Safe Food Storage Containers

Chemicals that can mimic human hormones are leaching from cans and plastics and into foods and beverages. Here's what you need to know. By Dan Shapley

Use Nonstick Cookware Alternatives

While super-convenient and easy to clean, most nonstick cookware is made with chemicals that can degrade at high temperatures; after entering the air in the kitchen, they've been known to build up to levels high enough to kill pet birds. Scratched-up pans are also more likely to leach chemicals into your food. Aluminum, too, can leach into foods if you cook acidic foods like lemon- or tomato-based sauces. Better options, according to Annie B. Bond's Home Enlightenment, include:

Stainless steel and "clad" like those made by EaziStore
Cast iron (unseasoned) like those made by Cajun Cookware
Anodized aluminum like those made by Cuisinart GreenGourmet
Glass and porcelain like those made by CorningWare

If you do use nonstick cookware, always use utensils that won't scratch the surface, and avoid heating pans to high temperature, particularly before food is added.