What is a Toxin?

I briefly wanted to explain toxins. So what are toxins?

Disclaimer—I don’t know all the terminology and am far from an expert so please do your own research especially if my toddler level explanation leaves you with questions 🙂

Toxins are harmful chemicals that are added to products for any given purpose (longevity, color, scent, functionality, etc.). Exposure to toxins have/ been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, auto immune diseases, and so many more gnarly conditions. It’s so scary to me! Which is why I’m so passionate about raising awareness to the harmful toxins that get snuck into most products!!

Educational Resources

I’ll do another blog sharing more extensive resources but I wanted to share the two I use repeatedly!
• EWG.ORG is my go to for all things clean and non-toxic. They share lists of safe alternatives for all household/beauty/baby products. They have articles with news on legislative changes and just tons of informative posts.
• Think Dirty App — I try to shop local as much as possible within my budget which means my purchases are limited to what’s on the shelves. The Think Dirty App allows you to search an item and provides a profile of toxic/potentially harmful ingredients in the product. It gives each product a score from 0-10. I love this app when I’m shopping with my kids and i don’t have the luxury researching each product before purchase.

Let’s get into the 3 budget friendly ways to create a toxic free kitchen.

Toxic Free Kitchen with Cast Iron Pans

I know what you’re thinking.
“Cast iron pans are too heavy.”
“Is it true you’re not supposed to wash them? That’s gross.”
”What’s wrong with my non-stick pan?”
Maybe you don’t have those questions/reservations, but I initially did! Until I learned about the toxins found in the huge majority of cookware! The amazing lining that prevents food from sticking to the pan is actually not amazing and is seeping carcinogens into all the food cooked in it! Eek…not cool, especially after I invested in organic food!

Cue the budget friendly, toxic free, cast iron pan!! It’s Teflon free and will last you forever!!! I picked up a pair at Costco for around $30. Here is a similar one I found on Amazon.

Since cast iron pans don’t have a non stick coat, cooking on them have a little learning curve but don’t get discouraged. Stirring frequently really helps me avoid food from sticking. Another alternative is stainless steel cookware, and they can also be relatively inexpensive. There are actually toxic free, non stick pans, like our favorite Always Pan, but it’s more of an investment piece.

Toxic Free Kitchen with Silicone + Glass Storage

The second way to have a toxic free kitchen is with silicone storage. Not only is eliminating plastic from your kitchen great for your health, it’s also great for the Earth. So why do I say no to plastic storage? Although most plastic is made BPA free, I read an article saying that most manufacturers have found a way to make BPA without calling it BPA so we still get all the harmful chemicals from the plastic into our food and eventually into our bodies. That’s the biggest reason why I made the switch, and of course the 1,000 year life span of plastic!!

What do I use instead? I own a few Stasher bags that I use for packing snacks for my kids, storing leftovers, and dry foods I buy in bulk. Recently I learned about Zip Top bags and their standing feature seems incredibly helpful.

Aside from silicone bags I also use glass for storage for dry foods, snacks, and frequently used foods. Not only are they a better alternative to plastic but I really like the look of them. Mason jars are so cute to me and when I saw these glass jars with bamboo lids for sale during Prime Day I had to get them. We also use glass mason jars for storing too!

I’m slowly replacing all of my plastic Tupperware and want to get these!

Toxic Free Kitchen with Parchment Paper

Just as the majority of cookware is created with toxins, most bakeware is as well. From what I’ve read, there is a way to still use that has a toxic non-stick surface—parchment paper. Parchment paper is a way to protect your food from making contact to the toxins. The parchment paper that I use is biodegradable and compostable, which to me is the cherry on top of the primary benefit (not allowing toxins into the foods we bake)!

Parchment paper is very affordable and a great option to continue to use your current bakeware and not have to repurchase all new items.

Toxin Free Kitchen and Life

Living a toxin free life is part of my core values and I love sharing what I learn with anyone willing to listen or read 😉 My hope is that I’ve sparked some curiosity in you to perhaps make some changes in your life to also have a toxin free kitchen—and life! Kari’s post on an armpit detox is another way to embrace the toxin free life 🙂

So grateful for you, beautiful friends!

Shop the post below

p.s. If you purchase via our links we make a teeny tiny commission and you support our dream!

The post Toxic Free Kitchen —3 Inexpensive Changes appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.