Thought I would share some of my strategies incase anyone is interested.

I have replaced the majority of the plastic in my kitchen by going to garage sales. You can usually get glass stuff cheap because people want to get rid of it for the new and improved, lighter plastic models:rolleyes: It is also easy to find old metal cooking utensils for the same reasons.

I usually get covered casserole dishes for 75 cents to a buck. I also store leftover liquidy type stuff in empty apple sauce jars. When I buy cereal or baking supplies, I automatically bring it home and take it out of the plastic bags and put it in those glass containters that people buy those expensive holiday nuts in. You can also go to a deli at a store and see if they have any large glass jars that deli items sometimes come in. They usually will let them go for free or a nominal fee.

My mom thought I was nuts when I got rid of all the boys plastic plates and cups other then 2 sippy cups (and those are the old tupperware ones so supposedly they are safer) for traveling but they are doing great and haven't broke any of the stoneware they use. For dh and I, when we travel we carry our water in an applesauce jar.

Another important switch is to get rid of the pans you have with teflon in them. I have one set of stainless steel Revere Wear (hard to get cheap but ask for it for a gift) and I have two cast iron pans (one is a hand down from my stepmom, and the other I found at a garage sale for $3). Alot of people gripe about cast iron pans being a pan but if you keep them seasoned then they are virtually stick free and very easy to use.

Hope this helps someone. If you have any tricks in regards to this subject, please post them for all to benefit from.

It really doesn't have to be expensive to make the switch. The only things I have found that I need to buy are stainless steel measuring cups and spoons (can't find those at garage sales).

When we switched from plastic to glass I did it slowly. I figured it we had already been dealing with plastics this long and our budget just couldn't deal with a major overhaul. I managed to get a few things from the local thrift store and the rest I got at walmart, one dish a week at a time. I find I really don't need all that much. Two mixing bowls, a pie plate, two different sized cassarole dishes, a deeper glass thingy that is good for roasts, crock pot, a set of drinking glasses and my cast iron skillet. I do use a regular cookie sheet but I cover that with aluminum. I haven't found a good alternative for that. We also use plastic sippy cups but the drinks area always cold, plus it outweighs the dangers of broken glass.

A small cassarole dish can be bought new at walmart for $3, the larger 9x13 are around $6. Not as good as the pyrex stuff but close enough for me. Pie plates are about $3 or sometimes they will run a special for a set of 3 for $6 or so. Considering how long they last (if you don't break them) totally worth it IMO, though I would have gotten it all used could I have found it.

so how do you season a cast iron skillet. I have a couple of them, but dont use, because everything sticks.

TIA

Originally posted by rhonda
so how do you season a cast iron skillet. I have a couple of them, but dont use, because everything sticks.

TIA

You take an oil... perferably cooking oil, as olive oil can season your food too... lol... and you put it all over the pan. (out side too) then you bake it for about 2 hours at 200*. This done every couple of weeks for the first few months will start to season it. Then after it is well seasoned it should be coated with oil on the inside every couple times you use it. If you really want to make sure it stays nice, keep one of those Pampered Chef oil squirters handy and spray a little oil in it everytime you use it.

The biggest thing about using cast iron is that you should not scrub it or soak it. If it is seasoned you will not have to... the stuff will just come off. But if it is not seasoned (meaning the oil and the oven thing done about 3 times) then it will start to loose its "non stickness".

Must go test my son on spelling! hugs to all!

Love Val

I just read an article from seventh generation yesterday that says tupperware is safe as well as listing other rubbermaid products etc. Just wondering if there is another source saying the opposite?
thanks

Tupperwear is safe as long as you never heat things in it. At least that is what I have heard and I practice. I just never use plastic for heating things, and use wood instead of plastic cooking most of the time. I have 2 plastic spoons that I love... but for the most part I use wood. I use glass for all of my pantry stuff... My kids do have sippy cups, but have never used bottles. etc... I think for me it is everything in moderation... I take safty first, and then what ever takes the stress off...

I would love to hear some more info on this.

Love Val

Originally posted by ktashes
I do use a regular cookie sheet but I cover that with aluminum. I haven't found a good alternative for that.

Try parchment paper over the cookie sheet ... it's non stick, stuff just slides right off of it! I've found that I can get several uses out of each piece too.

