Cut Out Microplastics with Wood Cutting Boards

Have you been hearing the word “microplastics” more often these days? 

As our collective awareness of health and environmental issues grows, terms like “microplastics” have become buzzwords, surfacing more and more in casual conversations and across mainstream media—from your morning news to favorite podcasts and talk shows. As a matter of fact, I recently microwaved my lunch in a plastic container and received a passionate lecture from a concerned co-worker about microplastic exposure...

As it turns out, microplastics are absolutely everywhere. But what exactly are they, where do they come from, and how can we avoid this alleged threat to our health?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5mm that don't break down easily. Because of this, they often stay in the environment for a long time and can end up in our bodies, potentially causing harm since we are at the top of the food chain.  

Although research on the impact of microplastics on human health is limited, it's understood that significant exposure can lead to reproductive issues, cancer, and metabolic disruption.

An Often Overlooked Source

Plastic's ubiquity in our daily lives and its integral role in various industrial, manufacturing, and food processes make avoiding microplastics almost impossible. From the tupperware containers that store our food and everyday items like plastic bags and water bottles to even cosmetics, plastics have infiltrated nearly every aspect of modern living. However, a significant yet often-overlooked source of microplastics is a familiar kitchen staple: the plastic cutting board.

Recent research published in Environmental Science & Technology reveals that plastic cutting boards can release substantial amounts of microplastics into our food. These boards, often mass-produced and not designed to withstand the sharp edges of knives, degrade quickly. If you use a plastic cutting board, take a closer look next time. You'll likely notice an abundance of white cut marks—those are the sources of those harmful plastic bits.

Reducing Microplastics Bit-by-bit

Alongside replacing plastic tupperware and water bottles with safer glass and metal alternatives, consider making the switch to traditional wooden cutting boards. They’re a timeless choice that elevate your kitchen’s style and although they require a bit more maintenance, you won’t have to worry about tiny plastic particles ending up in your meals and ultimately your body. 

For those of you are eager to make the switch, Inform offers a range of beautifully handcrafted wood cutting boards that are not only the natural option, but the reliable one as well. 

Bird's-Eye Maple Cutting Board Collection by Edward Wohl

Edward Wohl's creations are renowned for their masterful design, flawless joinery, and silky-smooth finishes. His extensive collection of bird's-eye maple cutting boards has garnered international acclaim, available in exclusive shops and galleries around the world, including Inform.

Simpleton Board by Steelwood Design & Inform

Instead of ending up as waste, this beautiful, aged wood has been respectfully repurposed into a handcrafted heirloom piece, ready to create new traditions. Designed and produced by Steelwood Design in collaboration with Inform, Simpleton embodies a commitment to sustainability and timelessness.