Sustainability, Thanksgiving, and Cast Iron Skillets

Last night some friends were at our house for Thanksgiving dinner leftovers and talk turned to cookware. I had tried to make a dish in a non-stick pan where I should have used a cast iron skillet, with a poor result. My friend commented that production should stop around the world for cast iron skillets immediately because they never wear out, and surely there are enough of them in existence today to meet any demand for a very long time. I had to agree with her, since I stoutly believe in the idea that cast iron cookware is lifetime cookware and a perfect example of ideal reusability.

So the question is, where do all the cast-iron skillets go? If you are looking for answers on how to take care of the cookware you have, or how to rehab a piece you found at a local flea market or yard sale, check out the forums at the International Dutch Oven Society to get any questions answered.