The Organic Mommy Weblog

After receiving many “Eco” pots and pans this Christmas I wanted to do some research about their safety.  While many things are labeled environmentally friendly these days I wanted to see what I could really find out about them. 

• Silicone:  I saw my mother-in-law using these bake sheets and they just seemed so much like plastic I was sure that there had to be some toxins involved.  Surprisingly I couldn’t find any information that they are bad for you to cook with.  Silicone rubber is chemically inert which means no toxins or gases should be emitted from it.  They are derived from sand and oxygen molecules and is non toxic to soil and aquatic organisms.  It can be recycled as well but supposedly it lasts forever so even a frequent baker can reuse these thousands of times. 
• Stainless Steel:  This is actually a combination of metals and there is a possibility of them leaching into foods if your cookware is dinged or scratched.  Experts say even then the amount of metal is negligible but if you don’t want to take any chances then check them frequently to make sure they are in good shape.
• Cast Iron Cookware:  Sources agree that the iron does leach into your foods especially if its a long cooking dish like a stew or soup.  I have read that it can make your food take on a metallic taste (ewww!).   The FDA says iron is a healthy food additive but as we all know you can’t always trust the FDA to give you the full story.  I think I will stick to a multi-vitamin for my iron and leave the cast iron to my wood burning stove for potpourri!  Oh, if you do cook with it you have to season it after every use so that can get tedious.
• Teflon:  Here again it depends who you talk to.  Experts and the EPA say that Teflon is harmless and small amounts that may flake off into food do not cause any health risks.  But with so many other choices on the market I wonder if its worth even taking the chance.  Factory workers have supposedly gotten sick so it would seem that they might not be the healthiest choice to cook with.
• GreenPan:  I got this pan as a gift from one of my family that knows how into green things I am.  It contains no PFTE and supposedly their production methods create 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions.  I have to say the pan is a great alternative to Teflon, its easy to clean and not even burnt cheese sticks to it. 
• Glass:  Always an Eco favorite it is completely inert so there is no leaching of chemicals at all.  Its great for storing and reheating food in.   Its also affordable so I think its a great choice for baking and casseroles.

So hope this helps if you are confused about what in your kitchen is truly Eco-friendly.  Also remember to buy made in the USA!  Pyrex glass, Lodge cast iron cookware, and Calphalon are all still made in the USA.  Enjoy!

www.theorganicmommy.org

Pregnant and green, no, I’m not talking morning sickness!  If you are pregnant or going to become pregnant then there are a few things you should consider in order to reduce your exposure to chemicals and possible birth defects to your baby.  As I am now pregnant with baby #2 my motto is you can never be too careful.  Research as much as you can and take time to think about the everyday things you do and how they might affect your baby.   Here are a few things to consider:

• Organic Foods:  Of course eating healthy is the first step along with a good prenatal vitamin.  But you not only want to think about healthy food choices but also how many chemicals, hormones, and steroids your taking in each day.  Its very important to eat organic as much as possible with meat, dairy, and produce in order to limit your exposure to chemicals and pesticides in the food.  Choose  fruits and veggies that are organic especially for the ones that are high in pesticides.  Try to eat organic milk, cheese, eggs and yogurt for calcium and if you can’t find organic meat then try to get hormone and antibiotic free.  This will help lower your baby’s chances of being resistance to antibiotics which is becoming more prevalent in our children these days.  Also you want to eat brown rice and whole wheat bread over the “white” varieties which use chemicals to bleach the flour and strip the food of all the nutrients it once had.   Avoid heating up food in plastic containers to avoid chemicals leaching into your foods. 
• Renovate your home:  The news of a little bundle of joy makes almost everyone I know want to change their home around and redecorate.  Its easy to get caught up in decorating the nursery with cute and cuddly things!  But really you don’t want to do any major remodeling in your home at this point.  Of course if your in an older home you could risk exposure to lead paint, mold, and a slew of other chemicals if you go taking down walls or ripping up carpet.  Just the same if you put new carpet down or vinyl flooring it can release chemicals which over long term could be harmful to the baby.  If you need to put new carpet down consider a natural alternative carpet such as wool which is non toxic.    If you want to freshen up the paint in the nursery let the hubby do it when you are not home and use the new VOC free paints that are available.  I have used the Freshaire brand and there is absolutely no smell or chemicals to worry about.   
• Pesticides:  If its summer when your pregnant try to avoid lawns that are treated with chemicals and pesticides.  Parks and playgrounds are targets for these so they have a well maintained “fresh” look.  You can call your town office to find out what they use and when they spray.  Of course if you have a pest problem in the home you want to avoid spraying any bug sprays in the home.  If you absolutely must then again have the hubbie do it when you are going to be out of the home for a long period of time and open all the windows. 
• Arsenic:  Most people think of this as a poison used in a murder mystery.  But its actually quite easy to be exposed to arsenic because it can leach out of pressure treated wood.  You want to avoid touching outdoor wood structures such as picnic tables, child play structures, and decks.  Make sure you dont walk barefoot on them and keep food out of contact just in case.
• Lead:  Most of us think about lead in paint but really you can be exposed to this in crystal glassware, antique ceramics, and even scented candle wicks.  If you are unsure you can buy a lead test kit or probably easier just avoid eating and drinking out of these items for now.
• Clean air:  The EPA says there is more pollution indoors than outside many times.  Open up the windows and let some fresh air in whenever possible.  Keep house plants around in each room which act as a natural filter.  Make sure that filters in air conditioners and furnaces are cleaned regularly. 
• Cleaners:  While you want your home to be clean and free of germs for the little one you want to avoid any harsh cleaners that contain several chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled.  Try using natural alternatives such as white vinegar and baking soda to clean the house.  They are cheaper, smell better, and do just as good of a job.  I promise you will be surprised!
• Baby Registry:  This is one of the most fun parts of being pregnant.  Its like shopping for free and there are so many great choices these days for the nursery.  Take the time to find out what eco products your baby can benefit from.  If your on a fixed budget then consider buying organic cotton pj’s, onsies, and blankets for baby which will be closer to his skin.  If you can afford it then look into all the great sheets, mattresses, and cribs that are eco-friendly.  Choose baby bottles that are glass (my favorite) or BPA free plastic to avoid any chemicals leaching into the baby’s formula.   Look for BPA pacifiers as well and toys that are eco-friendly and free of chemicals. 

Most of all enjoy your pregnancy and the anticipation of your babies arrival.  Take time to research things now because once the baby is here chances are you will have little free time!  Pass this along to all the mommies to be you know! 

www.theorganicmommy.org