My dh's parapro's mom works for the commission on aging and she can get ahold of a dozen stainless steel very large cookie sheets (also could be used as a jelly roll pan) for $60. I have never gotten them because I only need two and don't know anyone who is health conscious enough to want any of the remainder.

I wonder how much it would be to ship them?

I might be interested in 1 depending on shipping etc.

Ok, another question now (LOL) If you don't heat in plastic what do you use to store stuff in the freezer? Like i use tupperware to stock up meals in the freezer to reheat later etc. Do you only use glass? How do you stack efficiently? I have SO many things i want to work on (LOL)

Costco has a set of 3 stainless steel cookie pans/sheets for under $15.

The first step I took while switching away from plastic (almost there) was to pull down all of the glass stuff I wasn't using. For example, I used to use my glass casseroles and pie plates in the oven only, and now I use them in the microwave too. I got rid of all of our plastic containers except some Tupperware ones sold for use in the microwave. I try not to use them, but DH likes them for leftovers. I've been saving glass jars for storage, and I bought a few bigger jars on sale at Kmart.

We are also moving away from aluminum. I bought a set of Farberware cookware cheap from Amazon, and moved the aluminum Revereware to our trailer. (The set came 3 stainless steel mixing bowls, so I only had to buy 2 bigger mixing bowls for my kitchen.) I figure we don't use the stuff in the trailer on a daily basis.

Kimberly

Originally posted by TeresaLock
Ok, another question now (LOL) If you don't heat in plastic what do you use to store stuff in the freezer? Like i use tupperware to stock up meals in the freezer to reheat later etc. Do you only use glass? How do you stack efficiently? I have SO many things i want to work on (LOL)

I store some things in glass, leaving space at the top for expansion. I also store foods in Tupperware CrystalWave containers. I will admit that I don't bother to take things like bread out of plastic, etc.

Kimberly

I don't bother to take bread and cheese and things out of the plastic either... it is just easier and sometimes I placate myself just to save sanity. I am in the process of collecting Pyrex right now... and you can get it really cheap on E-bay if you want. I have a bunch of bowls (Great colors too!) and quite a few casserole dishes too. I also have a bunch that I have gotten from Goodwill and that has been a great life saver for those left overs. I do occasionally use the plastic in the fridge, but never in the microwave, or stove...

I use the Pyrex with the blue plastic tops quite often... does anyone know about those? I do not usually heat in them... but I have and would like to know if that is safe... what do you think?

For those of you who do take bread out of the plastic... what do you move it too? My mom has hers in tupperwear, but that is just another form of plastic. She believes that it is better though.. Thoughts?

Great thread ladies... I have not thought about this for a while...

Love Val

Teflon is bad too?

I use a lot of mason jars to store things in. I use these for both shelf items and freezer items. I bought the set of baking sheets from Costco, and they are great with a good price too. Why are people lining their pans? I have very few Rubbermaid or Tupperware items left due to DH never remembering to bring them home. I decided not not replace them with plastic, and am looking around for more glass. During a previous move, I lost a huge lot of glass items from Italy. I was so upset. I use mainly glass in the microwave, but DH still uses the plastic at times...makes me cringe. I don't use plastic wrap anymore (unless I'm raising bread dough). I bought a box of waxed papers sheets from Costco...they are called Wacks or something like that. They can be cut down if you need a small piece. I have 2 of those Tupperware cereal containers for bulk items, are they safe to use? I can't see throwing them away since they cost so much. I buy flour, sugar, tea bags, brown sugar, etc. in bulk. But, I do keep small quantities in some old Tupperware cannisters. Is this safe, or should I find some glass containers? I like the fact that they stack and don't take up much space. I must admit that our drinking glasses are plastic I think...they are the Tervis Tumblers. Heard of these? I switched to them when DH broke 8 glasses in one week...before we had kids! All but two of my pans are not nonstick. I have a Paella pan from France that is nonstick and my smallest skillet. I use mainly wooden or metal spoons and spatulas, but I do have some very nice plastic I guess spoons that I use on the nonstick. Oh, I almost forgot, we do use the Food Saver with the bags for storage. They say that you can heat by boiling or microwaving the bags. I do not do this...I just use them for storage. Is there any information about these bags? That's all that I can think of at the moment.

