A sticky subject: green vs. traditional nonstick skillets

In recent years, Teflon and similar coatings used on nonstick skillets and pans have been surrounded by controversy. Several groups have questioned the health ramifications of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) -- two chemicals used to make Teflon and chemically-similar coatings. In response, most manufacturers have agreed to curtail the use of these chemicals by 2015, and meanwhile, a slew of new eco-friendly nonstick pans have hit the market. In our new report on skillets, we query whether these alternative nonstick coatings work as well as Teflon. 

Eco-friendly skillets employ the use of more natural nonstick agents like ceramic and sand. However, while these products boast to be PTFE-and PFOA-free, we found mounting evidence that at least so far, they don't work as well to keep your eggs from sticking as good old Teflon. Products like Cuisinart's GreenGourmet and EarthPan's Hard Anodized nonstick skillets seem to get decent reviews when they're new, but we found some troubling and consistent user reports that after a few weeks, the coatings begin to lose their nonstick properties.