Green Christmas Gifts: Non-Toxic Cookware

Are you tired of giving the typical sweater, tie, or fruit cake as a gift for Christmas this year?  Would you like your gift to mean something and impact someone’s life?  This is the second out of 12 “green” gifts I’m suggesting for this year.  All of the gifts are either eco-friendly, non-toxic, organic, or educational.  Make a positive difference with your gift this year!

Happy shopping!

Non-Toxic Cookware

I always used to cook with nonstick teflon pots and pans.  They made cooking less difficult.  I didn’t have to worry about food sticking to the pan.  Everything just slid off!  Then I read about the harmful effects of teflon.  As someone who has Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, removing the teflon cookware was something I had to consider.

Harmful Effects of Teflon

Teflon^® is a brand name for a man-made chemical known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).  Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is another man-made chemical used in the process of making Teflon.  It is PFOA that is cause for health concerns.  This chemical can leach hormone disrupting chemicals into our food.  According to the American Cancer Society, “some studies have suggested that higher than average PFOA blood levels in humans is linked to higher than normal cholesterol levels, thyroid disease, and reduced fertility.”  It can even increase your chance for cancer.

Non-Toxic Cookware Alternatives

• Ceramic Cookware – Dr. Mercola recommends using ceramic cookware.  Extrema cookware offers a great ceramic option (which I believe is the same brand Dr. Mercola recommends).  It’s 100% ceramic and not made with PFOA, or metals.  The ceramic glaze is lead free.

• Cast Iron Cookware – Cast iron pots and pans are heavy and need special care when cleaning, but they are very durable and last a long time!  They are also eco-friendly.  They are one of the highly recommended safe options, but one thing you need to make sure of is that it doesn’t rust.

• Stoneware – It doesn’t replace your pots and pans, but stoneware is a great alternative to use for baking.  Stoneware can be a little difficult to clean, but it’s durable and lasts a long time.   When choosing stoneware, make sure it is made with lead-free clay.  Natural and unglazed stoneware should not contain lead.

• Glass – Glass pans are non-reactive, meaning they won’t leach chemicals into your food.  Another positive is that they are easy to clean.  Pyrex is a familiar brand that has been around for many years!  Their cookware isn’t the same today as it was back when our grandparents used it, but it’s still non-reactive.

• Stainless Steel – Stainless steel wouldn’t be my first choice, but if you are going to use it, make sure it’s of a good quality.  Otherwise, it can leach nickel, or other metals.  For stainless steel, I have heard that All Clad is a good brand.  They do not use PFOA in their non-stick coating.  They do have an aluminum core though.  However, it is surrounded by a stainless steel interior and exterior.  For more information about Stainless Steel, click here.

Using these as options for cooking will go a long way in reducing your exposure to toxins.  They also make great gifts!  Happy cooking!
 

Images courtesy of Gualberto107 and Just2shutter/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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