Whether you’re celebrating Shrove Tuesday or just gathering with friends and family to enjoy some delicious pancakes for Pancake Day, why not make it an eco-friendly celebration?
From non-stick pans releasing toxins to plastic-wrapped toppings, there are greener and healthier ways to enjoy this tasty tradition. Instead, choose sustainable ingredients, toxin-free cookware, and waste-free toppings for a celebration that’s not only delicious but also kind to the planet.
Here’s how to make your Pancake Day plastic-free and planet-friendly!
Plastic-Free Pancake Swaps
Ditch the Toxic Non-Stick Pans
Many non-stick pans are coated with chemicals like PFAS, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because they can take thousands of years to break down in the environment. When heating non-stick pans, the PFAS on them can break down and leach into your food, posing potential long-term health risks.
Instead of using these harmful options, choose safer, toxin-free alternatives like cast iron or stainless steel pans. These are durable, free from harmful toxins, and can last a lifetime when properly cared for.
Cast iron pans, like these ones, build up a natural non-stick surface the more you use them. Just preheat your pan, add a little oil, and you’re good to go! Take care of it by washing with warm water *no soap*! Pat dry, re-season by rubbing with your oil of choice, then pop in a 230°C oven for 30 minutes. It might take a little extra time and effort, but it’s worth it. With proper care, your pan will last for decades, delivering perfectly cooked pancakes (and so much more) every time.
Stainless steel pans, like this one, are excellent heat conductors, perfect for achieving an even cook. To keep food from sticking, make sure to heat up the pan for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add a couple of drops of water, and if they sizzle and split into multiple little droplets, the pan is hot and ready. Just add your oil or butter and voilà! Wash with warm, soapy water and you’ll have a long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative to non-stick coatings.
Say No to Black Plastic Utensils
Black plastic spatulas and cooking utensils are often made from recycled plastic, which can contain toxic flame retardants like decabromodiphenyl ether, a chemical linked to health risks. Like non-stick pans, these utensils can also leach toxic chemicals into food when exposed to high temperatures. Furthermore, black plastic is notoriously difficult to recycle due to the carbon black pigment added during production, which makes it hard to detect for recycling systems.
Instead, opt for sustainable alternatives like wooden, bamboo, or stainless steel spatulas. These materials not only reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, but are also more eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable. They’re perfect for flipping your pancakes without leaving behind any microplastics!
Go for Plastic-Free Pancake Ingredients
Avoid pancake mixes in plastic packaging and make your own batter from scratch, it’s easier than you think! Here’s a simple, waste-free recipe for crêpe-style pancakes:
- 250g wheat flour (bulk-buy or use a paper-packaged option)
- 450ml room temperature milk (get glass-bottled milk from a sustainable source such as Milk & More, or check out our blog to find out how to make your own plant-based milk!)
- 3 fresh eggs (organic, free-range and local if possible)
- 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup (paper or glass-packaged)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 50g melted butter + extra butter for the pan
Simply mix, pour into your stainless steel or cast iron pan, and get flipping!
If you’d rather make fluffy, American-style pancakes, adjust the recipe above with just a few small changes. Use all the same ingredients and measurements, but instead, only use 300ml of milk and add 1 tablespoon of baking powder for extra fluffiness.
Top It Off the Sustainable Way!
Many store-bought pancake toppings, such as chocolate spreads, come in plastic packaging. Instead, try these delicious, plastic-free alternatives:
- Lemon & sugar: Classic and simple! Use fresh lemons from the market and paper-packaged sugar.
- Fresh fruit: Get some bananas, berries, and citrus fruits from your local shop or market. Don’t forget to bring a reusable tote or produce bag!
- Homemade jam: Make your own using your favourite fresh fruits and berries. Store in glass jars.
- Nut butters: Get some peanuts or almonds from a refill store, make homemade nut butter and keep in reusable glass jars.
- Honey or maple syrup: Choose glass bottled options or buy from a local market.
- Chocolate spread: Many brands come in plastic, but you can make your own using cocoa powder, nut butter, and a little sweetener. Otherwise, melted chocolate is a simple and delicious topping for any sweet craving!
Pancake Day Without the Waste
Make your entire Pancake Day celebration more sustainable:
- Use reusable plates and cutlery to avoid single-use waste.
- Compost food scraps, such as lemon or banana peels, instead of tossing them in the bin.
- Store leftover batter in a glass or stainless steel container. Keep it in a cool place and use it within the next day or two.
- If hosting a pancake party, encourage guests to bring their own reusable plates, cups and cutlery if you don’t have enough.
Let us know what swaps you’ll be making for a plastic-free pancake day!
Ready to act? Sign up for our 30-Day Plastic Free Challenge and get a free calendar packed with simple steps to reduce plastic waste and live more sustainably. Make a difference, one day at a time!
We hope you’ve found this blog helpful! As always, you can support Aim Plastic Free by buying a cup of tea or sharing the site with a friend. Your support means the world to us!
Thank you for promoting a healthier mindset, we forget that microplastics are everywhere and that theyre soo bad for our health