6.9 Materials: Using and Reusing
backWe just moved into our new house, and my curious Auntie came over for a visit. Let’s just say... she had something to say about everything.
Girl: This copper pot is so pretty!
Auntie: It is, but unlined copper can leach into food, which isn’t safe. Too much copper can make you sick and even harm your liver over time.
Girl: Oh no, what should I use instead?
Auntie: Stick to copper cookware that’s lined with stainless steel. It’s much safer!
Girl: Look at my cast iron skillet. It’s so heavy!
Auntie: That’s because it’s tough as nails. Cast iron can last forever, adds a bit of healthy iron to your food, and gets naturally non-stick if you season it well.
Girl: Sounds amazing! Any downsides?
Auntie: If you don’t care for it, it can rust. But take care of it, and it’s a kitchen treasure!
Girl: I love my non-stick pan—nothing ever sticks to it!
Auntie: They’re handy, but be careful. If it gets too hot it can release toxic fumes. Older pans might even have harmful chemicals no longer used in newer ones.
Girl: Yikes! What should I do?
Auntie: Don’t overheat it, and replace any pans that are scratched or worn. That’ll keep your cooking safer!
Girl: I use these plastic spoons for cooking—they’re so cheap!
Auntie: Be careful with those. Cheap plastic utensils can release microplastics or chemicals when they get too hot.
Girl: Oh no, that sounds bad! What should I use instead?
Auntie: The old good wooden utensils are a much safer choice.Girl: I like my aluminum pot. It’s cheap and so light!
Auntie: That’s true, but aluminum can leach into food, especially with acidic or salty dishes like tomato sauce or lemon-based meals. Over time, that could cause health issues.
Girl: Oh no! What’s a better option?
Auntie: Try aluminum with a protective layer that stops leaching and keeps your food safer.
Girl: My glass lid is so handy. I can see my food while it’s cooking!
Auntie: Glass lids are great for that! They’re safe and completely non-reactive.
Girl: Any issues with it?
Auntie: Just one. It's fragile, so handle it carefully. But as long as you don’t drop it, it’s perfect!
Girl: My stainless steel pot is my favorite. It feels so sturdy!
Auntie: It is! Stainless steel is durable, safe for most foods, and doesn’t react with ingredients.
Girl: Any downsides?
Auntie: it doesn’t spread heat as evenly as some other materials, but nothing to worry about!
Girl: My ceramic pan is so pretty! It’s like cooking on art.
Auntie: It’s a great choice! Ceramic is non-toxic, doesn’t react with food, and is perfect for cooking acidic dishes.
Girl: Any problems with it?
Auntie: Just watch out for the coating, it can chip over time. Handle it gently, and it’ll stay beautiful and useful!
Girl: I love my silicone baking mold. Nothing ever sticks to it!
Auntie: Silicone is fantastic for baking and steaming. It’s safe, non-toxic, and super easy to clean.
Girl: Is there anything it can’t do?
Auntie: Just don’t use it for super high-heat cooking. It's not made for that. But for baking, it’s a total lifesaver!
Auntie: Solid wood cabinets? They must have cost a fortune!
Girl: Oh no, they’re second-hand, reclaimed wood.
Auntie: That’s even better! Reclaimed wood is not only eco-friendly, but it adds character and charm. Plus, it's a great way to save money!Auntie: Is the flooring wood?
Girl: Oh, no! It’s vinyl.
Auntie: Vinyl’s a smart choice for kitchens! It’s budget-friendly, easy to clean, and water-resistant. Just make sure to pick low-VOC versions if you can. They’re better for the air quality.
Auntie: The countertop looks like stone. Is it?
Girl: Oh, no, we don't have that much money! It's laminate.
Auntie: Laminate’s a great choice! It's inexpensive and comes in all sorts of colors and patterns, even ones that look like stone or wood. It’s durable and easy to clean, though it might not last as long as real stone.
Girl: Nope, it’s plastic. Waterproof and super easy to clean.
Auntie: True, but be careful with cheap plastic; it might release harmful chemicals. PVC-free ones are a better option!
Girl: Ceramic! They’re durable, water-resistant, and add such a nice texture.
Auntie: They definitely do, and they’re practical for bathrooms, too.
Auntie: These shelves are lovely! Are they new?
Girl: Nope, they’re made from reclaimed wood. Eco-friendly and full of character!
Auntie: Smart and sustainable. Reclaimed wood always tells a story.Girl: No, it’s engineered wood with a laminate finish. It’s durable and budget-friendly.
Auntie: Nice!
Auntie: These tiles look fancy! Are they real marble?
Girl: Not really. It is ceramic that mimics marble. Affordable and water-resistant, perfect for the bathroom!
Auntie: Clever choice! Easy to maintain and gives a high-end look.
Auntie: This bed looks so elegant! Is it an antique?
Girl: Yep, it’s vintage solid wood. Found it second-hand and gave it a little polish.
Auntie: Beautiful and sustainable! Second-hand furniture always has so much charm.
Girl: Not at all. Just a bit of water and sunlight. They make the room feel alive!
Auntie: And they clean the air too.
Auntie: That wardrobe is gorgeous! Is it new?
Girl: Not at all.It is reclaimed wood, restored to look as good as new.
Auntie: Clever and eco-friendly! Old wood like that is so durable.
Girl: It is. Found it at a local artisan market.
Auntie: Supporting local artisans? Good for you. It is unique and sustainable.
Auntie: These lace curtains are so pretty! Where did you find them?
Girl: They were handmade by Grandma. Perfect for keeping the sunlight soft and cozy.
Auntie: They add such warmth, and nothing beats handmade.