When it comes to cutting boards many folks have those icky old plastic cutting boards laying around. These plastic monsters are made with non-renewable resources and it can be tough to find a recycling center who takes them; especially if you’ve got no clue about the type of plastic it’s made with.

Totally Bamboo Cutting Board Set

A better, more eco-friendly choice is wood. However, with wooden cutting boards often comes the safety concerns. Is is safe? Will bacteria settle down into the board? How can you safely clean it? Plastic doesn’t mean safer though – studies show that wood and plastic both can hold onto bacteria if you don’t clean them properly. The Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Code even states that “hard maple or an equivalently hard, close-grained wood” is a suitable material for safe cutting boards and other restaurant food equipment.

Wooden cutting boards are a safe and sustainable choice so long as you follow some basic rules.

• Look for wooden cutting boards made with rapidly renewable wood-like material such as bamboo or get one made with sustainably grown wood.
• Own two (or more cutting boards) and divide them up task wise. One for meats and one for produce.
• Never leave your wood cutting board sitting around wet or allow it to steep in water. Wetness makes for some fun bacteria growth.
• After each and every use wash in the hottest water possible with a good natural soap and dry with a clean towel.
• Protect your board with an eco-friendly wooden cutting board oil.

5 eco-friendly cutting board choices.

Post from: Blisstree

Is it safe to use wooden cutting boards?