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Transition from plastic to other materials in the kitchen (#34)
We have been making a big effort to transition our entire kitchen from plastic to mostly stainless steel and glass. It took awhile to complete it because every time I thought we were done, we noticed something else was plastic. First we replaced all our mixing bowls and storage containers with Pyrex bowls and food storage. Then, duh, our colanders were plastic and…oops, plastic mixing spoons and spatulas. And, oh hell, our cutting board. Then, shopping trip to replace them with pretty wooden spoons, recycled paper cutting board, and metal colander. And…maybe some other things.
The hardest thing to find were measuring cups that weren’t total pieces of crap. We have metal measuring spoons, and glass measuring cups for liquids. But measuring cups continued to elude us. It was really difficult to find options that weren’t really flimsy. We found to be any sort of substantial, they had to be one piece of metal instead of cups with the handles fused on separately. And…most of those sets were $40 or more (Paula Deen’s were $70). Um….for measuring cups? How about…no? But, when I was looking on a friend’s wedding registry, I noticed a $20 set that was exactly what I was looking for, score.
We do still have some plastic items, for specific purposes. We’re looking for a non-plastic ladle that holds a decent amount and isn’t ridiculously expensive. We kept a silicone spatula to use on our non stick pans, because you can’t use metal on them. Also, ice cube trays. Where the hell do you find non-plastic ice cube trays?
Anyway, I’m counting this goal complete because all the things I really wanted to find have been replaced. A lot of people have asked me why this was a goal in the first place. I’m not going to write a long winded report about studies and everything, but the more I read about plastic and chemicals leeching into our food, the more I just didn’t want to chance it. Some plastics were safe a few years ago, and now are known to be harmful. Maybe the same thing will happen with metal or glass, but getting rid of plastic is a step I’m taking for now.
The measuring cups in action:
Teflon coatings have been found to be carcinogenic. Having that said, all of our pots and pans are non-stick and flat bottom specifically for our cooktop therefore we use the plastic utensils. Sad, I know. But we do have Pyrex bowls and baking dishes. Oh, and we used the purée button last night!
where did you get those measuring cups??? they look awesome! and i would have never thought that the handle and cup should be one continuous piece of metal. good thinking.
Crate & Barrel