How to Care for Cast Iron Pots and Pans

People have been cooking with cast iron for centuries, and with good reason. Cast iron retains heat well and cooks food evenly, it’s strong enough to be set right over a fire, and it lasts forever.

I love cooking with cast iron for several reasons. The first reason is because it’s safe. Unlike newer pots and pans (many which have a Teflon coating), I don’t have to worry about dangerous chemicals leaching into my food.

Another reason I love cast iron is because once its seasoned, it adds a flavor to foods you just don’t get on the teflon made-in-China pots and pans. There’s a depth and richness that’s added by the pot, and in my opinion the food just tastes better for it.

The cast iron skillets, pots and pans I use in my kitchen are like dear friends. Two of my skillets are family heirlooms; they used to belong to my great-great-grandmother, and they’ve been passed on from mother to daughter ever since she acquired them. They’ve been in almost constant use, as far as I can tell, since the late 1800s. And, there’s not a speck of rust on any of them. They’re so slick and seasoned by now that I can cook eggs on them without any spray or oil; they don’t stick a bit. And, they’re some of my most treasured possessions.

Cooking with cast iron is an eco-friendly way to prepare food. It keeps your food chemical free, and because these pots last forever you won’t have to keep buying new ones as the yucky Teflon flecks and scrapes off (into your food, I might add).

Caring for Cast Iron

Cast iron pots take some special care and attention if you want them to truly live up to their reputation. So, here are some tips to properly care for, and season, your cast iron cookware.

1. Never Use Soap

This was the very first rule my mom told me when she passed those two skillets on to me. Cast iron pots and pans are porous, which is why they transmit such great flavor into your food. However, if you wash cast iron with soap, guess what….that soapy flavor gets into the cookware. Plus, soap will dissolve the oils that need to soak into the cookware and create that prized seasoned coating.

When you wash cast iron, use a soft rag and hot water. That’s it. Try not to use a scrubby sponge because that, too, can scrape the seasoning off the bottom. Get it clean, but don’t go overboard. If you have food that’s really stuck on, boil some water and pour it on the food; it’ll usually come right off.

When you’re done, dry the pot. Put it on the stovetop or in the oven (on low heat) and let the heat dry out the pot completely. Then, pour a bit of vegetable oil on a paper towel, and rub down the inside and outside of the pot with the oil. Make sure it’s all covered, but not enough to be drippy. This oil contributes to the seasoning, and helps prevent rust.

2. Season Cast Iron

You can help season your cast iron by rubbing the inside and outside with shortening or bacon grease. Place a large piece of foil in your oven (to catch the drippings), and turn the pan upside down on the top rack. Turn the oven on a low heat setting, and let the pan bake in there for one hour.

You may need to re-season pots and pans once a year; sometimes they get washed with soap, or sometimes the seasoning is scraped off.

Tip 1: Some people say using vegetable oil to season your cast iron is fine; other say never to use it because it creates a stick surface. I’ve found both to be true, although I haven’t figured out why. I used to coat my cast iron with vegetable oil after its use; sometimes it would get sticky, other times it wouldn’t. I can only imagine that humidity was a factor in this. Now, I use olive oil or vegetable shortening as a coating after it dries, and bacon grease when I need to season one of my newer cast iron pots.

Tip 2: Don’t ever store food in cast iron, or put it in the fridge. This will really destroy the seasoning in the pot.

Tip 3: Always store your cast iron with the lids off, especially in humid weather. When the lids are on, moisture can build up and before you know it, you’ll have rust. Rust certainly isn’t the end of the pot; you can scrub it off with some elbow grease, and once its re-seasoned the pot will be good as new (which is why they last forever. It’s just hard work getting it off!

Do any of you have some tricks and tips on caring for, and seasoning, cast iron? If so, I’d love to hear them!

What Toxic Chemicals are Lurking In Your Products?

Next time you’re at the stove about to cook some tasty eggs for breakfast, you might want to think twice about using a non-stick pan.

According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, and overviewed on the National Resources Defense Council website, states that the toxic chemicals found in many common household products are impairing our immune system in a big way, especially in children.

The study looked at perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). These chemicals are found in tons of products that most of us have in our homes. They’re in the non-stick coating on your pans, waterproofing chemicals, furniture, food packaging, stain-resistent coatings on clothing, the shiny coating on pizza boxes, inside microwave popcorn bags.

The study, conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, examined the effect of PFCs on mothers and their unborn children. What they found was that mothers who were exposed to PFC during pregnancy damaged the immune systems of their children; later on in life, these children were more vulnerable to disease and sickness.

There are other risks as well. NPR reports that children who are exposed to PFCs are more likely to have a poor response to vaccinations. And, Mother Nature Network (MNN) reports that PFCs are often found at high levels in office environments, thanks to cubicle construction, carpeting, and glues. These PFCs end up in our blood, and can take years to metabolize and eliminate.

