The Low Down On Green Living
July 17th, 2009
Green Your Kitchen to Reduce Health Risks
Stumble it!
Like to cook? So do we! Want to make sure that you’re not poisoning your entire family? Us, too! It’s such a small world…
When most people think of “green” in the kitchen, they often think of the big things, like an eco-friendly remodel with Terrazzo countertops and bamboo floors. Or, maybe we look towards energy efficiency with Energy Star-rated appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
But, there are actually many small ways that we can improve the eco-impact of our kitchens, and many of them bring rewards via fewer toxins.
Pots and Pans
Back in the day, most cooks used cast iron skillets, metal spatulas and other basic tools of the trade. These days, nonstick rules most kitchens, thanks to their ability to reduce the amount of butter or oil needed for cooking and their easy clean-up characteristics. But, with these benefits comes a potential problem: toxic chemicals.
After numerous studies there is still disagreement among experts as to whether non-stick coatings, like Teflon, are safe. That said, there are a few things that are not in dispute:
- Used at high heat, they do decompose and can emit enough fumes to cause “polymer-fume fever”, a temporary, non-lethal, flu-like condition. Though you won’t die from it (at least not right away!) your pet bird will, as their systems are more sensitive to the toxins. A canary in a coal mine?
- Most manufacturers of nonstick pans advise consumers to keep the heat at a medium setting or below, and to not heat an empty pan. Studies have shown that the pans emit toxins at high heat levels, which are quickly reached when empty.
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the chemical used to manufacture nonstick coatings, is associated with tumors and developmental problems in animals. An independent review panel has recommended that the EPA classify PFOA as a “likely” human carcinogen. It is found in the blood of 98% of humans, and will be phased out by 2015. ‘Nuff said.
So, where is the dispute again? Nonstick sounds like bad news.
Though clean-up is a bit harder, check out stainless steel options, or hit your local flea market for an old cast iron skillet. Since cast iron has to be “seasoned” before its first use, an old one is actually a great choice. It’s probably one reason why no one can cook like Grandma!
Utensils
If you’re using plastic spatulas and spoons for cooking, take a good look at them. Unless they are brand new, they likely look chewed-up on the ends and have with melted spots. Where are those bits going? Into your food, of course.
Make the change to more eco-friendly versions, like utensils made from bamboo. Bamboo is fast-growing and durable, so it makes a good choice in the kitchen, and is now readily available at most kitchen retailers. Look for organic, chemical-free versions to ensure that you’re not accidentally introducing other toxins. Salad tongs and cutting boards come in bamboo versions as well.
Cleaning Up
Once you’ve invested in some healthier options for pans and utensils, why would you want to rub weird chemicals all over them in the name of cleanliness? Choose eco-friendly dish soaps and hand soaps without anti-bacterial agents, which have been linked to health problems and the spread of resistant “super bugs”. Look for towels (and napkins) made from organic cotton. Skip the paper towels, and start an old fashioned rag bag for wiping down countertops. And though you’ll be reducing the amount of trash that you generate, we can’t all be households, so look for biodegradable trash bags.
So what about all of that extra food? Instead of plastic containers, go retro with glass refrigerator dishes, which can also be heated in the microwave. If you must use plastic wrap, choose a biodegradable variety. Of course, you should try to buy and prepare only the amount of food that you need, but if you must throw food out, feed it to a composter. If worms aren’t your style or if your living situation precludes an outdoor model, under the sink models work great and don’t smell. Besides keeping food out of landfills, composters never criticize your cooking, and your plants and garden will thank you for the wonderful grub!
There’s no doubt about it - we live in a chemical soup. When working to green your kitchen, keep in mind how the things that we put into our bodies affect our health. Wherever possible, opt for products and methods that decrease your chemical exposure. Oh, and eat your (organic) vegetables!
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Comments
Low Impact Living » Blog Archive » Green Your Kitchen to Reduce … | WetSalad --- Why have the normal?
July 17th, 2009 at 10:58 am
[...] the original post: Low Impact Living » Blog Archive » Green Your Kitchen to Reduce … Share & [...]
Darcy
July 18th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I would love to do the compost thing…but I worry my dog would be all over that idea and try to get to it whenever she sees an opportunity!
Do you recommend any retailers for bamboo utensils? Are they affordable?
Great article!
Keith
July 20th, 2009 at 7:34 am
These are good ideas to detoxify your life and to reduce demand for these harmful chemicals.