Originally posted by ~Denise~
Teflon is bad too?

In addition to the knowledge that teflon eventually ends up in your food (through scratches in the pan where the teflon has come off), there is this handy-dandy news story.

EPA Steps Up Study of Teflon Chemical Risk to Humans (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20030414/sc_nm/environment_epa_dc_1)

EPA Steps Up Study of Teflon Chemical Risk to Humans
Mon Apr 14, 5:43 PM ET

By Christopher Doering

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An unregulated chemical used in furniture, carpet and Teflon could be a serious health risk to the public, prompting the Environmental Protection Agency (news - web sites) on Monday to launch an in-depth assessment to determine its safety.

Most of the U.S. population is exposed to low levels of the chemical C8, or perfluorooctanoic acid, according to the EPA. The chemical is used in hundreds of consumer and industrial products such as jackets, to keep them dry, and as an ingredient in Teflon to prevent food from sticking to pots and pans.

The EPA announced that it "intensified and accelerated" its review of C8, based on studies recently evaluated by the agency which raised toxicity concerns.

As part of its review, the EPA ordered the industry to submit new data to the agency by mid-July.

EPA scientists plan to determine all potential sources of C8, how the public is exposed to it and if high levels pose a threat to human health as some animal studies have suggested.

"To ensure consumers are protected from any potential risks, the agency will be conducting its most extensive scientific assessment ever undertaken on this type of chemical," Stephen Johnson, an assistant EPA administrator, told reporters.

"The agency is concerned, but that concern is tempered in that there is a lot of uncertainty associated with the information we have," he said.

The EPA said it was premature to ban or recall products containing C8 until more studies are completed.

"EPA has not determined whether (C8) poses an unreasonable risk to the public," Johnson said. "Thus EPA does not believe there is any reason for consumers to stop using any consumer or industrial related products."

The EPA last September began a priority review of C8 under the Toxic Chemicals Control Act, which can be used to ban chemicals that lead to health problems or defects.

C8 can remain in humans for up to 4 years, according to the EPA. Small amounts of the chemical are found in a large proportion of the general U.S. public.

Last week, the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization, alleged that DuPont Co. withheld from the government an internal study linking C8 to birth defects in two of seven children born to DuPont employees in the early 1980s.

"(For the EPA) to get to this point and put this huge, economically incredibly valuable product ... into this kind of a review is a very big deal," said Richard Wiles, a vice president of the advocacy group.

DuPont, which uses C8 to make Teflon, said it would work with the EPA. The company maintains that low-level exposure to C8 does not cause developmental or reproductive harm.

"We share the EPA desire to safeguard human health and the environment, and respect the position that there are still questions to be addressed," said Richard Angiullo, a DuPont vice president. "A well-informed regulation would help assure society is not being exposed to undue health or the environmental risk."

DuPont said it recorded some employees' low-level exposure but did not conduct a formal study evaluating C8 or its effect on human health. Federal law requires companies to report information when the public is at risk to high levels of C8.

DuPont said its records showed one birth defect, but added there was "no indication" it was linked to exposure to C8.

The Teflon chemical C8 is part of a broader family called perfluorochemicals.

Tests by 3M Corp., the original manufacturer of C8, and others have shown that high levels of exposure to the chemical may cause liver damage and reproductive problems in rats.

Additional studies have suggested that C8 can lead to birth defects in children of employees where the product is made.

In 2000, 3M pulled its stain repellent Scotchgard from the market after the EPA expressed concern that a sister chemical to C8 posed serious health risks. 3M has since stopped making all C8-related chemicals.

I love my tfal and i don't know how to do without it. What will i use? I hate cast iron so what are other good alternatives. I just saw some great cookware at pampered chef and wonder if it's ok.
thanks

I use a set of Anodized Aluminum pans. Someone said that Aluminum may cause Alzheimers (sp?) disease... but then someone else said it didn't... I love my pans and I am carful not to scrape the bottom so I get the least amount of what ever it in me or my kids.

I got a huge set for $200 at Costco a couple years back and don't use anything else. I really do love them.

Love Val

What do you freeze stuff in? Glass will break with expansion...

