Earth Day is a great time to think about going green in the kitchen. Having an environmentally friendly kitchen is easy — and affordable — if you make a few simple changes to your current living style. Here's how you can make your kitchen more green:
- Recycle! This may seem like a no brainer, but if you don't recycle your cans, glasses, cardboard and plastic containers, etc. start doing so now. If possible, start composting as well.
- Plant a garden. Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs cuts down on the amount of fuel needed to transport the produce. Home gardens also cut back the use of plastic baggies.
- If you are remodeling your kitchen, use recycled materials, and look for eco-friendly, energy saving appliances with long shelf lives.
- Stop using plastic and paper bags. Instead transport groceries in reusable tote bags.
- Buy local products when possible.
- Substitute cloth napkins for paper napkins.
- Completely fill the dishwasher and only wash full loads.
What are your tips for an eco-friendly cooking space? Share your ideas with us below!
Stella McCartney
Tom Tailor
Current&Elliot
Well, to save water you should always shower with someone else.
1chiefdishwasher- i like the way you think!
2chiefdishwasher - you have a shower in your kitchen???
3i wanna grow a garden, but i just know i'd kill everything!
4Great tips and all in one place. It'd make a great checklist.
5Have a small house/appt with a small kitchen with small appliances, and you will consume way less energy, pay way less property taxes.
6I went back to hand washing dishes with a prefilled sink and rinse water. It saves electricity and water (not that much is needed to wash a few dishes) and I bought a large drainer for my counter. Not only am I saving money but it is also more convenient to have something washed and ready to go immediately rather than waiting for the cycle to finish.
7No paper plates or plastic utensils. I had to break my rule recently due to a surgery and felt guilty as hell! Also, at potlucks and work, bring your own "real" plates, bowls and utensils.
8Ooooh! Forgot one of my favorites. Cut up old ratty towels and sheets (especially flannel!) and use them for cleaning instead of paper towels.
9Great tips!
10Get a water filter!
11Instead of tupperware or other plastic containers, use cleaned empty glass jars, bottles and their lids for food storage. Pretty olive oil bottles work nicely for homemade salad dressings. An assortment of different sized jars works great for leftovers, and the flavor of the food doesn't absorb into the glass as it does with plastic containers. Sorry, got a little bit of an Earth Day boner going on!
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