When you’re looking to replace anything in the home, it’s always worth looking into how environmentally friendly it is. You might not really have considered that any saucepan could be bad for the environment or your health but the existence of ‘eco-friendly saucepans’ seems to dispute that. So are eco-friendly saucepans really a thing? If so what makes them eco-friendly?
To be truly eco-friendly you have to look not only into the material something is made from but the ethics of the company as well.
Traditional Non-Stick Saucepans
It’s the non-stick surface which is probably not great for you or the environment. Although a non-stick pan is easy to clean and you need less oil or butter to cook, the cheaper pans will start flaking and those flakes will end up in your food, and you. If the pan overheats you also risk releasing toxic fumes into your home.
“Most nonstick pans are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon. Fortunately, most manufacturers of nonstick pans have phased out the use of perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA, which is a suspected carcinogen.” – Scientific American
If you’re trying to live plastic free, then you should be avoiding Teflon.
Eco-Friendly Saucepans
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Non-Stick Saucepans
There is now a green version of Teflon called Thermolon. Made by Greenpan these are saucepans that have a ceramic non-stick coating which is much better for the environment and you.
What is Thermolon?
From the Greenpan website
- Thermolon™ is made from a sand derivative that does not require the use of toxic chemicals like PFOA or PFAS during the production process.
- Thermolon™ is heat resistant up to high temperatures (as high as 450°C), it won’t blister or release toxic fumes.
- (The) coating is a great heat conductor. That means you can cook at a lower heat setting and save energy. What’s more, your pan will get to temperature quickly and cook your food more evenly.
- 60% less CO2 is emitted during the curing phase of production of Thermolon™ coatings, compared to the emissions during the curing phase of production of traditional coatings.
Greenpan have a variety of eco-friendly cookware available from frying pans, woks, grill pans, pancake pans and more.
Cast Iron Pans
You have to be prepared to put in a little extra work if you buy cast iron pans. For a start they’re heavy, and they can be difficult to clean. You also have to get used to the ‘cast iron pan ritual’ to properly look after them. Wash them while they’re still warm with hot water and a stiff brush or a sponge. You should then dry the pan with a towel and coat it with some oil. There are people that absolutely love cast iron cookware, but you do have to be prepared to ‘season’ them, and have strong arms. They can also be very expensive.
Le Creuset
Le Creuset are cast iron pans but with an enamel coating. I’m lucky enough that I was given 3 Le Creuset pans and I use them every single day. They’re very expensive to buy new but you’re definitely paying for quality and longevity. My advice is to check out charity shops and auction houses as you’ll often see Le Creuset cookware for sale at a much cheaper price than buying them new.
Stainless Steel Pans
If you’re on a very strict budget, then stainless steel pans are your cheap and eco-friendly saucepan. They aren’t non-stick of course but they’re perfect for cooking pasta, rice and vegetables. Try to buy stainless steel pans which don’t have plastic handles. There are lots around that you can choose from.
Eco-Friendly Cookware Accessories
If you’ve just bought yourself a lovely new set of saucepans and cookware make sure you also buy eco-friendly kitchen utensils like spatulas and spoons.
As with anything else, don’t throw away the pans you already own to replace them with eco-friendly saucepans, wait until you need to buy new ones. My advice is to invest in good quality cookware that will last a lifetime, and even for generations if you look after it.
If you’re looking to buy new kitchen appliances, take a look at these eco-friendly ovens as well.
Check out The Ethical Superstore for a great range of eco-friendly kitchen equipment.
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