What You Can Do About PFCs

1. Open the Windows

PFCs can build up in the air from the offgassing of new carpeting and furniture. Opening the windows whenever you can is a great way to clear the fumes away and bring in some fresh air.

2. Avoid Non-Stick Pans

I’ll be the first to admit that non-stick pans are just plain convenient. But, they are bad for us. Try to avoid non-stick pans whenever you can.

I use several cast-iron skillets instead of non-stick. Once you know how to season a cast-iron skillet correctly, and clean it to keep that seasoning is, over time that skillet will get as “non-stick” as the chemically-coated pans. And, it’s far healthier!

3. Pick Up Houseplants

Houseplants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but NASA has proven they purify toxic air. This includes getting chemicals like PFCs out of the environment. Some of the best plants are bamboo palm, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, English ivy, and the spider plant. And really, NASA says, any tropical plant will help purify your indoor air effectively.

China Getting On Board with GHG Emissions

So, I have some great news for you this morning! China, which was on track to be the world’s worst polluter (knocking us off the throne, of course), has hopped on board with the rest of the developing world to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

According to The Telegraph, China was set to overtake the US in per-person CO2 emissions in 2017. However, this rate of growth in their emissions is contested. The Telegraph reports that technically, China overtook the US in 2007 as the world’s larget producer of greenhouse gasses; however, China claims that their emissions are reasonable for the size of their country, when calculated on a per-person basis. So, when you break it down per-person like that, they still have until 2017 to overtake us.

But realistically, they’ve left us in the dust.

However, according to the Environmental News Network, last week China’s government ordered five cities, and two provinces, to cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

The first province is Guandong, which is the country’s largest producer of greenhouse gasses. Their proposal for reducing emissions has already been developed and approved by the government. The plan, so far, is that Guandong must reduce its fossil fuel consumption by 20% by 2015. This must be replaced by energy from renewable sources, nuclear, or hydroelectric.

Other cities that are in this reduction zone include Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenzen, and Chonqing. The province of Hubei also falls into this zone as well.

And China isn’t stopping there. The country aims to reduce its overall carbon intensity by 40%-45% by 2020, which is hugely ambitious. What’s even better is that there are 100 other cities or provinces in China that are also following allowing with these directives, even though they haven’t been ordered to.

Although the US does have similar measures, like California’s strict GHG emission regulations, as a whole we’re still woefully behind many other countries, one of which now includes China, in our regulation of GHGs.

Cost of Electric Car Batteries Poised to Plummet

While the cost of everything else seems to be going  up, there’s one bright spot on the horizon: Treehugger reported today that the cost of electric car batteries are set to drop by 70% by 2015.

Where does this surprising prognosis come from? Well, the writer of the Treehugger articke, Michael Graham, was in Detroit for the yearly Auto Show (going on right now). He was able to sit in on a talk given by Dr. Steven Chu, the U.S. Energy Secretary. The talk encompassed many things, but one of the things he talked about was electric car battery technology, and where it’s headed over the next 10 years.

Dr. Chu states that the Department of Energy has partnered with the industry to help it reduce the cost of the batteries, which so far is really high. And of course, the higher the cost to make these things, the more people are going to shun electric cars in favor of cheaper options.

Here’s what’s amazing, though. Dr. Chu states he’s seeing developments in battery technology that will take an average battery, which cost $12,000 in 2008, down to $3,600 in 2015. That’s an enormous difference that, if it comes to pass, could revolutionize the market and lead to some dramatic changes. He’s also projecting that by 2020, that cost will be down to $1,500. However, I don’t know if those numbers are adjusted for inflation.

The point, though, is that we are about to reach that elusive tipping point, where the performance of the batteries has improved, and the price has dropped, so that they become more appealing (and affordable) for a lot more people. But Graham, the initial writer of the piece, makes a great point: if there’s an unexpected development in the industry, or if oil prices climb quickly, this price drop could happen even sooner as more people start investing in electric cars.

So, this is a bit of good news for all of us!

Ford’s Goal to Reduce Water Use by 2015

Ford Motor Company announced recently that it has a new goal in its quest to reduce the water it takes to build a car. By 2015, the company will cut its water consumption by 30%.

Now, this might not sound like an aggressive number. However, Ford has already taken great strides in cutting its water use; over the past 10 years, they’ve cut their global water use by 62%. That’s an enormous reduction! It adds up to 10.5 billion gallons of water.

The company released a nifty graphic that shows what 10.5 billion gallons of water looks like:

This new goal will make further cuts. If they reach their goal, then it will take 3.5 cubic meters to create a car, down from 9.5 in 2000.

