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How to choose dishes that are good for us and the environment

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The type of kitchenware and dishes we use may seem like a topic of little importance, but it would be nice to know how to choose items that cause minimum damage to us and to the planet, right?

– Recycling isn’t invented just for fun, so choose dishes made with recycled/sustainable materials. This applies to the material of the dish and to the material of the dish’s parts (for example: handles).

– Support your local retailers and buy from them to save resources needed for transportation.

– Encourage eco-conscious companies and buy from them. If they recycle, use eco-friendly materials and do not waste needless resources on packaging, they are worth supporting.

– Plastics aren’t the best choice possible for dishes and kitchenware, but if you’re into it look for producers that use recycled plastic. Stainless steel can also be recycled, so you can’t go wrong if you buy these dishes.

– Dishes made of glass and ceramics, as well as stoneware are a perfect choice when it comes to eco-friendly and safe products. When it comes to stove and oven pieces, the best eco-friendly cookware is made of recycled glass, stainless steel and cast iron.

– For big gatherings and parties it is most convenient to use disposable dishes, but make sure they are recycled and biodegradable.

– Finishes are a huge issue. Look for non-toxic ones.

– Lead is the major issue when it comes to vintage, antique dishes and dishes made in countries with poor ceramics and glassware regulations. Thus, never store food in them, it can leach lead which might cause lead poisoning. Also, do not store liquids in lead crystal bottles and glasses for the same reason. If you’re pregnant, have babies or children don’t drink or let them drink from lead crystal glasses. If you have doubts about your dishes, you can test them for lead with lead strips.