed to heat, which means they can leach chemicals directly into your food while you’re cooking. Silicone is a much safer option, especially when it’s high-quality and heat resistant.

The silicone utensil set I use is surprisingly sturdy and holds up better than many plastic tools I’ve owned. Food doesn’t stick as easily, they’re easy to clean, and everything is dishwasher safe. The set includes all the basics, and they’re safe for any type of cookware, including ceramic and stainless steel.

Making your kitchen safer doesn’t require perfection or a total overhaul. A few simple changes in the items you use most can significantly reduce chemical exposure and bring a little more peace of mind into your home.

If you’ve been wanting to start but feel overwhelmed, I hope this guide is helpful. These four swaps are exactly where I’d start if I had to do it all over again.

I’ll link everything I use below, along with a few alternative options, so you can choose what works best for your home and your budget.

COOKWARE:

Caraway Ceramic Coated Cookware (what I use)
GreenPan Ceramic Coated Cookware (more affordable)

Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel (more affordable)
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel (higher end)

Lodge Enameled Cast Iron (more affordable)
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron (higher end)

FOOD STORAGE:

MCIRCO Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids (what I use)
Rubbermaid Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids (higher end)

CUTTING BOARDS:

Elihome Composite Cutting Board (what I use)
Epicurean Composite Cutting Board (similar)
John Boos Maple Cutting Board (wood alternative)

COOKING UTENSILS:

Silicone Cooking Utensils (what I use)
Di Oro Silicone Utensils (higher end)
Woodenhouse Teak Wood Utensils (wood alternative)

As always, I sincerely appreciate you shopping through the links I share, which allows me to make a small commission from your purchase while your purchase price remains the same. When you use my affiliate links, I’m better able to create content for this blog as well as support my family, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting what I do!

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