I use mason jars to freeze in...allowing room for expansion. Haven't had any problems since I started using them over six months ago. I'm curious to see what others use.

ok, another question :-) Do you buy things like flour, sugar etc in bulk? If so, what do you store that in? I was just thinking to get some large plastic containers but now am wondering what to use? Also, how do you get a meals worth of something in the mason jars? Do they come fairly large?

I have read and heard alot about cookware and everything steers away from teflon and aluminum pans. I cook in cast iron and I have a set of stainless steel.

Mason jars usually work but it is best to leave room for expansion and cover them with foil while they are expanding and then put the reqular tops on once they are froze. I have had a couple of jars break on me when freezing goats mild for Gavin when he was having his reflux problems (we were adviced to give goats milk because it is the closest animal milk to human milk).

I keep my baking supplies are in large glass or tin containers I get at garage sales or goodwill. My sugar is actually in a tin baby formula can.

Costco had a Pyrex set a while back that was like 9-12 pieces plus lids for storage for $30. We bought that, threw out the plastic, and haven't looked back. It's been more than enough for most of our storage needs.

Dh does freeze meat in the FoodSaver bags, though. Personally I am ok with that at the moment but we don't heat anything in them.

We also bought cases of Mason jars to store smaller amounts of food, freeze things in, etc.

I probably will purchase some 5-gallon plastic buckets with lids online (for about 1.37 each plus about 1 for the lids) to store our oats, rice, flour, and dried beans in. I'm at a loss as to how to store large amounts of bulk items without using plastic. I wonder what people used to use -- I think maybe metal bins?

Most everything that we buy in bulk (flours, sugars, rice, etc) we either store in the mason jars (I'm thinking of ordering some of the larger masons like the half gallon, etc), the Food-Saver bags and cannisters, and my older Tupperware cannisters. Did someone say that we shouldn't be using the older Tupperware stuff? I like them because they have the pop on tops. I don't heat anything in plastic...don't even use plastic wrap. Does anything leach out into the stuff stored in them? I have some open shelves in my kitchen, and I think that the mason jars look so cute on the shelves. That's sad, huh?

Mamabear/Lauren, where can you order the buckets and lids? Up until this thread, I never really thought about the stuff I store in plastics. I had planned to get some sort of large bin with a secure top to store my flours in. I make so much bread these days that I'd like to start buying more at one time. Where do you buy the metal containers? Are they safe to use too? I'd like something that will help keeping things from getting stale. Is there such a thing?

I ran into Target *gasp* to get some more Pyrex bread pans. The recipe that I've been using makes six loaves at a time, but I've only been using three pans. I'm sure that I could have found some at a thrift store, but I have been so busy trying to unpack the house, paint, etc. that I haven't done much shopping. I thought that once I moved back to the States I'd be a shopping fool! If anything, I've become more frugal than ever. Make any sense? The pans were $3.99 a piece for the Pyrex. The Anchor Hocking was just a tad larger for $4.99, but I didn't like the design. I know that sounds stupid, but I'm limited on space and figured that I already have the Pyrex and they store well. I was hoping they would have some sort of set with a couple of the loaf pans.

Anyway, I'll keep watching this thread to get more ideas. Oh, I have another question concerning the use of metal containers. I guess that I'm just not familiar with metals. I know my stainless steel, but how can you tell between tin (which I suppose is safe for use?) and aluminum? I have some older metal loaf and cake pans. Should I just chuck those? I also have a quarter sheet and a half sheet cake pans that are metal. I think that are stainless, but I guess that I should check.

Ak! It's like a spiral isn't it? My head hurts from thinking about all the things that I use could be dangerous! Anyone else feel this way!?! People around me look at me like I have two heads if I talk about this stuff. I'm glad that I have this board to come to.

Ahhgggg! I just talked with a friend today who is getting a degree in wholistic psychology and she was telling me that now they are saying that the glaze on ceramic is bad for you too! What is up with this?! I will do more research and let everyone know what I find. :(

Hugs! I use glass gallon jars, mayonaise jars (the label comes off and I just put a mason jar lid on them... so they look better... I am silly I know:) ) and the 1/2 gallon masons for everything in my pantry. I have one plastic tuperwear, and one plastic gallon jar that I am going to weed out now after this thread... lol... Boy oh boy...

