Last Updated on October 11, 2023
I don’t know about you, but when the weather turns colder and the holidays start to approach, it makes me want to fire up my oven and bake cookies, pies, and bread and other family favorites.
I have had the same baking sheets over 10 years and they’re in really rough shape. I’m in need of a few replacements, and during my research, I learned that some bake sheets contain PFAS.
PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, can be found in non-stick cookware (and that includes bakeware), along with food packaging, firefighting foam, household items, outdoor gear that’s “water repellent”. We’ll discuss why this is problematic below, but switching to non-toxic bakeware is one way you can reduce your exposure.
This post was sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information please see my disclosure policy. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
Today, more than 97% of the U.S. population has PFAS in their bodies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to a study released by the USGS, nearly half of US tap water, from both public utilities and private wells, contains forever chemicals.
So I try to limit any unnecessary exposure and here are some of the best bakeware brands I came across during my research. All these brands are naturally non-stick without the use of PFAs.
what bakeware is safest?
The safest bakeware for your health is non-Teflon coated options. The least toxic bakeware is made from materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic, and glass because these materials can withstand very high temperatures and don’t leach any toxic chemicals into your food.
Most bakeware you’ll find in stores are made out of some kind of metal (like steel or aluminum) with a non-stick coating on top.
The non-stick coating is almost always Teflon, the most well known brand of non-stick coating that contains PFAS chemicals.
PFAS (aka Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are linked with negative health concerns, including cancer and infertility.
PFAS don’t break down in our bodies, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Instead they just just stay and build up in our bodies year after year.
Seeing as there are over 9,000 different kinds of PFAS, you’ll want to look for bakeware brands that are labeled “PFAS-free”, not just “PFOA-Free” or “PFOS-free”, the most common types.
All the brands listed in this post are free of Teflon and they’re PFAS-free, making them some of the safest bakeware options on the market.
is ceramic bakeware non-toxic?
Ceramic bakeware is non-toxic, as long as you double check it is free of lead and cadmium. Ceramic provides a natural non-stick surface without the use of toxic chemicals during production.
It’s worth noting there is a difference between 100% ceramic and ceramic-coated bakeware. Ceramic-coated bakeware is made with a metal core (usually aluminum but sometimes stainless steel) covered with a silica (sand)-based “sol-gel” solution that’s sprayed around it to give it the non-stick quality.
Ceramic-coated bakeware in comparison to 100% ceramic bakeware, is a lot more lightweight, easier to clean, and is less likely to break if dropped.
Just be mindful that ceramic bakeware of any kind will break if exposed to extreme temperatures, similar to glass. A good rule of thumb is to let it cool after baking with it before cleaning it.
how do I make my kitchen non-toxic?
Beyond choosing non-toxic bakeware, there are additional ways you can have a non-toxic kitchen.
Having a “non-toxic kitchen” basically means making more informed decisions that promote a healthy lifestyle. This also trickles into a sustainable lifestyle, because usually wellness of self = wellness of planet.
RELATED: 10 Wellness Habits For Living Healthy
For example, baking homemade zucchini muffins using zucchini from your garden is a lot healthier for you and the planet. You get to control all the ingredients in the muffins (aka, less or zero sugar), and it’s not being mass produced and put in plastic packaging like the ones you might find in stores.
Here are some other ways to keep your kitchen non-toxic:
- Ditch teflon-coated cookware for these non-toxic cookware brands
- Opt for glass snapware, glass jars and silicone bags for food storage
- Avoid plastic film wrap and choose Beeswrap instead
- Filter your water to avoid PFAS found in tap water
- Choose organic, locally grown, plastic-free produce from the farmers market
- Grow your own herbs on your windowsill
- Clean using eco-friendly products
gzw approved non-toxic bakeware sets
Here are some brands that are making non-toxic bakeware and get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval.
I’ve compiled a list of the best non-toxic bakeware on the market. All the bakeware listed below are made from ceramic, glass, stainless steel or cast iron.
I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some key features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.
