I love a good spring cleaning. There is just something so satisfying about cleaning, organizing and purging unneeded things this time of year. If you feel the same way, don't overlook your kitchen! If it is anything like mine, it could use an overhaul, especially when it comes to replacing plastic items with something less toxic. Last summer after reading one too many articles about the dangers of plastics leaking into our food and water, I suddenly threw away most of it and ordered a boatload of things to replace it all, much to my husband's chagrin. Don't worry, he has come around and loves all our new glassware and stainless steel as much as I do! It feels really good to be using items I know work really well and are better for my family's health. Today, I'm sharing some of those items with you in case you have a case of spring detoxing fever, too.
I started my assault on plastic with drinking glasses. Out went plastic cups and in came sturdy doubled-paned glasses (pictured above) that stood up to my children's use while looking sophisticated at the same time. I absolutely love these glasses - they are pretty, durable and come in a variety of sizes. Plus, they do a great job of keeping things cold and hot!
My next attack on plastic was the pile of plasticware I used for food storage. Somehow I could never keep that looking tidy, but now with my new glass containers, the pantry looks great and I can reheat food straight from the fridge without worrying about chemicals seeping into my food. These are so sturdy that I send them with my children in their lunchboxes. Plus, they are dishwasher safe, making clean-up a breeze. I also have this divided version and these smaller glass containers, both of which come in handy quite often.
Finally, cooking utensils were my last victims. Out went anything plastic (especially black plastic tools) and in came stainless steel, wood and food-grade silicone which does not leach harmful chemicals like regular plastic. Below, you can find my favorite non-toxic utensils.
If you need a set, this is a great budget option from Amazon with lots of colors, but my favorite silicone tools shown above come from Thermoworks, a highly reputable company that makes the best food thermometer on the market. They often have good sales, so it is worth signing up for their emails. I particularly love this mini spatula/spoon set and use it ALL the time.
If you prefer stainless steel, this All-Clad spatula is a workhorse that will last a lifetime.
I love the look of these teak wooden utensils. They are both sleek and functional. Note: remember when buying wooden kitchen tools to always look for pieces that are made out of one piece of wood and not a composite in order to get the best quality.
Soon, I will share my thoughts on the best mixing bowls, cutting boards and skillets. Stay tuned!
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