Prepare a Tasty, Toxic-free Feast!

Want to give thanks without toxic chemicals crashing the celebration?  We’ve come up with a few suggestions for a toxic-free turkey day!

Avoid canned goods and prepackaged foods.  Canned goods are often contaminated with BPA that has leached from the liners.  A small group of companies are now using BPA free liners in their cans, making them a safer choice. But even better, take the time to start with fresh to avoid BPA and other additives.  Staples such as cranberry sauce can be surprisingly easy to make.

Buy local and organic when possible.  Certified organic is always a good choice to avoid pesticide residues, and many Thanksgiving favorites are currently in season.  Serve your family the freshest produce by shopping at a local farmer’s market.

Use glass and stainless steel cookware.  Don’t accidentally serve a side of toxic chemicals! Glass, stainless steel, and cast iron cookware are the safest options for cooking and storage.

Vinyl has no place at a toxic-free table.  Often packed with  lead and phthalates, vinyl is an unwelcome guest that frequently pops up in placemats and table decorations.  Make your own decorations with natural materials like gourds, leaves, and pinecones instead.

What about the leftovers?  When cleaning up the remains of the feast, try to avoid storing leftover food in plastic containers. Is plastic all that’s available? Transfer food to glass or ceramic dishes before reheating. Plastics are more likely to leach chemicals at higher temperatures.