Be Good To Yourself: Switch to Unbleached Paper Cooking and Baking Products

Over the last year, we've tried to become more eco-friendly at the acraftygourmet.com headquarters, aka our house. I donated all of my non-stick Caphalon pots and pans, which I purchased while working at Williams-Sonoma and replaced them with enamel and cast-iron items from Le Creuset.  Le Creuset is know for not containing harmful chemicals like PFOA, a known carcinogen. According to Dr. Mercola, studies have shown that non-stick cookware heated to temperatures as low at 446 degrees, will release toxins into the air. I found that especially scary since I cook daily. I also got rid of all of my aluminum cookware, because aluminum has been shown to be a causal factor of Alzheimer's disease, which I have a high genetic predisposition for according to 23andme.com. Finally, I also stopped using aluminum foil and plastic wrap in the kitchen.

As part of my move away from foil, I switched to unbleached parchment paper. The reason I chose unbleached parchment paper is two-fold. First, it is much better for the environment. The process of bleaching paper products releases dioxins and chlorines into the air. Most European paper companies have moved away from the traditional process of bleaching, but many US companies still continue to practice it. But even the newer and improved method is still very harmful since it releases chloroform, a known carcinogen. Using unbleached paper products is also much better for the family and home. When using unbleached parchment paper, there are no harmful chemicals leaching into your food, tea, or coffee.

I've partnered with Beyond Gourmet to introduce my readers to their line of unbleached cooking and baking products. I am giving away 2 boxes of unbleached coffee filters, a box of unbleached baking cups, a box of mini unbleached baking cups, a package of unbleached cheese cloth, and one box of unbleached parchment paper.

To be entered into the contest, you must like A Crafty Gourmet on Facebook and then please comment below letting me know how you would use these products in your home. Contest will end on September 30th and a winner will be announced on October 1st. Good Luck! Also don't forget to enter my The Spice House contest.