1. caraway
- Ceramic bakeware
- Free of PTFE, PFAS, PFOA, lead, cadmium, + toxic metals
- Ethical manufacturing where employees are safe + paid living wages
- Thoughtful packaging shipped in recycled cardboard with zero plastic bags
- Recycle locator on website for end of life recycling
- Get 10% site-wide using this link
2. greenpan
- Ceramic nonstick bakeware
- Free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
- Recycling program available
- Factory generates 30% of its power from the solar panels
- Recycled cardboard packaging
3. xtrema
- Pure ceramic bakeware
- No lead, cadmium, PFOA, PFAS, non-stick coatings, or metal core
- Handmade by skilled artisans
- Can withstand extreme temperatures
- Microwave, oven, BBQ, freezer, and dishwasher safe
- FDA Certified & California Prop 65 compliant
4. kana
- Stainless steel bakeware
- Manufactured in ethical factories
- Offset 100% of shipping-related carbon emissions
- 1% For the Planet member
5. 360 cookware
- Stainless steel cookware
- Free of harmful coating such as PFAS, PFOS, PFOA and PTFE
- Handcrafted in USA
- Lifetime warranty available
6. made in cookware
- 202-Year-Old Porcelain Recipe and ceramic clay bakeware
- Artisan crafted + chef-approved
- Recycling program available
- USA based factory
The post 6 Best Non-Toxic Bakeware Sets For a Eco-Friendly Kitchen appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Curating a conscious home is a thoughtful process involving much consideration — who made my products, how they were made, and what are they made from — and this guide aims to support you on your journey towards finding ethical and sustainable home decor you truly love.
What is Sustainable Home Decor?
Sustainable home decor includes any home decor that is made in a way that takes into consideration both the makers and the planet. Sustainable home decor will be ethically made using eco-friendly and natural materials. Eco-friendly decor will also be produced using sustainable supply chain practices. This includes using renewable energy and recycled or compostable packaging.
While there are numerous sustainable home decor brands, some of which are featured below, first consider what’s already been made in order to prevent contributing to new waste. Secondhand, used, or DIY home decor options are typically more sustainable than buying new.
What is Ethical and Fair Trade Home Decor?
Ethical and Fair Trade home decor is produced in a way that adheres to Fair Trade standards and is, ideally, Fair Trade Certified. Fair Trade means paying artisans and makers a fair, living wage and providing ethical working conditions. Ethical home decor also includes supporting goods made by artisans using traditional heritage techniques and art forms. Many cultures around the world are at risk of losing their age-old artisanal crafts forever in the age of mass manufacturing.
It’s important to note that sometimes a major brand may use an “eco” fiber while still supporting irresponsible labor practices, and excessive production amounts that inevitably lead to a lot of waste. This is not true sustainability in my mind!
Most artisan-made home decor is ethically produced and directly supports the makers. However, it’s important to check if a brand or marketplace is transparent about their business practices to ensure they are ethical or Fair Trade.
Where Can You Find Sustainable Home Decor?
In terms of environmental sustainability, looking secondhand and vintage is always a great first place to look for sustainable home decor.
But if you’ve scoured those options and haven’t found what you’re looking for and/or if you’re looking to financially support artisans and traditional crafts around the globe, this shopping guide is designed for you. You’ll discover many brands with artfully designed and artisan handmade goods for furnishing any space among this list of decor brands.
All of the brands in this guide use natural and/or recycled fibers and avoid the use of virgin synthetics like polyester; however, some brands do use materials that are not the most environmentally-friendly option on the market, such as conventional cotton.
And of course, I wanted to choose brands that followed slow, thoughtful production practices, prioritizing artisan handmade over factory labor and quality over quantity.
So without further ado, here are my favorite small-batch, artisan-made, and ethical home decor brands.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links — as always, we only curate brands vetted for sustainability that we love (and that we think you’ll love too).
1. Urban Natural
Categories: Accent Pillows, Tabletop, Lighting, Wall Art & Mirrors, Blankets & Throws
Eco-friendly home retailer Urban Natural is on a mission to curate high-quality furniture (and other home goods) built with quality and free of toxic chemicals. Urban Natural carries several sustainable home decor brands, including artisan brands Ethnicraft and Jaipur Living as well as ethically USA-made brands Farmhouse Pottery and East Fork.
2. GOODEE
Categories: Pillows, Lighting, Wall Decor, Planters, Baskets, Blankets, Candles
GOODEE is an ethical marketplace featuring numerous sustainable artisan brands and designers. You’ll find a variety of beautifully crafted home decor goods to suit a wide range of styles. Goodee is a Climate Neutral and B Corp Certified company. They publish an annual impact report so you can easily ensure their business practices align with your values.
Our favorite brands on Goodee are Texidors, Baba Tree, Makaua, and Tensira.
3. Healthier Homes
Categories: Rugs, Lighting, Tabletop, Baskets, Wall Decor & Wallpaper
Founded after years running an award-winning healthy home building firm and publishing a book by the same name (Healthier Homes) this retailer is a go-to online destination for finding non-toxic home goods. The eco-friendly home decor on Healthier Homes is primarily made with natural materials like clay, cotton, seagrass, mango wood, and bamboo,
4. Will & Atlas
Categories: Baskets, Tabletop
Will & Atlas is a women-owned small business making most of their homewares from plant materials like jute, palm leaf, and hogla grass. Their natural fiber baskets are flexile but sturdy built to hold blankets, pillows, laundry, magazines, toys, or just to stand alone as a decor piece. You’ll also find jute coasters and placemats in their tabletop collection.