According to Green Biz, Ford doesn’t have much choice in their reduction of water. Many of their factories are in water stressed regions, such as Mexico. Using a ton of water to build cars just isn’t an option in these areas. Any efforts to cut back on water use makes a big difference here, especially if droughts get worse (which many scientists are predicting they will, as our climate gets more extreme).

What’s amazing is that Ford doesn’t use any potable water in its plants to build cars. The only potable water that’s used is for human use. The factories have an on-site wastewater treatment plant that cleans and recycles 80% of the water that’s used. The rest is used for irrigation around the factory.

I can only applaud Ford’s steps to reduce their water footprint. The company already has the largest living roof in the world, which sits on top of one of their factories in my home state of Michigan. This new goal can only do good in the areas where their factories are located.

From Concrete to Greenery

Last summer, I went to Manhattan. And by sheer chance, the hotel I stayed at was right on top of the High Line, a lovely park that used to be an elevated railroad. The city, along with a very large crew of volunteers, turned this elevated railway into a beautiful, thriving park that winds its way through the Meat Packing District.

I spent several mornings walking along this amazing park. Even though the bustling city was just a story below, it felt much further away. This space, which used to be an eyesore, was now a welcome respite teeming with birds, flowers, and peace.

According to UNFPA, by 2030 more than 5 billion people will live in the city. Right now, more than half the world’s population lives in a city. If we’re going to thrive as a human race, then it’s up to us to make sure our cities are as nourishing, healthy, and spiritually healing as they can be. And one of the best ways to do this is by making sure there is enough green space for everyone to enjoy.

Fortunately, more and more cities are recognizing that endless concrete is both spiritually and environmentally depleting. And in spite of the down economy, they’re making efforts to turn unused spaces into lush, green parks that everyone can enjoy.

Madrid is another city that’s trying to transform its landscape. According to the New York Times, the city just finished a six mile park, called Madrid Rio, that used to be an aged highway. Seoul, South Korea finished a park in 2005 that exposed a long buried river running through the city center. And Yonkers, NY is trying to expose the Saw Mill River, which runs right along their city center.

You can help increase the amount of greenery in your own city by getting involved in a neighborhood greenery project. Any unused lots in your neighborhood could potentially be the site of a community garden, a patch of wildflowers, or some newly planted trees.

I used to live in downtown Detroit, and it’s amazing how much work is getting done to transform that city. And, it’s not being done by government or city workers. Neighborhood by neighborhood is getting transformed by regular, everyday people. They’re cleaning up trash, starting gardens, and turning abandoned houses and lots into artistic and beautiful spaces and parks. They’re not waiting for permission; they’re just doing it.

Our cities can be nourishing, environmentally friendly places to live. But, we have to take the responsibility upon ourselves to make them that way. Waiting around for someone else to do it for us will likely mean we’re waiting a long time.

Wolves in the Midwest to Lose Federal Protection

Starting January 27, 2012, thousands of gray wolves in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and a few other neighboring states will lose their Federal Protection status. This move will open them up to state-licensed hunting.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Midwest wolves’ population has stabilized enough so that the government can transfer the management of the wolves back to the states. But, animal rights activists disagree. They claim that the wolf population hasn’t had time to grow robust enough, that more time is needed before their protective status is removed.

What’s significant about this move is that according to Reuters, it’s the first time an animal’s protected status has been removed by legislation, and not by scientific study.

The Fish and Wildlife Service does say that the wolves exceeded their population targets last year, which is why they feel it’s time to remove their protective status. However, most of the states listed have minimum population targets around half of where the wolves are right now. This means that once the states have control of their own wolves, then according to their own targets, there are 50% more wolves than there need to be within their boundaries. This could pave the way towards legalized hunting and trapping.

Wisconsin has already enacted legislation that permits private trapping by landowners in affected areas, and they’ve also legalized the shooting of wolves by landowners who find the wolves threatening livestock.

Wolves were hunted and trapped to near extinction in the 20th Century. And the clash between these animals and farmers/ranchers has been a public, and messy, struggle.

My Take…

My personal opinion is that the wolves should remain under government protection. I believe that it’s too early to take them off; one severe winter could push their numbers back down significantly, and with the added threat of hunters and trappers, their population could plummet quickly.

I understand the struggle between farmers and ranchers, and their desire to keep the wolves away from their livestock and other animals. My own family has a farm in Louisiana, and although there aren’t gray wolves in that area, the coyote population has grown significantly in the past 20 years thanks to efforts from the Louisiana Fish and Wildlife Service. We’ve lost many pets, namely dogs, to roving packs of coyotes. And, many of our neighbors have had problems with their own livestock.

However, this is the risk that we all take when we choose to live in the country, and we choose to have animals under our care. There are always going to be threats from predators, disease, and famine. Telling the world that wolves aren’t allowed “in my backyard” isn’t taking responsibility for the choice every one of us of made when we decided to live in the country.

