Soul Kitchen

You've read The Omnivore's Dilemma, joined a community-supported-agriculture program, and started steering clear of drive-throughs. The only problem? Your kitchenware consists of a toxic Teflon pan, a rusty baking dish, and several warped Tupperware pieces. Fear not: Here's a recipe for a better-stocked eco-kitchen. 

(listed from left to right)

PRESERVE figured out what to do with those pesky No. 5 plastics (think yogurt containers) that most cities can't be bothered to recycle. The Massachusetts company morphs 'em into attractive — and BPA-free — colanders ($9), measuring cups ($8), and cutting boards ($15).

What's more impressive than the perfectly shaped, I-can't-believe-they're-vegan pancakes you're flipping? Your GREEN STREET spatula and spoon, made from recycled water bottles at a wind-powered plant in Rochester, New York, and delivered via biodiesel-powered truck. $4 each

Print journalism isn't dying, it's just reincarnating. Protect your tabletop from the heat with this recycled-paper trivet, made by artisans at the WOMEN'S MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE in the Philippines. Yesterday's news is tomorrow's kitchen accessory. $12

No drought about it, the four-quart stainless steel sauté pan by Wisconsin's 360 COOKWARE takes conservation to the next level. Its Vapor cooking system saves energy and water. And rule-followers can rejoice: It comes with an informational DVD. (Everyone else, prepare for some trial and error.) Bonus: Its manufacturing facility is wind powered. $220

A cast-iron Dutch oven is the rugged cowboy of kitchen equipment. It's sturdy and pulls off no-fuss one-pot meals. No friend of dish soap, it just gets seasoned with age. The least consumptive cookware is the stuff you inherit from Grandma, but if you need to buy your own future heirloom, we recommend this seven-quart model from LODGE, a Tennessee company that has cleaned up a local stream. $90

--Della Watson