Rather than have lots of cheaply-made toxic pots and pans, invest in just a few quality pans that are not with toxic coatings, and should last years. Ceramic is a good choice (unless you drop it) as is Pyrex (toughened glass). Experts say you really only need 3 pans: a 2-quart saucepan, a 10-inch saute pan and an 8-quart stockpot. Between them they will take care of all your cooking needs for a small family.
All cookware (not just Teflon) is toxic to pet birds. PDSA & Pet Coach have tips to bird-proof your home, if you live with feathered friends. Also avoid candles, smoke, fires, inferior/imported bird toys, household cleaners, hairspray, nail varnish, paint, carbon monoxide, many unsafe food and plants and nearby glass (see how to stop birds flying into windows).
Do aluminium pans cause dementia?
There is no proof (but they use animal tests which often are bad science, as well as cruel). But it is known that autopsies of patients with dementia have often found increased aluminium in brain platelets. But some people believe this is more to do with aluminium in tap water, than the little given off from aluminium pans (used because it makes pans light and conducts heat well).Most cooking pots use a chemical called PTFE that never leaves your body if ingested. Tefal is one of many brands that use it. Cheap aluminium pans also tend to flake off and could be ingested (it’s fine in itself, as long as coated with something tougher). The US presently has 20 pieces of legislation to try to ban them in order to use safer materials. Teflon is also found in self-cleaning ovens, irons, ironing board covers and heat lamps.
The Best Brands of Green Cookware
GreenPan is a nice brand of cookware, made from recycled aluminium and stainless steel, and a tree is planted for each item bought. In blue, copper and other pretty colours to last a lifetime, the range includes:
- Fry pans
- Grill pans
- Woks
- Saucepan sets
- Saute pans
- Skillets with lids
- Pasta pots
- Milk pans
Xtrema lets you cook food on low heat (add oil after warming) and keeps foods at even temperature. This brand is easy to clean and safe for the dishwasher, oven, stove, fridge and freezer.
Caraway Cookware is another good brand trusted by thousands of cooks that does not leach chemicals into the food and also they make a ‘baking without the bads’ cookware made from aluminized steel core and non-stick coating (no PTFE).
Greener Cooking Utensils
You could use wood. But forgo plastic, and try this Bamboo Cooking Utensils Set with holder. It includes a slotted spatula, slotted spoon, spatula, pasta spatula and baking spoon. You can also hang items on the wall, using the pre-drilled holes. All utensils are anti-scratch and kind to non-stick surfaces.
Switch to Reusable Baking Mats
This reusable silicone baking liner is the ideal alternative to disposable foil, and better for your pocket too. Use it to line baking sheets and trays to make them non-stick and so you need less oil. Dishwasher and microwave safe (oven safe up to 260°C). Do not cut or pierce mat, and avoid harsh scrubbing/scraping. Avoid contact with flames, heating elements or sharp objects.
Silicone is a food-grade material made from sand and fossil fuels. But unlike unlike conventional plastic, this does not break down into microplastics, and you can send it back for recycling, at end of use (should last years).
If you prefer disposables, If You Care makes unbleached and recycled parchment paper free from chemicals, and also makes compostable baking and muffin cup papers, and recycled aluminium foil, all in zero waste packaging.
