Cookware

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A few weeks ago, I wrote up the Starfrit Eco-Chef frying pan for its green qualities on paper. It has all the hallmarks of a great green product, using recycled, sustainable and non-toxic materials in its construction. The folks at Starfrit took notice and sent me one of their pans to review.

When we think of what makes a product green, typically we are looking for reycycled content, sustainable biodegradable materials, or products that are handmade and Fair Trade. I definitely agree that those qualities are ones to look for in green products. But we also have to consider how long a product will last in assessing its “green-ness”. Will it have to be replaced in a few years? Will it last a lifetime?

Eco-friendly products are slowly creeping into the kitchen beyond Energy-Star appliances and cabinet and countertop materials. Bialetti offers the Green Planet cookware line, which is produced using recycled aluminum. For the saute pans shown above, available in 2 sizes, 50% recycled aluminum is used, and the handle is made of bamboo, one of my favorite renewable resources. The interior features Teflon® non-stick coatings, so it will perform as well as your favorite cookware.

Price: $19.99-24.99

The innovative GreenPan from the Martha Stewart Collection uses a nonstick technology called Thermolon™, which promises to offer superior food release and performance at extreme temperatures — up to an amazing 824 degrees. Thermolon is an environmentally-friendly alternative to standard PTFE nonstick surfaces that you find in many pots. You can even put these pots in the oven, and they are very easy to clean. The cooking surface emphasizes great taste and an environmentally friendly future. Limited lifetime warranty.

Price: $19.99-$39.99