When it comes to green products, I’m a simple man. I can do without all of the hyper-marketed hocus pocus mumbo jumbo. It’s cute and all, but nine times out of ten its main goal is to inflate the eco-bonafides of an otherwise marginal (or horrid) product. Deep down in my green as grass heart, what I really want is a product that 1.) works and 2.) lasts forever. The best green products are the ones that are green by just being what they are, great products that stay that way.
With that in mind, I introduce you to probably the greenest part of my kitchen: Lodge Cast Iron Cookware. At first glance, Cast Iron doesn’t jump out at you as a “green” product. I mean there are no artistic angles to the design and zero bamboo of any sort! Cast Iron Cookware is big, heavy, and made of metal. But, Cast Iron Cookware is as green as any product I’ve ever used reviewed because it LASTS FOREVER!
That point really can’t be overstated, you probably have cast iron somewhere in your family that has been in use since Lincoln gave the gettysburg address. For little more than the cost of standard cookware (in some cases less) you can have a product that will last forever and not only save on the cost of future cookware, but also reduce the demand on our natural resources that that cookware would have created. Heck, you might save your kids future cookware. I have a small skillet in my family that makes the PERFECT cornbread and i’m waiting to get my grubby mits on it.
Most of that can be said for all cookware. But if you’re going out and going to make the decision to buy cast iron, Lodge is the best place to start. Each of their non enamel items are made and shipped from the great state of Tennessee. In addition to that, Lodge has made a serious commitment to the environment.
Each of Lodge’s items are pre-seasoned, meaning that they’re ready to go when you bring them home. Mrs. Green Gear and I cooked all sorts of food that you’ll see in the video. The photos above are from some 100% sustainable pheasant Mr. Green Gear brought home from a weekend hunt!
Not only that, cooking with cast iron is a pleasure. Once it is heated, it cooks through meat, sauces, bread, and veggies with ease. Our favorite is the griddle, it allows me to cook chicken for the week’s lunches without drying them out. One important note is that cast iron should be cleaned with water only, and once patted down should be lubricated/protected with a light spray of pam or oil (not unlike a gun). As you use the cast iron throughout the years it will develop its own character and outlast every other item in the kitchen.
4 out of 5 Gears for Fixed Eco Benefit, Value, Quality, and General Awesomeness
Below are photos and the video review. Ask questions and post comments!
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Gret review. Love your site, it is very informative. I will be stopping by here frequently.
Thanks for this review. My husband wants to get a cast iron griddle, but I’ve always been a bit suspicious about using this heavy thing for every day meals.
However, I think I’ll give it a go, and who knows, I might even love cooking in it
Cheers!
I love your blog!!
Thanks Marija!
You’ll love cast iron. It does take some extra time when it comes to cleaning (no soap, use rag and water to clean, then oil it to prevent corrosion (kind of like a gun)). Check out lodge’s griddles, they’re not too heavy and they are wonderful.