Ditch your plastic cutting board and switch to Bamboo (ASAP)

Looking to reduce the amount of microplastics in your body? Read on to find one of the easiest ways to do just that.

I don’t know if it’s my “algorithm” but its like I can’t go 5 minutes online these days without seeing a headline about microplastics. From rainwater to bees, microplastics are showing up in the most unexpected places. In fact, a recent study found that microplastic accumulation in the brain rose 50% from 2016 to 2024.

If that’s enough to make you stop and think for a minute - microplastic accumulations have even been discovered in male and female reproductive organs! No wonder reproductive rates are falling. This is a crisis.

It is projected that the average adult human has the equivalent of a plastic spoon floating around in the body. And enough plastic in the brain to equal a credit card.

So how can we reduce the amount of microplastics that we ingest on a daily basis? The low hanging fruit: your cutting board. If you use a plastic cutting board, especially those made from polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, you’re basically contaminating your kitchen. When you cut on these boards, knife action creates scratches and grooves, leading to the release of microplastic particles that can end up in your food. Studies have shown that using plastic cutting boards can result in an annual exposure of 7.4–50.7 grams of microplastics per person for polyethylene boards, and up to 49.5 grams for polypropylene boards. As these boards age and become more worn, the risk of microplastic shedding increases.

Here is why you should ditch that plastic cutting board and switch to bamboo:

Superior Sanitation

Bamboo is denser and less porous than plastic, making it less likely to harbor bacteria. Knife scars on plastic boards can trap bacteria and are difficult to clean thoroughly, even in the dishwasher. In contrast, bamboo’s density and natural antimicrobial properties make it more resistant to bacteria and easier to keep sanitary.

Durability and Longevity

Bamboo is harder and more resistant to knife marks and scarring than plastic. This means bamboo boards maintain a smoother, cleaner surface for longer, and can be refinished with sandpaper if needed—something not possible with plastic.

Environmental Sustainability

Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that grows quickly without the need for pesticides or replanting, making it a much more sustainable choice than petroleum-based plastic. Bamboo boards are biodegradable, whilst plastic boards are not recyclable and persist in landfills for centuries.

Aesthetic and Functional Advantages

Bamboo boards are attractive, lightweight, and often double as serving boards. They are naturally resistant to stains and odors, unlike plastic, which can discolor and retain smells from foods like garlic or beets.

Our pick? This 3pcs Bamboo cutting board with Deep Carbonized Technology for Healthier Cooking, found on Amazon.

Here are some additional tips on reducing the amount of microplastics that you ingest:

Switch to Safer Water Sources

- Drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water. Bottled water is a significant source of microplastics; using a high-quality filter (such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon) can remove most microplastic particles from tap water.

- Use filtered water for cooking and washing produce to further reduce exposure. (We use and can recommend the Zero Water filtration system).

Avoid Single-Use Plastics

- Minimize the use of single-use plastic bottles, containers, utensils, and packaging. Choose glass, stainless steel, or ceramic alternatives for food and beverage storage.

Change Food and Drink Habits

- Avoid heating or microwaving food in plastic containers, as heat accelerates microplastic shedding and chemical leaching.

- Opt for fresh or minimally processed foods packaged in paper, glass, or metal rather than plastic.

- Use loose-leaf tea or paper-based tea bags instead of plastic tea bags, which can release billions of microplastic particles into your drink.

Choose Natural Materials

- Select clothing and textiles made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, linen, or bamboo, as synthetic fabrics shed microplastics during washing and wear.

- Use wooden, glass, or stainless steel cutting boards instead of plastic ones, which can shed significant amounts of microplastics during food preparation.

Rethink Food Storage and Preparation

- Store food in glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers instead of plastic.

- Avoid reusing plastic takeout containers for hot foods or microwaving them.

By adopting these evidence-based strategies, you can significantly reduce your ingestion and exposure to microplastics through food, water, air, and household sources.