We've been using plastic and wood cutting boards over the years and recently we had to dispose of a few that were starting to get a bit icky - and guess which type we needed to discard - all plastic. The wood boards we've had for over 7 years are still in very good condition.

Over the years and countless cuts, the plastic was starting to lift - they looked terrible and more importantly, it meant that small bits of plastic were probably getting into our food.

The total weight of the cutting boards we threw out came to a couple of pounds I guess. Doesn't seem like much, but when you consider that millions of others do the same it's substantial and another item entering the waste stream that will take hundreds of years to break down - perhaps even longer.

In addition, the plastic boards are based on petroleum products - a great deal of crude oil, energy and chemicals go into making them. From what I've been able to research, it seems it takes just under twice the amount of crude oil to create the equivalent weight in plastic.

The concept that plastic cutting boards are a more hygienic choice appears to be somewhat misguided. This may be the case where a board is new, but over a period of time the countless score marks become havens for bacteria that cannot be easily removed through normal washing.

A healthier and green choice - wood cutting boards

From a hygiene point of view, it's been found that the capillary action of dry wood means bacteria are quickly sucked up and die. Wood boards are also self healing to a degree shallow score markes in the wood will close up over time

Often cutting boards are made from the offcuts from milling operations, so they are basically a waste product that is being put to good use. If the issue of timber cutting operations is of particular concern to you; there's boards available that come from sustainable forestry operations; or if in doubt, contact manufacturers before purchase to find out how they source their wood. You can also buy bamboo cutting boards - bamboo is a very readily renewable resource.

It's my opinion based on our recent experience that a good wood cutting board will last far longer that a plastic one and this translates into energy savings, less oil consumption and associated issues, plus you'll save some cash as well.

I'd also much rather ingest small pieces of wood than plastic :).

To help waterproof and seal your wood cutting board, making it easier to keep clean, earth friendly products such as beeswax or coconut oil can be used. Don't use plain vegetable or cooking oil as these will turn rancid. Sealing a board will also help prevent odors from items such as onions tainting other foods. To disinfect a wooden board, use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or neat vinegar - simply spray it on, then wipe it off

.. and, regardless of the type of board you choose and as a food safety precaution, have separate ones for meat, fruit and vegetables, dairy and poultry.