Many of the toxic chemicals found in our bodies are known to come from the foods we eat. That means that the kitchen is harboring a ton of toxins, risking the health of our families. Here are 5 ways to remove those dangerous chemicals and continue on your journey of toxic-free living.
1. Switch Your Cooking Utensils– BPA is a common component in plastic, so the plastic spoons and spatulas you’re using for cooking could be leaking BPA in to the food your family eats every day. Metal utensils can scratch your pans causing them to potentially release more chemicals into your food.
Make the nontoxic switch: Many cooking utensils are now made out of bamboo which is safer for your health. It’s also a renewable resource so it’s also good for the environment.
2. Recycle Your Plastic Food Storage Containers– If your specific ones can be recycled in your area. Your food sits in the plastic, absorbing dangerous chemicals, once again putting your family’s health at risk. Have you ever heated food in these? Those toxic chemicals have an ever better chance of leaking into your food.
Make the nontoxic switch: Switch to glass containers. Yes, they are more expensive and heavier, but its worth the safety of your family. Plus, you can go back to heating foods in the same container you use to store them in making for less clean up.
3. Stop Buying Canned Foods– the epoxy resin that lines cans is made with BPA, making it one of the leading causes of BPA in our bodies.
Make the nontoxic switch: Many of the foods commonly purchased in cans can be found in alternative packaging. Buy fresh or frozen veggies, boxed broths and dried beans. If you can’t find an alternative then avoid it all together- the benefits are not worth the risks when it comes to canned foods.
4. Eliminate Non-Stick Pans From Your Home– Non-stick pans are extremely popular. I’ve been a fan for years, as are many people who want to use less oil and butter when cooking. Plus they are extremely easy to clean. But they are known to release dangerous chemicals at temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit and according to Web MD, that’s not an unusual temperature for cooking. And the Environmental Working Group has reported, “at 680 degrees Fahrenheit, Teflon releases at least six toxic gases, including two carcinogens.”
Make the nontoxic switch: Many makers of nonstick pans have agreed to start phasing out the use of PFOA (Perfluorooctanic acid) by 2015 but PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) still remains. Consider cast iron or stainless steel. Xtrema Ceramic Cookware carries a line of ceramic cookware that is Lead and Cadmium and Heavy Toxic Metal Free. PFOA & PTFE Free with no unsafe non-stick coating. It is also versatile, easy to clean, can with stand high temperatures, durable and long lasting (it comes with a 50 year guarantee against scratching.)
5. Avoid Bleached Paper Products: Coffee filters and parchment paper are found in just about every kitchen in America. Check your cabinets. Are you using white filters and paper? They get the white coloring from bleach, which creates highly toxic dioxins.
Make the toxic free switch: Don’t fear! You can still enjoy your coffee and favorite cookies. Switch to unbleached filters and parchment paper for safer coffee and baking.
Stylishly Clean Living 