8/29/10

The EPA has asked manufacturers of nonstick pans to eliminate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) -- otherwise known as Teflon -- from cookware by 2015. While many people are throwing away their nonstick pans in favor of old-fashioned cast-iron or new ceramic-coated pans, some may not be able to afford new pans right away. Do the next best thing: Cook in nonstick pans over low to medium heat and never use metal utensils that may scratch the surface. If the surface begins to flake or look questionable, then it may be a good time to invest in some greener cookware.

8/28/10

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced it is reevaluating the chemical triclosan, a common antimicrobial ingredient found in everything from hand soaps to plastics, because of concerns that it "alters hormone regulation" and may make "bacteria resistant to antibiotics." Almost three-quarters of the population has traces of triclosan in their urine stream, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you want to avoid the risk, be sure to read the ingredients on personal care items to avoid triclosan and, when washing, remember: regular soap and hot water will always do the trick.

8/27/10

Upcycle old silk flowers into ceramic-looking ones in minutes. Mix about two cups of powdered plaster (from the hardware store) with water according to the package instructions. Dip each silk flower into the plastic and dry standing upright by securing them to an old Styrofoam block. When dry, arrange in a basket just like ceramic flowers.