If you’re seeking a healthier lifestyle, the kitchen is a great place to start. Small changes in what you eat and how you nourish your body is one part, but carefully considering what you use to cook, and how you clean and store, can also have a significant impact on your overall well-being. If you’re not sure what to change first, consider these three swaps to get a step closure to a happier, healthier home.

Cookware

Swap: non-stick for stainless steel 

Good health starts with healthy cookware. Being choosy about the cookware you use is a great start to a more conscious kitchen. Cheap non-stick pots and pans may pose a health risk when they are overheated or get scratched and peel. Find out more about that in this blog post on the topic

The good news is that there are so many healthier cookware alternatives that don’t pose risks. 

Why not try: 

Stainless steel. This tried and tested material is non-toxic, long-lasting and durable. 

Greenpan’s ceramic-coated, non-stick cookware is free of PFAs, PFOA, lead and cadmium

@home premium cookware is easy-to-clean, made from durable stainless steel, non-toxic, PFOA-free and made with a PTFE coating for a non-stick surface without all the harmful chemicals. 

Cleaning products

Swap chemicals for natural 

The products we use to clean our homes linger long after use. Commercial cleaning products are effective but include harsh ingredients that are not so great for us and even worse for the environment. Household and cleaning products often include harmful chemicals and contain ingredients that can cause health problems like breathing difficulty, skin irritation and other issues when used over a prolonged period of time

Natural cleaning products are gaining momentum in the mainstream and offer effective and gentle cleaning options for those conscious of what they use around their home and near their bodies. 

Why not try:

The Tuiste home cleaning range is handmade in the Karoo using locally sourced natural ingredients. Not only do they smell great but they get the job done too without toxic chemicals. 

Keep your coffee machine clean, naturally with the Magnificent Barista Boys eco-friendly cleaning products made from biodegradable, natural and organic materials.  

Make your own cleaning solution with Evo Life. The EVO Home device allows you to create a powerful, safe, multi-purpose solution to replace harmful household cleaners. The solution kills bacteria and viruses, cuts through grease and grime, and eliminates household odours. It is safe to use throughout your home and gentle enough to use on fresh produce and kids’ toys. In addition to being a chemical-free product, the EVO also helps you cut down on single-use plastics since you’re always refilling the same bottle.

Storage

Swap: plastic for glass

The materials we store food in are just as important as what we eat and how we cook it.

Where possible, swap out plastic containers for glass, especially for storing cooked or wet food. 

Glass is a completely natural product that contains no additives or impurities. It is impermeable and non-porous, so it doesn’t stain, or give off odours nor does it transfer chemicals into food. Plastic food containers have a short life and over time get scratched, discoloured, or warped, which is also when chemicals can start leaching out and into your food.

Why not try:

Pyrex Cook & Freeze glass containers are wonderfully versatile as the glass bottom is made from durable Borosilicate Glass that is oven resistant up to 300°C. Each piece comes with a lid, making storage in the fridge or freezer a breeze. This is the perfect way to prep ahead and make dishes that can go from freezer to oven when it’s time to eat. 

These stylish glass storage containers are not only chic but a healthier way to keep dry goods and grains in your cupboard and pantry.