Each room in the home is a smaller subsystem that helps make up the larger whole system of the house. Therefore, every room that can be made less-toxic will help contribute to making the whole house less-toxic. If you chip away at making the home less-toxic one room at a time, creating a healthier home will be easier and less overwhelming. This article includes pretty much all the tips you will need to make a less-toxic kitchen for your home. If you aren’t ready to do a complete overhaul of your kitchen, but still want to reduce its toxicity, following the first two tips that are listed will get you well on your way to a less-toxic kitchen.
Switch to natural cleaners and fragrances
First things first, switch all of your cleaners from chemical cleaners to natural cleaners. So many of the dish washing soaps, detergents, and surface cleaners that are on the market today are toxic, and quite frankly unnecessary. Chemicals are not necessary to keep a kitchen clean. There are many non-toxic cleaners and dish soaps available today, like Seventh Generation, Method, and Mrs. Meyer’s. There are even non-toxic dishwasher detergents available. And, as mentioned in a former blog, vinegar, baking soda, and water are great natural cleaning options as well. If you use fragrances in your kitchen, be sure to dispose of synthetic fragrances and switch to fragrances that are solely derived from essential oils.
Move insecticides, drain cleaners, and other strong toxins outside
Be sure to move any toxic products like drain cleaners, insecticides, and other strong toxins outside the house. Of course there are non-toxic options available to replace these products, but if you feel you need them, be sure to store them in the garage or another non-living area on the property, like a storage unit.
Opt for solid wood or metal cabinetry
If you’re planning to do a complete overhaul to make you kitchen less-toxic, then replacing your cabinets will be necessary. So many regular wood kitchen cabinets are made from plywood and particle board, which are full of formaldehyde, toxic glues, and other VOCs and toxicities. Solid wood cabinets that are put together with hardware and less-toxic adhesives are much healthier for the home. Be sure to finish the solid wood cabinets with less-toxic paints, stains, and finishes, in keeping with your less-toxic goals. Metal cabinets, like stainless steel and other powder finished metal cabinets are great less-toxic alternatives to standard kitchen cabinets.
Opt for less-toxic countertops
There are many less-toxic options for kitchen countertops. These options include marble, granite, stainless steel, ceramic tile, butcher block, and natural linoleums. Be sure to use a safe adhesive, like a low-VOC glue for attaching the countertop to your cabinets. The countertops can be mechanically attached as well. Ceramic tile countertops should have non-polymer grout & thinset, and less-toxic sealers used.
Switch to less-toxic flooring
Ceramic tile, porcelain tile, hard composite vinyl, and natural linoleums are excellent less-toxic flooring options for the kitchen. Again, remember to use less-toxic grout, thinset, sealers, and adhesives.
Use less-toxic paint
Use no-VOC or low-VOC paint on the walls.
Switch to less-toxic utensils
Teflon, aluminum, and plastics can be toxic and leach harmful substances into food. By switching to less-toxic kitchen utensils like stainless steel pots and pans, wood or bamboo cooking spoons and utensils, and glass and metal storage containers, you can help create a less-toxic kitchen, and thus a less-toxic home. Cellophane bags are also a less-toxic alternative to regular plastic storage bags.
Eat organic
And lastly, if you want to go the extra mile and really have a non-toxic and healthy kitchen, then eating only whole, natural, and organic foods will definitely help you accomplish that goal!
