Worried About Microplastics In Your Home?
Yes, microplastics are everywhere. No, you don’t need to overhaul your whole kitchen overnight. Let’s start small because even tiny swaps make a difference.
I 'm Carol Appelbaum, Founder of Luxury Pro Organizer and expert featured in Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Southern Living, Business Insider and more.
As Houston’s go-to luxury organizing service, I specialize in creating refined, stylish systems that blend beauty and function. https://www.luxuryproorganizer.com
More and more homeowners are rethinking plastic in their kitchens—and for good reason. With a constant stream of reports about microplastics in our food, water, and even our bodies, clients are looking for healthier, more natural alternatives.
Think about it: most refrigerators are filled with plastic—the produce drawers, inner door linings, and packaging that surrounds so much of what we eat. Add in the plastic measuring cups, food containers, cutting boards, and small appliances that have plastic parts that come in contact with our food, and it’s easy to see how plastic sneaks into daily life. Even pantry and refrigerator staples, milk, juice, fruits, and vegetables are often wrapped in plastic for convenience. But convenience doesn’t always align with wellness. There are a lot of high-end refrigerators that have eliminated plastic but the most affordable do not have this option.
So how do we begin to step away from plastic?
For years, many believed that buying recycled plastic products was an eco-friendly choice. But the truth is becoming clearer: recycled plastic still breaks down, and it doesn’t protect us from the growing issue of microplastics in our environment and food chain.
Here are a few of my favorite Amazon products that elevate kitchen organization:
These sturdy risers are a go-to for creating functional zones in cabinets. Cups or bowls on top, plates on the bottom, no more unstacking to get what you need.
Sleek, lightweight, and stylish. I prefer to keep the clutter out of sight and use containers you can’t see through. The Idesign Paulownia Wood Collection does not have a smell like some bamboo or wicker/woven baskets. I make sure to label the containers so the contents are known, but without seeing the chaos of the contents inside. I let the size of the shelves, the intended contents and the client’s design preference guide me on what finishes I use (acacia, walnut, or bamboo, etc.).
Great in the pantry for disguising large, lightweight items like bags of chips, snacks, colanders and strainers that are kept in the pantry. They look stylish while keeping bulky packaging out of sight. With sturdy bottoms and leather handles, they’re both practical and stylish.
A beautiful, functional way to corral pantry items. Everything is visible and easy to access without reaching to the back of a shelf. This one can be multi-purpose for organizing or for charcuterie. Other brands vary in shape, type of wood, sides or not.
This is my go-to labeler. Creates beautiful labels that are easy to peel off if contents change. I like to use clean fonts and large lettering that makes things easy to find. This model allows me to choose fonts, sizes, and colors.
Perfect for pasta, flour, or cornmeal. Sleek, uniform, and polished on countertops, pantries, and open shelves. This Set of 3 airtight food storage containers offer a simplistic, minimalist look to your countertops or pantry.
Another variation in lid design, providing flexibility to match your kitchen style.
These elevate pantry style with a touch of tactile warmth, creating a stylish pantry aesthetic. I use these for an added touch of elegance.
Planning a spice drawer? These cube jars are excellent with labels on the lid. I like how the cube shape keeps them from rolling around in the drawer. They fit most drawers, so spices are easy to find and reach for, instead of a jumbled spice cabinet where it is difficult to see and grab the spices.
Bonus tips for organizing your spices:
Tip 1: Alphabetize your spices near the stovetop for efficiency.
Tip 2: For baking zones, match spice jars with flour and sugar containers for cohesive design. Spices for cooking stay near the stove, while sweet spices, flour, sugar and extracts belong in the baking zone so the space feels cohesive and there aren’t as many spices in one area.
There are plenty of storage products on the market, plastic included, but it is unmistakable: people want less plastic in their homes. Clients find that wood, glass, and stainless steel not only make their kitchens healthier, but Luxury Pro Organizer also uses organizing products that are also more polished and timeless.
Based on current scientific understanding:
What’s known: Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, placenta, and even breast milk. Research shows they can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and may contribute to health issues like cardiovascular disease or metabolic disorders.
What’s not known: There is no direct evidence yet that typical microplastic exposure is deadly to humans. The biggest concern is cumulative, long-term impact—but studies are still in early stages.
What health experts emphasize: Reducing unnecessary exposure is wise, but the presence of microplastics in the body doesn’t mean someone is in immediate danger.
At Luxury Pro Organizer, we believe progress matters more than perfection
Some clients prefer to go all-in on glass, silicone, wood, and stainless steel, while others still enjoy the convenience of plastic.
We proudly offer options for both, ensuring your storage solutions align with your lifestyle, your values, and your aesthetic vision.
Our goal isn’t to overwhelm you, it’s to create a home that feels luxurious, healthy, and practical, no matter what path you choose. Because true luxury is about balance: how your home looks, how it functions, and how it makes you feel.
For organizing tips, explore the Luxury Pro Organizer Blog or visit LuxuryProOrganizer.com to grab your free copy of “10 Ways to Save Money Before Hiring a Professional Organizer.” Your elevated, clutter-free lifestyle starts here.
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