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I know, I know... not our cookware too!?!? Those non-stick surfaces may contain really toxic stuff like PFAS and PFOA (toxic fluorinated chemicals) as well as the heavy metals lead and cadmium. Health concerns regarding PFAS and PFOA have been long-standing, and emerging research shows that even though the original chemicals have been replaced by "safer" versions, many health risks still persist including [1]:
Kidney and testicular cancer
Impaired liver function
Impaired fertility and fetal development as well as pre-eclampsia
Chronic intestinal inflammation
Disruption of critical thyroid hormones
Weakened immune system
High cholesterol
There has been a lot of action surrounding the "forever chemicals"" PFAS lately [2]:
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is on a mission to remove them from our drinking water.
On 5/21/21, the Governor of Vermont signed a bill that will ban the sale of certain items containing them.
The California Assembly just passed a bill to ban them from a wide range of children's items which will go to the state Senate this year.
SO WHY ON EARTH ARE WE EATING THEM FOR DINNER?!??!?!?
While the EWG and other advocacy groups are working on widespread reform on the use of these chemicals, we can make some changes to get them out of our cookware. Allow me to introduce my absolute favorite cookware: GreenPan! They created Thermolon™, a healthy ceramic surface that is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium. It heats quickly and evenly. Despite the lack of toxic chemicals their cookware is SO nonstick it basically cleans itself. Really... minimal effort every time I use them.
Not only did they revolutionize healthy cookware, but they are dedicated to saving the environment in the process. They use 30% solar energy to run their factory and have their own wastewater treatment plant. They have won many awards for their dedication to their employees and the environment.
I love the turquoise set and have been adding to it for years. Here are some examples of the various products by GreenPan as well as some from GreenLife which was created by a merger between GreenPan and their main manufacturer Anotech International.
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This wok is a must have too!! 😍 ⬇⬇⬇
Huge, sturdy cookie sheet!! 🤗⬇⬇⬇
In addition to my favorite healthy non-stick pans, other healthy options could include stainless steel and cast iron. Also, throw away any plastic kitchen tools and replace them with wood, silicone, or metal (but don't scratch your pans!). Having that plastic touch high heat surfaces makes me nervous about leaching chemicals, especially if they start to melt... yikes!!
I've had these tools forever! It's a wonderful, functional set at a great price, and the compact storage takes up a very small space on your counter!! 😍😲⬇⬇⬇