(How I found all these is a took a Deli under my wing... went to lunch their nearly every day for a month and they gave me all their jars. Then, when ever I needed more, I called and they would save them for me that week or whatever. Now I have about 30 or so and I LOVE them... I even converted one of my friend and she uses them too... my mom converted me. but she bought hers in the 80's and they are still around. I had the same Halloween candy jar (lid and all) that I had when I was 10 for my son when he was 4!!!) They last FOREVER!! ;) (Unless you drop them...)

edit: My husband thought I should add that everyone who switches to this method should make sure there are no gallon glass jars of brown and jasmine rice next to a shelf of mason jars of apple butter... the shelf colapsed in the earth quake we had a year back or so and that was the biggest mess I have ever had in my kitchen...
Love Val

msny ceramic glazes have lead in them-just walk down the aisleina Target Dish section, ack!

As far as every glazes? I don't know...everythingis badfor us in some way.. you just need to pick your "poisons" so to speak....

Akkkkk... I am about ready to switch everything to Pyrex... but then I will find something about them too...

Love Val

like pizza stones or the stones from pampered chef? Does anyone know if they are safe? I have a round PC pizza stone and it is all I use now for cookies and sandwhiches with cheese melted on top etc because they come out nicer. They dont seem to be glazed at all. They also make casserole dishes and large rectangular ones as well as bread pan shaped stones. So it would iliminate the need for all those nonstick pans for baking if it is safe? Anyone know?

http://www.100cookwares.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=3501258&Category_Code=NSTK


Just wondering if anyone knows what makes the interior non stick and if these would be good?
thanks

atgep -- seriously, I have no idea on the metal bins, I was just wondering, what the heck did people use before plastic? :D

Here is the link to the cheap hard plastic tubs, I have never ordered from here so have no idea how reputable they are:

http://www.containerandpackaging.com/foodcontainers.asp

I didn't know they had half-gallon mason jars. That sure would help, LOL -- I use the quart jars and they are small for many of our bulk items. Where do you find them??

I plan to order from this site (sorry don't know how to make it clickable). I've ordered other things from this company. I haven't been able to find the larger jars IRL stores only online.
www.kitchenkrafts.com

This site also has larger sizes such as the decorative 4gallon, 2gallon, and 1gallon Bell jars. I don't think that they can be vacuumed like the others, but they say that with the lid it's virtually airtight. Now, I haven't looked to see if someone else has these any cheaper. But, their half gallon ones are way more expensive than the first site I listed.
http://www.theingredientstore.com/generalstore/jars-800/

Thanks for the link to the plastic containers. If, I decide to go that way, I'd rather use the foodgrade versus a tote say from Walmart.

VERY interesting thread!

We've given up all teflon and most plastic (I never heat stuff in plastic). We've also given up the microwave. Yuck! I hate them. They creap me out, and they destroy the nutrition in your food. I got a bunch of small stainless steal pans, and we heat all left overs, etc in those on the stove. No more microwave. And, it freed up a huge space in my kitchen! Don't ask me for links on nasty microwaves, I don't have them anymore. But, if you do a google search, you can prob find lots. Also, I keep this up on my refridge:

Look on the bottom of your plastic containers. Here is a key to the type of plastics:

#1 PETE - as far as plastics go, this one is sorta ok
#2 HDPE High Density Polyethylene
#3 PVC plastic Bad! Bad! Bad!

I don't have any other numbers.

I keep most of our stuff in mason jars. DD eats and drinks from glass plates and ceramic cups. So far, no breaks. As for lead in glazes. I think that is only the case on cheap imports and antique ceramics, but I might be mistaken.

I'd love to hear what anyone has to say about baking stones.

I want more info! :) What is wrong with ceramics? Lead in glass? What kind of glass? What is the matter with microwaves? The stuff I found on my Google search said that it changes the molecular structure of the food... but so does cooking food... SOOOOOOO??? Whats the deal? I am dying to know more. Where do you find all this info on this stuff? And how do I know if what I use has these toxic thing in it. I have not cooked in plastic forever... but I do heat in ceramics all the time... and now I hear this is bad. Anyone know anymore about this? Is glass and wood ok? What about Anodized Aluminum? That is all my pans. I could take them back and get the stainless steal set since I got them at Costco. But I don't like abusing that liberty when I don't have to. What do you think?