Wolves are an important part of our ecosystem, and they deserve a place to live just like we do. Accepting that threat, and taking responsibility for our choices, is how we can all move forward and live a life in balance.

Public Transit Tax Deduction Is Getting Cut

If you take public transit on a regular basis, then you probably already enjoy a $230 tax cut per month ($2,370 per year). This tax cut is meant to help prompt people to get out of their cars, and onto public busses and trains. And with many people, it’s probably working. At the very least, it helps offset the expenses

However, according to The Daily Green, this generous tax cut will be no more after 2011. Starting in 2012, the tax cut will be almost half what it is now, roughly $130 per month.

As you might imagine, the tax cut’s reduction could make some people think twice about taking public transportation, especially when the tax cut for parking expenses will actually go up, to $240 per month.

So, what can you do about?

The best thing to do is to tell your state representatives that you don’t want the tax cut to take place. The Daily Green provided this great link you can use to send a personalized email to your own state Rep. Letting your rep know you’re against this tax reduction could inspire them to put the cut back into a new bill they pass before the end of the year.

How to Reduce Christmas Trash

Did you know that Americans generate 25% more trash during the winter holiday season? It’s probably not hard to see why: we’re buying gifts (which often come in plastic or cardboard boxes), we’re wrapping presents (and then throwing all that paper away), cooking more food, sending boxes through the mail…we just consume more during the holidays.

It doesn’t have to be this way, however. There are plenty of things we can do to generate less trash during the winter holiday season.

1. Reuse Gift Wrapping

Did you keep any gift wrapping or ribbon from last year? If so, reuse it! You could also put out a call on Freecycle to see if anyone has any gift wrapping left over that they won’t be using this year.

2. Upcycle Gift Wrapping

According to Earth 911, 85 million tons of the paper Americans use each year goes towards gift wrapping, packing, and decorating. And, wrapping paper and gift bags account for 4 million tons in the trash just during the holiday season.

Most people don’t realize that much of the gift wrap they buy at the store can’t be recycled. The reason is because there are often metallic properties in the paper (which makes it so shiny and sparkly), there are additives like glue and glitter, and if there’s tape on it, it can’t be recycled.

This is why it’s so important to get creative with your gift wrap. What could you do?

• Wrap presents with paper bags, and draw on them. Many supermarkets are now decorating their paper bags for the holiday season so people will upcycle them into gift wrap, and then recycle them after the holiday is over. Trader Joe’s is a good example of this! Also, this blog has some wonderful ideas for making your paper bag wrapped bags a lot more beautiful by incorporating other upcycled materials.
• Wrap gifts in old maps, phone book paper, or sheet music.
• Wrap gifts in a vintage shirt or scarf.

3. Buy Recyclable Gift Wrap

If you’re pressed for time, or just don’t want to put all the work into making your own wrapping paper, don’t worry…there is gift wrapping that’s easily recycled. I think Target carries some each year, and you can find plenty of options online simply by Googling “recyclable gift wrap”.

If you’re shopping for gift wrap in the store, look for paper that is plain, with a matte finish. Paper that is shiny or sparkly can’t be recycled.

Permafrost Releasing More Greenhouse Gasses Than Previously Thought

Do you know what permafrost is?

Permafrost is soil that stays below 32 degrees for two years in a row or more. The picture on the left shows what permafrost looks like.

Most places in the higher altitudes, as well as areas close to the North and South Poles, are covered in permafrost. In fact, 24% of the Northern Hemisphere is permafrost! So, this soil makes up a lot of land area.

What you might not know, and I didn’t either, is that permafrost releases greenhouse gasses if the temperatures warm up enough for it to start melting.

Now, here’s where things get a bit grim. A new study by 41 international experts, and published on the Yale Environment 360 blog, states that amount of greenhouse gas getting released by melting permafrost is 1.7 to 5.2 times larger than previously thought.

The study, which was recently published in the journal Nature, found that permafrost in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions contains far more organic carbon, at greater depths, than we’ve realized. As our environment warms, this permafrost will continue to melt at faster rates. As it does, it releases methane, which is far more potent than carbon dioxide.

And here’s the kicker. According to the study’s leading scientist, Edward Schuur, permafrost holds more organic carbon than all living things combined, and stores four times more carbon than all the carbon ever released by human activity.

In short, this thawing permafrost has the power to really accelerate climate change. Hard to imagine, but according to Schuur, this is the hand we’ve been dealt.

However, anything you can do to lower your carbon emissions is a step in the right direction. I know it may seem like a tiny thing, but driving less, walking more, and buying fewer “new goods” really does make a difference! It’s these tiny efforts that will add up to positive change over the long term.

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