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!

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