To answer Darcy’s comment and as a general comment, by far the cheapest and the most powerful green action you can take in your kitchen is to compost. Darcy, since you never put meat, dairy or oils into the compost, unless your dog is a vegetarian he will not be interested. Besides, compost is easily enclosable. For those with little outdoor space, red worm indoor compost systems are affordable and scent free.
For either outdoor or indoor composting, you save on your garbage costs, you slow the filling of dumps, and you make your own soil to grow healthy herbs, vegetables and flowers in and around your home. It’s really your very own home made biological cycle.
My site has all the information you need to get going and keep it working for you. Good luck!
Tanya
July 21st, 2009 at 6:53 am
Hi crate and barrel has bamboo tool set and a mini compost that can go on the counter or under the kitchen sink. They also have Greenpans for cooking.
barb
July 21st, 2009 at 7:11 am
Does anyone have a green pot and pan set that they are recommending. Seems so many stores advertise them. Which ones are really green?
Scott Stirrup
July 21st, 2009 at 9:07 am
I am perplexed that water is not part of the “Green Your Kitchen to Reduce Health Risks”!! Has anyone looked at their yearly water quality report lately? Just to start, there are over 600 disinfection by products (DBP) that come from chlorine alone in our water. The health risk that is associated with chlorine (a know carcinogen) should be enough to put it on the list. The microbiological, inorganic and organic contaminants, pesticides, herbicides and as of late, the growing concern for pharmaceuticals in our drinking water are all alarming and major health risks. Remember, everything in the air and on the ground is in our water. Why would anyone want to cook ,drink or bathe in water that is contaminated?
Val
July 21st, 2009 at 9:16 am
I’m glad to hear the common sense and science coming together as one! For years I’ve been trying to convince my mother to use wooden spoons and non-non-stick pans. Clearly melted plastic and shards of Teflon are nothing any of us want to ingest. As soon as I can afford to invest in a new kitchen set for her, I will…but until then, I can at least share this valuable information with others in hopes that they will take the initiative and trash the trash, On that note, is there any good way to dispose of old non-stick pans and melted spatulas???
Jan
July 21st, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I have two green saute pans from Crate and Barrel (their own brand I think) and one Cuisinart frying pan from Bed Bath and Beyond. I have been using them non-stop and they are great. You still have to treat them with care even though the surfaces are more durable than teflon, so I’m not sure how long they will last and they are a bit pricey. I also use a cast iron skillet for certain dishes. I love it.
Bob
July 21st, 2009 at 1:53 pm
A huge energy saver in the kitchen is a two-tier oven. We rarely use the lower (bigger) tier and save about 60% or more in electricity by using the upper(smaller) tier.
theresa
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 am
The microwave? High heat exertion and plastic, chemical soup, too.
Jake | Revive Your Life
July 24th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Cassie,
This was a very good informative post. My nanny has been on my butt about certain cleaners I have etc. I will be sure to read this again and send it to her. Keep up the great work!
Thanks
Jake
Gary: Plas-Tech Coatings
October 9th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Great suggestions and fair representation of the Teflon debate. As you mentioned, its use will be phased out soon. I regularly work with high performance coatings like teflon, xylan and others so I’m as concerned as anyone about their effects.
Unfortunately, the search for “green” or eco-friendly products can generate more questions than it answers. I think the key is the ability to do a bit of research using reputable sources. At the very least one should reconsider how they are affecting the environment.
HGTV Green Home » Archive » Eco-Tip: Ditch the Non-Stick Coating
April 9th, 2010 at 8:23 am
[...] when it comes to buying new pans, non-stick is not the answer, according to this helpful Low Impact Living article. Why? The coatings manufacturers add can actually be harmful to you. Stainless steal pans or a cast [...]
Charles /Do Good Planet
July 27th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Thanks for the insightful post, I dig the idea of bamboo utensils, I will be shopping around for them for sure, I love the look. Its the little things that add up.
RTA Cabinets
August 6th, 2010 at 11:07 am
I never knew that non-stick pans could actually give you flu like symptoms… I use them all the time on high heat!!
Are there any standards for green soaps and detergents? From my understanding, the green products that are currently on the market are really just rebranded versions of the name brands.
Colette
February 1st, 2011 at 11:54 am
Very insightful!
@Charles /Do Good Planet You can find bamboo utensils and cutting boards everywhere online. I like the Eco Direct Store!
They also have biodegradable trash bags and more eco friendly home products.
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