Love Val ~ who is now nervous about just about everything in the kitchen... ;)

I understand your nervousness and confusion regarding what is best for your family in the kitchen. I also went through that stage.

I can't remember the links I had about aluminum pans but they are not good and both my chiropractors and general practitioner will not use them. I got rid of all my teflon and anodized pans and I now have a set of Mirro Stainless steel and a set of Rever Copper Bottom Stainless steel. I also hit a great clearance deal yesterday at Meijer for Revere Stainless Steel cooking utensils so I was also able to replace all my utensils as well.

It can cost alot of money if you have the attitude that you need to change instantly. My strategy was to pick things up as I went. It has taken a year but through yard sales and thrift stores I am down to only 3 large covered plastic bowls (I use these to take dishes to pass to parties), a plastic colander (went to buy a metal one yesterday but they were $17 for the one I wanted so I think I will ask MIL to get it for me for a holiday or B-day gift), 2 plastic pie keepers (these don't actually touch the food), and 2 plastic spatulas in my kitchen.

Yesterday I spent $50 on my kitchen but they were the first new things I have bought. For that money I got 3 rolls of parchment paper, a rolling pin, a veggie peeler, wood and metal corn picks, and about a dozen stainless steel cooking utensils. I would say the rest of my kitchen switch cost about another $40-50 since it was all bought second hand.

Take a deep breath mama and go into this transition as slow as you need to fit your needs and budget.

Thanks, so much, for the reasurence. :heart:

It just seems as though nothing is really safe. I mean Teflon causes cancer. Plastic leaches toxins into/onto foods... Plastic bottles are the worst, espically the bag ones that you put heated formula into, (what I did with my son from 11 to 18 months) You can use glass but only if it does not have lead in it. And now the Anodized Aluminum is bad, even though it says on the web sight that it is proven to do nothing, even if it is injested. It is just a little freaky is all. Don and I were talking about it last night, and he said we could go through our entire lives and not know this stuff and still live a long healthy life, and that I am just driving myself crazy. I don't know... I don't know about any of it. It is just making me really nervous. And then you get into the foods you shouldn't eat and the things you shouldn't do, and the what if's and the goverment steping in and saying that this is ok even when it is not, and then the WHO gets blasted by the sugar industry for posting regulations that are not sugar biased... and what of the info that we have is really correct? It is just all so confusing. My Dh says that I am doing really really well at figuring out what works for us and not panicing about the stuf that I can not control... I am not so sure anymore. I am pretty sure dh is right... I could go crazy. ;)

Love Val

Val, your DH is right. I drive myself crazy too, but the reality is that you can't be perfect. No sugar, no dairy, no soy, no hydrogenated fats, no meat, no fish, no eggs, no pesticides, no GMOs...no plastic, no lead glazes, no aluminum, no microwave (and does all cooking do the same thing?). No food dyes, no preservatives, no SLS...no non-organic cotton, no synthetics, no leather...no sweatshops, no WalMart, no diamonds and other gems....

I'm just taking it slowly, reducing plastic use where I can. I still use the microwave; all cooking causes molecular changes. Being a raw vegan just isn't in the cards for me. Plus, you can try to do everything right and you'll still have air pollution, water pollution, and the like. We drank our filtered water for years and then found out it had perchlorate in it. What can you do? Just do the best you can and accept that you can't do it all. Fight the biggies and don't sweat the smaller stuff. (The hardest part for me is believing that it isn't all equally important.)

Kimberly, off to take a long hot bath with too much water

Kimberly! LMAO!! Thank you! (from the bottom of my heart.... that was great to read, and so true! I really needed to laugh about this.) We are all doing our part... and that is why it is called a part... lol...

Love Val

So I tell my Mom about this thread and what a great thing I think it is. Mom has somewhere around 4 sets of china, so I think this will make her feel good about having a cabinet full of dishes, right?

She comes home from groc shopping @ WalMart the very next day with a bag full of plastic dishes. Cups, plates, the works. "Uhm, Mom? What gives?" "Oh, I was going to donate the china to goodwill."

Where is that forehead-slapping DUH icon when you need it??!!??