Green Homes Las Vegas Undressed

Green Cookware Las Vegas

I hope to start my series of articles on Brad Plaster’s LEED-platinum certified home in Las Vegas shortly. These articles will cover the last four or five months of construction providing you with a wealth of great green home building concepts and ideas.

Today, we look at Green Cookware Las Vegas.

After researching traditional non-stick cookware I came away with the thought that some of the claims may be overblown. The public has been using Teflon for many years. Teflon pans require that the consumer heed the concerns of overheating these pans; this can cause toxic fumes. It is also apparent that scouring those same pans can let loose some bad consequences.

When non-stick coatings are heated to high temperatures; fumes and chemicals can be released. The temperature would need to approach 450 degrees and higher to release the bad toxic gases. Surface scratches present a bigger problem; these may cause very small amounts of plastic and leached aluminum to cling to the cooked food.

Using common sense and taking care of your cookware can reduce the risk.

One of the things that we learn when we explore Green is that it is just as important to look at the manufacturing process used in making a product.

PFOA is a chemical used in the Teflon manufacturing process; the chemicals find their way into the environment and us. A study was conducted by the Environmental Working Group in 2005. They found that PFOA was being found in the umbilical cords of US-born infants. There seem to be changes on the way. Dupont has said that they will reduce the use of PFOA by 95% by 2010 and completely by 2015.

We look to the past for safer alternatives.

Remember your mom’s cast iron cookware? They are cheap, heat evenly and can provide you with an iron supplement. 

Looking for something from the earth?

Terra Allegra Imports’ 1870 Collection is the earth of Italy. They are molded and hand dipped in brilliant finishes. A naturally non-stick crystalline finish is applied and double baked at extremely high temperatures. They can be used on stove-tops, in ovens microwaves and dishwashers. You will need a $5 heat diffuser if you have an electric range.

The collection is produced by one of the oldest manufacturers of “terracotta” in Liguria, Italy.

There is an absence of harmful by-products as it is made. Less energy is required, due to the great heat conductivity of terracotta. Here is their website and they also have a blog.