The brand is committed to ethical practices, partnering with nonprofit fair trade artisan groups in Bangladesh and craftspeople in the U.S. to build long-lasting production relationships.
5. Ten Thousand Villages
Categories: Baskets, Pillows, Throws, Candles, Wall Art, Planters & Vases
Founded 80 years ago, Ten Thousand Villages is the original fair trade store. Throughout the decades, the nonprofit business has continued their commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, as well as sustainability.
As a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization, with artisans around the world from under-resourced communities. Most of the products they carry are made from recycled, upcycled, and natural materials.
6. MagicLinen
Categories: Curtains, Kitchen Linens
Linen is an exceptional material for home decor — there’s a reason we say “kitchen linens!” It’s natural, beautiful, and is often high quality.
I purchased a set of linen curtains from Magic Linen one year ago and they remain one of my favorite home decor pieces. The fabric they use meets the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, meaning its been tested for harmful substances.
7. Passion Lilie
Categories: Pillow Covers, Table Linens
Passion Lilie is a fair trade fashion and lifestyle brand with ethically made home decor, too. The Fair Trade Verified brand has handwoven cotton blankets, organic cotton kitchen linens, unique ornaments, and hand-dyed throw pillow covers.
Each piece is made by Passion Lilie’s partners in India who pay living wages and ensure a safe working environment. Beyond this, the brand supports efforts to enable artisans to continually develop their skills and creates opportunities for community development.
8. 54kibo
Categories: Throw Pillows, Wall Hangings & Artwork, Mirrors, Baskets, Rugs, Lighting
A destination for modern African artisanal decor, 54kibo curates a stunning selection of ethically made home decor. The pieces on 54kibo are made with time-honored techniques using locally sourced materials with rich histories. The designs are exceptional, but the stories behind them make the pieces beautiful additions to your home beyond the surface.
9. The Citizenry
Categories: Baskets, Planters & Vases, Tabletop, Wall Decor, Mirrors
The Citizenry partners with artisans around the world, ensuring safe conditions, fair wages, and offering grants to their artisan partners so that they can expand their businesses.
Their online collection features small-batch artisan-made home goods made from locally-sourced and natural materials like palm leaves and indigo dyes.
More Sustainable Home Guides:
Sustainable Furniture Brands to Furnish a Conscious Home
Best Eco-Friendly and Zero Waste Kitchen Products
Easy Swaps for a Low Waste, Sustainable Bathroom
The post 9 Beautiful Places to Source Ethical and Eco-Friendly Home Decor appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
9 Beautiful Places to Source Ethical and Eco-Friendly Home Decor
Take a look at why hemp is heralded as a hero material and discover 14 hemp clothing brands that have tapped into its sustainable potential.
The exploration of fabrics has always been a starting point for sustainable innovation in fashion. After all, fabrics provide tangible proof that change is possible while having a direct impact on the environment in one way or another. Plus fabrics are responsible for an outsized proportion of a fashion brand’s carbon footprint and overall environmental impact, including biodiversity loss and pollution.
So, What is Hemp Fabric?
Hemp is a bast fiber produced from the cannabis sativa plant, where every part of the plant can be utilized for over 25,000 industrial uses including clothing, biofuel, bricks, paper, and textiles.
Contrary to its popular association, hemp is actually the sober sister to marijuana. Unlike its recreational sibling that’s grown for its psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) properties, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, a value that was the driving force behind the legalization of hemp production in the 2018 Farm Bill. So while you can’t really get high from hemp, you can definitely enjoy its material benefits — which are plenty!
What is Hemp Clothing?
The simple answer is that hemp clothes are garments made from hemp fabric! But the important caveat here is that most hemp clothes on the market today are not made from 100% hemp fabric. They are usually blended with other fibers, like cotton.
At this point, hemp fabric manufacturing is not at the scale or technological level that the manufacturing of cotton (the most popular natural material) is, making 100% hemp clothing more expensive to produce. Also, pure hemp fabric is also known to be quite stiff until a couple dozen washes later, so blending it with a fiber like cotton can make it softer and easier to wear on the offset.
100% hemp fiber content clothing does exist, it’s just rare at this point. Though we do think this will change with more sustainable material investment happening in the textiles industry.
Is Hemp Clothing Comfortable?
It depends! The softness of hemp clothing will vary based on how the fabric was produced and if it is blended with other fibers like cotton or lyocell. Pure hemp clothing can be rougher than cotton, but hemp is known to get softer with every wash.
Also, since hemp is a natural bast fiber that comes from the softer parts of the plant’s stalk or stem, it is softer than the coarser leaf fibers.
Can Hemp Clothing Protect From The Sun?
A lesser known benefit of hemp clothing is that it can reportedly even help shield you from harmful UV rays. According to skin cancer research<