Plastic-Free Kitchen Utensils — Wood, Steel, and Silicone Swaps

Why utensils matter

Utensils are some of the easiest swaps for going plastic-free. Wooden spoons, stainless tongs, and silicone spatulas are durable, safe at high heat, and don’t shed microplastics.

Budget-friendly swaps

Simple wood and bamboo sets handle soups and sauces without scratching cookware. Silicone minis are kid-friendly and perfect for stirring smaller batches.

Investment piece: Wooden boards

The Boardsmith end-grain maple board is pricier, but gentle on knives and built to last decades. Unlike plastic boards that warp or harbor cuts, wood self-heals with proper care.

Stainless tools

A spider strainer makes frying safer than using slotted plastic spoons. Stainless steel holds up under heat, cleans easily, and doesn’t release toxins.

Start with the tools you use most — swap spatulas, boards, and strainers first. These daily habits add up quickly to reduce plastic exposure.