What is the Most Non-Toxic Dinnerware?
A Focus on Microplastics: Written by a mum who freaked out and made her own bamboo dishes!
Long before I started EcoCubs and our range of non toxic kids dinnerware, I started reading little bits in the media about “microplastics”. Why did this particular term grab my attention amongst all the other goings-on in the world? Because research was showing these tiny little particles had been found in humans. Their poop to be exact. And not any old poop… the stools of little kids… and even in human placentas! Microplastics weren’t only making their marks on the older generations but on bubs before they were even born! 🤯
Human health aside, they are now rampant in our oceans and cause endless harm to our beautiful environment.
And so began the search for non-plastic products for my home wherever possible. One of the biggest challenges: finding the best non-toxic kid's dinnerware. (Enter our bamboo dishes and the creation of EcoCubs but that’s a loooong story for another day…)
For now, I just want to help you by sharing my findings. I know reading the research on where to find the best non toxic kids dinnerware can be time consuming. Especially when your kids are throwing all sorts of demands your way (trust me- I learnt the hard way!)
So What Even ARE Microplastics?
Microplastics are minuscule fragments of plastic that measure less than 5 millimetres in size. These tiny particles can be as small as a grain of sand or even smaller. They originate from a variety of sources, primarily the breakdown of larger plastic items. When plastic products are exposed to environmental elements such as sunlight and water, they gradually degrade through photo-degradation.
There are two main types of microplastics:
Primary Microplastics:
These are manufactured to be small, such as the micro-beads found in some exfoliating skincare products and cleaning agents. They are intentionally created to have a specific size and function.
Secondary Microplastics:
These result from the fragmentation of larger plastic items. As plastic waste breaks down over time due to weathering and physical wear, it forms smaller pieces of plastic.
Why Do we Want to Avoid Microplastics?
Microplastics can accumulate in the food chain and pose health risks for both humans and wildlife. For children, who are especially sensitive to potential toxins, minimising exposure to microplastics is vital. Research shows microplastics can cause potential inflammation to the human body. They can also cause toxicity from absorbed chemicals, with possible links to disease like cancer.
The long-term effects are still being studied but early findings are concerning. Wildlife are also at high risk, mistaking microplastics for food, leading to digestive blockages, malnutrition, reproductive problems and behavioural changes. When it comes to our environment, the research is extensive, conclusive and oh so concerning!
Microplastics have been found to degrade soil health, affect water quality, and disrupt aquatic plants and animals. It contributes to habitat breakdown like that being seen in coral reefs all over the world. And the most concerning part? Microplastics remain in the environment for hundreds of years! So unless we can eliminate them at the source, microplastics are here to stay.
Why does Non-Toxic and Plastic-Free Materials Matter?
Traditional plastics degrade into microplastics over time. This makes the choice of food-contact materials particularly important. Research shows that microplastics can leach into food, particularly when that food might be hot or the dinnerware is starting to break down.
I know it’s hard to change everything. A crucial start for our family was finding dinnerware and bamboo dishes for our kids that contained non-toxic and eco-friendly materials. Firstly, because it will help protect my children’s health. Secondly, because it will help with the health of this beautiful planet we call home!
The Best Non Toxic Kids Dinnerware Materials: The Front Runners
Plant-based fibres. *Note- this is NOT the same as straightforward bamboo!*
Enter 100% plant-based dinnerware. Many still contain bamboo, but instead of synthetic resins like melamine, they use natural binders made from plant starch or sugarcane. These materials are designed to be biodegradable and compostable, breaking down into natural components without leaving harmful residues. There’s also a heap of environmental benefits to choosing plant-based dinnerware over non disposable plastic plates.
And this is where my search led me when I first created our small business.
EcoCubs bamboo dishes are certified 100% plant-based dinnerware. Made from 70% bamboo fibres and 30% plant-based starch binder such as corn or PLA. They’re also simple in design, without the tacky cartoon characters, and will suit any home. As an extra bonus, they’re dishwasher AND microwave safe. I wanted health and sustainability… but I also value easy!
Stainless Steel
It’s also why we decided to release our collection of Stainless Steel cutlery, bowls and plates. A range that we spent over a year perfecting with our own bears. We wanted to make sure the practicality of stainless steel could go toe to toe with the other important factors like cuteness and ergonomics.
3) Raw Wood or Bamboo (as in, in its natural state!)
Bamboo and wood are also naturally durable and resistant to staining, which makes them ideal for everyday use by kids. Bamboo, in particular, is lightweight yet incredibly strong, making it easy for little ones to handle. Without all the usual additives, they’re naturally non-toxic.
Once parents started to request a safe suction option for their younger children, I decided to release EcoCubs Bamboo Suction Range. The suction feature on our bowls and plates have been tested and verified by my three wild bears. However, as they are natural in their composition they obviously can’t go in the dishwasher. A small compromise to consider when looking at opting for bamboo or wood dinnerware.
Silicone Dinnerware
(although the jury is still out on this one!)
So why are we still undecided? Because while technically, silicone is recyclable… there’s not really anywhere to recycle it! And I’ve looked! Which means it will likely end up in landfill. While it won’t necessarily leak harmful toxins into the earth like plastic does, I will always prefer an easily compostable or recyclable material. So for us, it isn't the best option for non toxic kids dinnerware.
For this reason, I’ve opted to use silicone sparingly in our products and more importantly, chose to start EcoCubs Silicone Send Back Scheme. This program allows customers to return any EcoCubs silicone to us and we’ll return them to our manufacturer for reuse.
The Bottom Line When it Comes to the Best Non Toxic Kids Dinnerware
When hunting for your kid’s dinnerware, I get the options can be overwhelming. The main thing to consider is non-toxic materials that minimise the risk of microplastic and chemical contamination for your family and the planet.
While the choices certainly aren’t endless, they are out there! I hope this helps to ease your mind when it comes to the concerning research and assist in narrowing down the choices for your own home x
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