We recently posted an article about detoxing your kitchen from xenoestrogens – check it out! Xenoestrogens are chemical compounds that can mimic estrogen in our bodies and cause all kinds of problems. Today we thought we would put together some alternatives to commonly used kitchen items that could be potential sources of xenoestrogens. These toxic chemicals are mainly found in plastic and are in our environment – there is no escaping them! However as much as possible, it is good to try and lessen our toxic load and make more conscious choices that are better for the environment in the process.
The majority of plastic is not biodegradable – meaning that it hangs about in our environment forever and causes all kinds of problems to our soil, waterways and atmosphere. Second-hand shops can be a great source of glass/stone/ceramic kitchenware or alternatively, if you source online you can sometimes buy pre-used and if you buy new you can always look to recycle any packaging. Here is a great guide!
See our list of plastic alternative kitchen picks below!!
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BRITA FILTER JUG:
Okay, so this jug is actually plastic – although BPA free! They do have a stainless steel version but that also appears to be lined with plastic. Ideally, we would just install a filter on our kitchen tap but not everyone is in a position to do so – especially if you are renting or travelling! So the Brita filter jugs are the next best option. Every two months or so the water filter will need to be changed and the jug is designed with an electronic filter change indicator so that you will know exactly when you will need to change it next! Tap water can be a source of xenoestrogens plus nasties like chlorine, copper, mercury, and cadmium so it is best to filter it. $42.41 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
GLASS CONTAINERS:
Look to purchase a variety of glass containers in different shapes and sizes for pantry storage and leftovers for your fridge. These are from Glasslock they are environmentally friendly and are made from a combination of silica, soda ash, limestone and other natural products. The lids do appear to made from plastic. However this product is completely BPA free, and fully recyclable. $78.45 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
MASON JARS:
Mason jars are amazing for storing almost anything! They are also very cost effective and easy to take with you out on the go for soups, smoothies and even salads! You can even use them at home to soak all of your nuts and legumes. Look to collect a variety of different sized mason jars for different uses. The Ball brand lids and seals are also all BPA free. $13.25 NZD (Amazon)
STAINLESS DRINK BOTTLE:
We love the Kleen Kanteen brand of stainless drink bottles! This beautiful design is crafted from only stainless steel, silicone and sustainable bamboo. They company tried to keep the design really simple and avoid the use of paint. The logo is actually etched into the stainless steel. It comes with a bamboo lid but there are also many different optional extras that you can buy including a BPA free plastic sipper lid if you prefer or a carabiner so that you can clip it on to things on the go! $37.52 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
STAINLESS SNACK CONTAINERS:
These stainless steel snack containers are from U Konserve and are made from recyclable stainless steel. They are great for a variety of different uses! Store all of your on the go snacks like nuts, berries, carrots, and hummus. They are also good for travel storage like keeping your vitamins handy! 20.80 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
SNACK POUCHES:
These gorgeous snack pouches are from Bumkins. They are marketed for kids but I think this design would be perfect for storing all of your gym or yoga snacks! They are designed to be easily washed in the dishwasher for reuse and have an easy to use zipper top. They are also made with waterproof fabric that is BPA, PVC, Vinyl, Phthalate and lead-free – phew! $14.44 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
BENTO STYLE LUNCHBOX:
We love the bento/compartment style lunchboxes. They are great for storing snacks and lunches on the go plus good for kids lunches also! This stainless steel design is from LunchBots. The hardwearing lunchbox is also plastic free, BPA free and dishwasher safe. These bento boxes come in a variety of different designs with different sized compartments. $46.67 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
CAST IRON PAN:
Every kitchen needs a good cast iron pan for cooking. They are virtually indestructible and will last you forever! If you season them well before you first use them and take care when cleaning they will also work like a non-stick pan without any of the nasty chemicals or leaching. This pan is from the brand Lodge and comes already pre-seasoned in a variety of different sizes. A good cast iron pan can take care of the majority of your cooking needs so you need less kitchenware overall! This pan can also be used with induction hobs. $69.04 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
STEAMER:
The best way to cook veggies while keeping most of the nutrition intact is to lightly steam them. Steaming takes no time at all and is much healthier than using the microwave. The less we cook things the better they are for us! This steamer pot set is from Rachael Ray. The steamer is made from stainless steel and the pot is made from non-stick enamel which is PFOA-free and supposed to be much better than the Teflon style non-stick pots. This set can be used on all stovetops except induction hobs. It also comes with a lifetime limited guarantee! $68.18 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
CERAMIC MUFFIN PAN:
This muffin pan from Green Life is designed with a healthy non-stick ceramic coating that is free from PFAS and PFOA. The base is made from long lasting steel. They also have a range of different ceramic bakeware designs for all of your baking needs! (Amazon) Another alternative to the ceramic non-stick bakeware is stoneware which also comes in a variety of different designs for healthy baking. (Amazon)
GLASS BAKEWARE:
The Pyrex brand is brilliant for all of your baking and cooking needs while using safe, hard wearing glass in all of their designs. The glass is also 100% oven, microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe! They have a variety of different glassware designs for all of your cooking, baking and storing needs. $64.04 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
MUSLIN PRODUCE/BULK BIN BAGS:
These bags are perfect for storing food in the home that does not need to be refrigerated like onions, potatoes and kumara. They are also good for collecting bulk bin items and produce when you are out shopping to minimise plastic use. These bags are from the brand ChicoBag they are made from fabrics like hemp, cotton and recycled plastic. Depending on what you intend to store or carry one of the three fabric styles will suit it best (they explain which material is best to use with which kinds of foods on Amazon). $23.43 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
GLASS JUG:
Plastic jugs/kettles can be a source of xenoestrogens due to the plastic constantly being heated up and leaching occurring. This Breville jug is made from German Shott glass. It is BPA-free and is designed with an ergonomic handle and a soft opening lid. $93.96 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon) Breville also has a jug in a similar design where you can set the temperature of the water depending on what you are intending to brew. For example, they have a green tea setting – so convenient! (Amazon)
GLASS STRAWS:
If you drink a lot of smoothies and green juice it is best to drink them out of a straw to help protect your teeth. This is especially important for kids. The plastic straws that you buy are made from the bendy plastic which is supposed to be the worst kind. The colouring in straws is also claimed to be toxic. It is good to purchase some good quality glass or stainless straws to always keep in your kitchen! These straws are from the brand Hummingbird. They are shatterproof and are handmade by a glass artist – so beautiful! $20.28 NZD (Amazon)
Links:
In terms of the environment, it is all about getting rid of all of the ‘one use’ products and replacing them with multi-use products that are better for our bodies! Here are some really inspiring environmental links:
Bag It Documentary
There are so many documentaries about plastic now but this one is particularly entertaining and easy to watch – plus great for kids also!
No Impact Man Documentary
This is a great documentary about a man who decides to convince his family to reduce waste and live with less in the middle of New York City. He also has a book of the same name which looks at environmental issues and his journey to consuming less.
Book: Zero Waste Home
This is the go-to guide for the zero waste lifestyle! Even if you don’t plan to go 100% zero waste it still gives you some fantastic tips and inspiration into how to go about reducing your waste at home.