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Sustainable Gifts

With holidays approaching and gift buying at the forefront of the mind, it is helpful to know what to look out for regarding safety. Many of our household items contain chemicals that can affect our health. We use these items every day and don’t even know! We put together a guide with ideas for avoiding these health-disrupting chemicals so you and your loved ones can have a healthy and happy holiday. 

 

Cookware:

Cookware is a gift that’s on many-a-wish lists. So, when it comes to shopping for cookware holiday gifts, choosing the right option is important for making great-tasting meals and supporting good health and safety. Many non-stick pans are coated with chemicals called PFAS. PFAS have been associated with many health concerns, including decreased fertility, reduced immune function, low birth weight, increased risk of obesity, certain cancers, and more. Non-stick pans scratch easily, allowing their coatings to wear or chip off at high heat temperatures, when washing, or using improper utensils. This scratching allows for the release of toxic fumes and contamination of food from PFAS particles.

Fortunately, there are great alternatives like cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic cookware that don’t contain these harmful chemicals. Cast iron, when seasoned properly, not only results in an even heating but also develops a non-stick surface over time. Look at this article for how to season your cast-iron pan. We recommend using oils with a smoke point above 400º or others resistant to high heat, such as grapeseed oil or beef tallow. Stainless steel is very durable and perfect for browning and searing. Ceramic options offer an easy-to-clean, PFAs-free non-stick surface. All these options are long-lasting and help to keep you and your loved ones healthy, well-fed, and safe this holiday gift-giving season. 

Tupperware:

Plastic use in the kitchen, particularly in food containers such as Tupperware, is concerning due to the negative health effects of harmful chemicals such as BPA and, in particular, phthalates. These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with many hormonal processes and lead to several health concerns, including reproductive problems and an increased risk of certain cancers. Heating these plastic containers, such as in the microwave, can increase the leaching of these chemicals into the food we consume. Safer alternatives, such as glass or stainless steel, do not contain these chemicals and are even environmentally friendly. 

 

Glass containers are more durable than plastic, easy to clean/maintain, and heat-safe both in the oven and microwave. We recommend allowing food to cool before putting on plastic lids, and be sure to remove lids before microwaving or putting it in the oven. Stainless steel options are both lightweight and robust, making these an ideal choice for kids. While these containers are not microwaveable, they are sturdy, easily cleaned, and an excellent alternative to plastics. As more people begin switching to safer food storage, these options are becoming widely available at most stores. We foster a healthier kitchen and well-being by switching to these non-toxic alternatives.

Toys:

Toys are a key part of the holidays, and ensuring their safety is vital for children’s health. Parents often focus on avoiding choking hazards and choosing age-appropriate toys, but it’s equally important to check for harmful substances like lead, cadmium, phthalates, and BPA. New regulations were put in place by the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) in April 2024 to ensure that toys meet the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. However, the CPSIA encourages special attention to purchases made online, as lead regulations are not as stringent in other countries. You can check toys for lead by comparing the toy to the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall website. While at-home lead testing kits exist, they are often unable to detect lower levels of lead and do not assess how much lead is present.

If you suspect your child may have been exposed to lead, the only way to properly assess exposure is through a blood test. Talk with your child’s provider to determine if an assessment is needed. Other considerations include opting for toys made of natural materials such as organic cotton or wood. Avoid plastic toys with painted surfaces. Paint is easily chipped off and contains toxins that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Paint is also one of the more common sources of lead, particularly if the toy is older than 1978.  It is important to regularly inspect toys for wear and tear to help keep playtime safe and enjoyable. By being vigilant and making informed choices about toy safety, caregivers can provide a healthier play environment that promotes imaginative and safe play experiences.

Check out more wellness tips for children here!

 

Holiday safety is just as important as making the perfect holiday memories. By taking a few extra moments to make conscious choices on gifts, you can ensure your family can make happy and healthy holiday memories together for years to come.

 

References

 

All About Seasoning. (2019, August 22). Lodge Cast Iron. https://www.lodgecastiron.com/discover/cleaning-and-care/cast-iron/all-about-seasoning

 

Bang, D. Y., Kyung, M., Kim, M. J., Jung, B. Y., Cho, M. C., Choi, S. M., … & Lee, B. M. (2012). Human risk assessment of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals derived from plastic food containers. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 11(5), 453-470.

 

CDC. (2024, April 17). About Lead in Consumer Products. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/consumer-products.html

 

CDC. (2024, April 16). Recalls of Children’s Products, Foods, Cosmetics, and Medicines Due to Lead Hazards. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/communication-resources/recalls.html 

 

Cheng, V. (2019, November 29). Toy Safety Standards in the United States: A Complete Guide. Compliance Gate. https://www.compliancegate.com/toy-safety-standards-united-states/

 

Holiday Safety. (n.d.). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Holiday-Safety

 

Parents: Check Toys for Lead. (2024). Nationwidechildrens.org. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/family-resources-library/parents-check-toys-for-lead  

 

Proshad, R., Kormoker, T., Islam, M. S., Haque, M. A., Rahman, M. M., & Mithu, M. M. R. (2018). Toxic effects of plastic on human health and environment: A consequence of health risk assessment in Bangladesh. International Journal of Health, 6(1), 1-5.

 

Shen, Y. (2022, May 13). ASTM F963-17 Children’s Product Safety Standard: An Overview. Compliance Gate. https://www.compliancegate.com/astm-f963/

 

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2016, March 30). PFAS Explained. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained

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