Kitchenware
The unfortunate thing about kitchenware is the toxic coating that is used. Non-stick pans are often coated in polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, a coating that releases toxic fumes at high heat. The plastic polymer coating leaches into the food that is cooked in the pan and can affect your health. Currently in California a bill regarding cookware safety is on its way to the Senate. The California Safer Food Packaging & Cookware Act of 2021the bill would ban PFAS chemicals in paper-based food packaging, would require hazardous chemicals in cookware to be clearly communicated to consumers, and would prohibit cookware packaging to be misleading in regards to chemicals and materials used. When you look through websites like Pottery Barn the possible toxins on the plates are not disclosed, which is why this bill is important. This is another important issue you can call your local representative about. Companies have to be more transparent to help consumers ensure they are buying safe and reliable products.
DIY
If you want to get really crafty with your kitchenware, you can diy! You can make your own plates, cups, bowls out of clay. If you don’t have access to a kiln, you can buy air dry clay to make kitchenware out of. Look for non-toxic brands like ACTIVA clay. Find inspiration on pinterest and instagram, and tutorials on youtube. Whether you learn to make a fancy plate, or just a simple one, it is always fun to eat off of something you crafted yourself.
Second-hand and Handmade
You can 100% find cups, plates, bowls, etc. at second-hand shops. These pieces won’t go bad unless they are broken and save you a lot of money. You can also support artisans by buying handmade pieces at different online shops and markets that host artists. You may even find a unique design that you never knew you needed like a ceramic garlic grinder! Artists have more creative and beautiful pieces that regular brands, and don’t emit large amounts of pollution to be made. Read about some ceramic artists here. Harkiss is a beautiful collection of handmade pieces from East Africa which you can check out here.
Buy New
A lot of cookware is made from recyclable material like stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron which makes that part of a pan sustainable. The toxic-coating though is the issue. PTFE is the main toxin to lookout for because while it is effective, it is can be bad for your health. Also avoid PFOAs, lead, and cadium. When buying new kitchenware, look for non-toxic pieces and companies that have sustainable practices in place. Because these products come in contact with the food you eat, it is crucial for you to make sure you are buying safe products.
My Picks
Our Place
Created by Shiza Shahid, Our Place makes every piece of kitchenware you’ll ever need. Their famous Always pan reduces the amount of pieces you need by making one pan that works as 8 different types of cookware.
ethical labor, hires artisans throughout the world
Great Jones
Pots, pans, and baking dishes made from non-toxic materials. Great Jones was created in 2018 and has already won over popular chefs like Molly Baz from Bon Appetit. They come in bold colors and have their signature handle “optimized for ergonomics”.
PTFE- and PFOA-free
Fable New York
Fable turns bamboo and corn starch into plates, cups, and bowls.
organic, bio-based, bpa-free, non-gmo, mostly biodegradable
free of PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles
Caraway
Pots and Pans made from non-toxic materials. Caraway products release 60% less carbon dioxide when manufactured since they are made without toxic non-stick coatings that big brands use.
free of PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, or other hard-to-pronounce chemicals, fair trade, recyclable packaging
Snowe
A family-owned company in Italy that makes sustainable home products including dinnerware, silverware, and drinkware. Snowe products are meant to be high end yet practical for everyday use.
non-toxic, hand finished in Italy
GreenPan
GreenPan uses Thermolon, a safe ceramic nonstick coating, on all of their kitchenware. They are the more affordable out of eco-friendly and safe brands.
free of PTFE, PFOAS, PFAS, lead, cadium
East Fork
Ceramic dishware handmade in Asheville, North Carolina. East Fork is working hard to have a fully clean production process, especially with their kiln process. They make all their rustic pieces on an old farm in NC.
B corp certified, locally sourced, climate neutral, on their way to 100% renewable energy
Emile Henry
Emile Henry is a family-owned cookware company from France. They have been making classy kitchen staples for over 170 years. They truly have every ceramic piece you need to be successful in the kitchen without toxins!
cadmium, nickel and lead-free
Let’s Compare
Great Jones
Price: $155, 6 3/4 qt
Materials: enameled cast iron
Review: 5 stars, described as multifunctional and worth the investment
Caraway
Price: $125, 6.5 qt
Materials: non-toxic ceramic
Reviews: 4.8 stars, described as super easy to clean and high quality for the price
GreenPan
Price: $55, 7 qt
Materials: thermolon coated
Review: 4.6 stars, described as magic, nothing sticks
Check it out
Shiza Shahid
Shiza created the Always Pan, one pan that that replaces 8 pieces of cookware. It is a completely non-toxic and affordable considering all the pieces it replaces. Shiza is also the co-founder of the Malala Fund that supports the education of girls throughout the world. The work she has done is truly remarkable. Read more about her here.
Be Green Packaging
Be Green is turning plant pulp into plates and food packaging. Their innovative packaging replaces the plastic containers takeaway food usually comes in. No plastic, no waste, no worries. You’ll be sure to notice more and more restaurants switching to bio-based packaging. Learn more here.
Max La Manna
The ultimate zero-waste chef! Max makes delicious vegan recipes that utilize the whole ingredient. His quick videos show you how to make quick recipes without wasting anything. Find him at @maxlamanna
Anne Marie Bonneau
Anne Marie shares incredible zero-waste recipes and tips. She ferments her own vinegar, kombucha, sourdough, you name it. Her zero waste lifestyle is not only fascinating but very much attainable. She even has a cookbook. Find her @zerowastechef
Sources
https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-toxic-substances-control-act#:~:text=The%20Toxic%20Substances%20Control%20Act%20of%201976%20provides%20EPA%20with,%2C%20drugs%2C%20cosmetics%20and%20pesticides.
https://zerowastechef.com/
https://harkissdesigns.com/pages/about-us
https://www.fableny.com/
https://greatjonesgoods.com/pages/about-us
https://www.emilehenryusa.com/
https://snowehome.com/pages/our-story
https://www.carawayhome.com/pages/about
https://www.bcpp.org/resource/california-safer-food-packaging-and-cookware-act-ab-1200/