that GREEN blog | Green Gift Guide for the Cook

Green Gift Guide for the Cook

12.01.2008by Editor in Events, Green Family

Wondering what to get the person on your Christmas shopping list this year that loves everything about cooking and entertaining? There are some eco-friendly items on the market that will make great gifts for any kitchen aficionado. They range from manual blenders and glass straws for the extreme environmentalists to attractive bamboo cutting boards and serving platters for those that may not yet be on the green track. Give one of these gifts that will surely be remembered while also doing your part to help save the planet by supporting earth-friendly products.

Clay Cookware
Using clay cookers in the oven is a very old method and is still the most sustainable. Made from a naturally available resource, this cookware option uses very little energy. They can be returned to the earth when they are no longer useable by simply breaking them into pieces. This cooking technique is also very healthy as the food retains all of the nutrients and vitamins since it cooks in its own natural juices; no additional fats or oils are needed. These cookers are easy to use. They just need to pre-soaked in water for about 10 minutes and put into the oven before turning it on to avoid rapid temperature changes. Clay cookware is available in most major department stores or you can find handmade items at craft shows. It is best to buy items that are not glazed as there is a potential for lead, especially if the item is imported.

Nonstick Pan Alternatives
Avoid those potentially harmful synthetic chemicals used in traditional nonstick pans with one of these options.

Cast Iron Pans
If seasoned correctly, by lightly oiling and then baking, these pans really are great non-stick cookware. They hold heat wonderfully and also add a little iron to your diet.

Enameled Cast Iron
More non-stick and do not require seasoning, but they are usually more expensive than cast iron.

Stainless Steel
A much more non-stick option than cast iron, but can be quite pricey. The types that have an aluminum or copper core help in even heat distribution.

GreenPans
This is a fairly new item on the market and has earned a Good Housekeeping Seal. It uses a new non-stick material called Thermolon and claims to be the first environment-friendly, PFOA-free, PTFE-free non-stick cookware. However, it uses a ceramic-based nano non-stick technology and there are varying opinions about the safety of nanotechnology.

Manual Powered Appliances
Reduce household energy consumption with these kitchen appliances that require no electricity, only some effort on your part.

Manual Drip Coffee Makers
Easy to use, simply pour almost boiling water over the grounds. Many people actually prefer these coffee makers to the automatic drip ones. They allow for great control over the strength as you can add as many grounds as you wish without worrying about spillover. It is considered a classic tradition by some to make coffee this way.

Manual Juicers
More and more people are becoming interested in juicing fruits, vegetables and things like wheatgrass, sprouts and leafy greens. Many say it gives them a greater sense of energy, vitality and health. Juicers literally chew fruit and vegetable fibers and break up the plant cells. The result is a concentrated juice with more fiber, enzymes, vitamins and trace minerals that are immediately absorbed by the body. A manual juicer uses a single gear, is gentle and efficient. There is no exposure to heat and the slow speed eliminates oxidation so enzymes and nutrients are preserved. They are also usually easier to clean and take up less space.

Manual Blenders
Another rather new product is a manual blender called the Vortex. There are two speeds so it can be used to crush ice or as a food processor. The c-clamp securely fastens to a flat surface. The base and blades are made of stainless steel. As an added bonus, the base even fits inside of the pitcher to create a compact 9” unit perfect for travel.

Bamboo Kitchen Accessories
Bamboo is the world’s fastest growing plant and can grow up to 3 feet per day. It is one of the most renewable resources known as it does not need replanting. The extensive root system of this grass constantly sends up new shoots so it naturally replenishes itself. Compared to hardwoods that have a 30 to 60 year growth cycle, bamboo grows back after harvesting and can be re-harvested every 4 ½ years. Bamboo is growing in popularity and playing an important role in the reduction of timber consumption since it is an excellent substitute for wood products. It is very durable and can even withstand more stress than steel. There are many bamboo kitchen accessories available such as, cutting boards, bowls, plates, serving platters and utensils. The hardness of bamboo makes it less porous than hardwoods so it soaks up less water which also means less bacteria for you to worry about. In addition, these products are less likely to scar with a knife and create places for food and germs to hide. When purchasing bamboo items, be sure to look for those that do not use artificial dyes or stains.

Cloth Napkins
If we all gave up only one paper napkin a day, we could save a billion pounds of paper waste from going to landfills every year. An astonishing fact from The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M Kostigen. Aside from being eco-friendly, a nice set of cloth napkins adds a decorative touch to the home. Look for those made of hemp, linen or organic cotton.

Glass straws
Help reduce the amount of plastic leaching into our landfills, food supply and oceans by using a glass straw instead of disposable plastic ones. There are various brands on the market, but be sure to check out Glass Dharma. They come with an unbreakable guarantee, carrying case and have cute designs. Think this is a little over the top? Then consider this. As of March 2008, McDonald’s serves an average of 52 million meals per day. Yes, per day.

Whether you are looking for an unusual gift or a more classic gift one of these items will make a fabulous choice and you will feel good about your purchase. This holiday season show your loved ones that you care about their health and our planet.

Michele Dupper is Mom to her almost 2 year old son and the owner of Truly Organic Beauty. She lives in sunny FL and has been transitioning to a green lifestyle since starting a family. Michele enjoys educating others about living a more natural lifestyle that is beneficial for the health of our bodies as well as our planet.

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