8 Items I’ve Completely Sworn Off — Here’s What I’m Using Instead

The wellness landscape is constantly changing, and it goes beyond everyday food choices. Even as a shopping expert, I often forget about the common household products with toxic ingredients because, frankly, they’ve become such a popular presence in kitchens.

Scratched cookware, old dish sponges and plastic food storage containers are out for a reason. Single-use plastic is wasteful and bad for the planet, while nonstick pans are often ridden with forever chemicals that can have detrimental long-term health consequences. I certainly don’t want that!

I’m on a journey to fill my kitchen cabinets with non-toxic home products, and it begins by ditching common household items I once deemed “safe.” Below, these are the eight home items I’m swearing off this year — and what I’m buying instead!

8 Items I’ve Sworn Off — Here’s What I Buy Instead

Traditional Sponges

While I’m not suggesting to stop cleaning your dishes altogether, a traditional sponge isn’t the most effective tool for the job. It’s practically a breeding ground for bacteria growth. This soap dispensing dish brush is the perfect solution. It even has a replaceable brush head to easily swap it out for a fresh one after the recommended three months.

Plastic Food Containers

Glass food storage containers, like this Amazon Basics version, are a much better storage option than plastic, which are difficult to clean and can occasionally even leak harmful chemicals into your food. This leak-proof set includes multiple sizes, are oven-safe up to 450 degrees and are made from a non-porous glass base that won’t stain or retain odors.

Single-use Plastic Bags

Not only are single-use plastic bags wasteful, they cost me more money in the long run since I have to stock up every few weeks. These dishwasher-safe reusable bags are the perfect solution. They’re 100% leakproof and are made from a low-temperature resistant material that prevents freezer burn.

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Paper Towels

A big way I’m trying to avoid waste is cutting back on my paper towel consumption. Instead, I’m investing in these microfiber cleaning cloths that are designed with durability in mind. Reusable up to 50 times, the fabric soaks up to five times its weight in liquid and dries surfaces quicker, too.

Nonstick Cookware

This is a hard one, but I’m also on a mission to toss out my nonstick pans.  The coating typically contains forever chemicals (like Teflon), which can pose long-term health risks. Even in the short term, Teflon can cause toxic fumes — which lead to Teflon flu — when overheated. An easy swap? These ceramic pans offer the same easy-to-clean-and-cook perks without any threat. Food heats evenly and slides right off.

Plastic Straws

These silicone straws are a new everyday staple in my kitchen. The $9 pack includes 12 high-quality straws, along with convenient carrying cases, which is perfect when I’m picking up my morning cold brew. Thousands of shoppers rave about the reusable straws and say these “outshine those flimsy paper straws by a mile.”

Plastic Cutting Boards

Plastic cutting boards scratch easily from constant chopping, slicing and dicing. This can cause bacteria growth, and even worse, it can lead to microplastics ending up in food. Snag my favorite bamboo cutting board set featuring three different handy sizes and built-in side handles. The wood is gentle on blades so knives stay fresh. Plus, there’s no need to worry about unnecessary scratching.

Disposable Coffee Pods

Let’s face it: Disposable coffee pods can get expensive, and they’re not the most sustainable choice. I’ve swapped my disposable pods for this reusable version made from stainless steel. They’re BPA-free and are compatible with several Keurig coffee makers.

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