I have a confession - I still have a plastic cutting board in my kitchen. And after doing the research for this episode, I’m replacing it this week.

It turns out your cutting board is one of the biggest sources of microplastic exposure in your kitchen. Every time a knife meets a plastic surface it shaves off tiny particles that go directly into your food. The research is still evolving but what we know is worth paying attention to.

The good news? The swap is easy, affordable, and your kitchen will actually look better for it.

In this episode, I’m walking you through every cutting board option out there - ranked from best to worst - plus exactly what to look for when you’re standing in the aisle at Home Goods or TJ Maxx.

What you’ll learn:
•Why plastic cutting boards are a microplastic source in your kitchen
•The full cutting board ranking — wood, bamboo, composite and stainless steel
•Which wood is best, walnut, maple or acacia, and why it matters
•Exactly what to look for on the label when buying a wood board
•How to care for a wood board so it lasts decades

Shop the episode — cutting boards on Amazon (aff links):
Wood Picks
Budget pick — Acacia: https://amzn.to/41UkGyX
Mid range pick — Acacia End Grain: https://amzn.to/4tEuysS
Investment pick — Walnut: https://amzn.to/42wiwFP

Bamboo pick — Keechee Carbonized Bamboo: https://amzn.to/3QvnDna

Since recording this episode: I also discovered the Epicurean paper composite board - made in the USA from recycled paper fibers, no microplastics, NSF certified and dishwasher safe with no oiling required. A really impressive low maintenance alternative to wood worth checking out.

Epicurean Kitchen Series: https://amzn.to/4d8KwWc

Grab my free Real Life Mom’s Guide to Green Kitchen Habits:
https://greenily.co/20-sustainable-kitchen-habits-lp/

Subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://greenlivingforreallife.buzzsprout.com

Follow along on Instagram: @pam.p.mercer