I just wrapped up a Spring Detox with an amazing group of people. We broke and upgraded bad habits, shared our challenges, cooked some incredible detox friendly food and practiced more guilt free self-care than we normally do!

In addition, many of us took detox to other areas of our lives with the extra energy gained. Some cleaned out their fridge, others shredded massive amounts of paper and yet others decreased their use of electronics (AKA digital detox). I personally got rid of two big bags of old clothes, a few plastic containers (slowly switching everything over to glass) along with an old and barely working waffle iron.

My husband who loves to bake (healthier) waffles on the weekends was not about to be without his waffle iron and had already loaded one up in my Amazon shopping cart when a little red flag went off in my head.

Over the last few years, I have been on a quest to lighten the toxic load of harmful chemicals in my environment. I have swapped conventional household cleaners with simple homemade essential oil based cleaners, eliminated parabens and synthetic fragrances from my skin and hair care routine, and replaced non-stick pots and pans.

However, I had not thought about the peeling non-stick coating on my burning hot waffle maker! The nonstick coatings in question allows for easy clean up, but it’s made with a chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is made from perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA has been linked to male infertility, pregnancy difficulties, high cholesterol and thyroid problems, and is also a known carcinogen. It is found on nonstick cookware and waffle makers along with other appliances such as space heaters and irons.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the act of pre-heating a pan coated with this nonstick surface for two to five minutes, emits toxic particles and gases linked to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of pet bird deaths and may also sicken people, producing flu-like symptoms sometimes called “Teflon flu.” Not something I want in my waffles!

Thankfully, there are many safe and effective alternatives to the classic non-stick cookware. Here and here are detailed reviews of the different options. Personally, I chose stainless steel, cast iron and porcelain enamel and have never looked back. Upon further research, I’ve discovered that the next generation of non-stick technology in cookware is here along with interesting ergonomic qualities. Check it out here.

And just in time for Mother’s Day, I have swapped out the teflon coated waffle iron in my Amazon cart with a much safer alternative. It will be a gift for my husband! And I’m counting on some mean and ‘green’ waffles in bed on Mother’s Day! If not, I’ll still be delighted with the planned outing to the countryside of Virginia with a picnic and a soccer ball in the trunk.

Here’s to your Simple Well Being!

Wishing all the lovely mothers out there a happy and healthy Mother’s Day!

Linda