3 Reasons You Should Ditch Your Plastic Cutting Board

One assumption people always seem to make, is that all cutting boards are created equal. The decision of plastic vs hardwood vs bamboo shouldn't always be left up to the preference of the chef. Often times, plastic cutting boards are even thought to be safer than wood boards, due to the lack of natural dips, splits, and grooves in the hardwood. Contrary to popular belief, almost all studies show that over time, wood cutting boards are the safer and better choice as the go-to kitchen cutting board.

1. Wood cutting boards handle bacteria more effectively

You may think that bacteria washes off more easily on a plastic board, and the first few times you use a plastic cutting board, it does. With more and more use, however, the knife grooves on a plastic cutting board will trap bacteria where it becomes nearly impossible to clean.

Wood cutting boards, on the other hand, absorb bacteria from food down into the center of the board, where it quickly dies off before the next use. According to a study from the University of California, wood cutting boards did a significantly better job at handling bacteria than plastic cutting boards.

2. Wood boards last longer

With proper treatment, a cutting board made of quality acacia or beech wood can last a lifetime. Wood has a natural ability to manage cuts and slices into the board, without raising the sharp edges or marks you would see with a plastic cutting board. Regular treatment with small amounts of mineral oil or conditioner will preserve and refresh the natural texture and quality of the wood. When it’s time to throw out the plastic cutting board, a properly treated wood cutting board will be functioning as well as the day it was made.

3. Wood cutting boards are better for the environment

This one should go without saying, but proper manufacturing of wood products is cleaner, safer, and better for the environment than the manufacturing of plastics and other oil-based materials. When disposed, a wood board will naturally decompose, while a plastic board will be around for centuries.

In addition, the etúHOME wooden cutting boards are all made from reclaimed European wood, meaning not a single tree was cut down to create these cutting boards, so be sure to get a food-safe, long-lasting, environmentally friendly cutting board the next time you’re shopping for one.