The green kitchen normally begins with eco-friendly eating, but it certainly doesn’t end there. From sustainable materials to energy-efficient appliances, there are many ways to make your kitchen truly green and truly healthy (which incidentally is also good for your budget). Here a just a few.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
According to Energy Star, Americans saved enough energy in 2008 to equal the gas emissions of 29 million cars by simply using Energy Star-rated appliances; that equates to nearly $19 billion saved on utility bills. Want to join in the savings? When your old appliance has indeed run its course (and it doesn’t simply need a quick fix), search for energy-efficient appliances with the Energy Star rating, available on most kitchen appliances including refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves and freezers.
Buying Fresh Goes a Long Way
Not only does fresh food taste better, it is much better for the environment and your budget. Packaged, frozen foods are frequently packaged just that way to ensure there’s no loss in the quality of food or taste. So why not just skip the frozen food and opt for the fresh? It’s less packaging, better for you and most of the time involves fewer environmentally-damaging processes to get to your local grocer.
Use Sustainable Materials
When it comes to counter-tops and the kitchen sink, there are a wide variety of attractive yet sustainable materials to choose from. For instance, recycled copper sinks or stoneware (think these Blanco sinks) are eco-friendly and trendy. When it comes to counter-tops, you can find everything you need from recycled glass to sustainable wood, there’s an eco-friendly option that fits every style and budget.
Green Cleaners
There seems to be a strong misconception that a truly green kitchen isn’t a clean one. But you don’t have to use harsh, toxic chemicals to achieve the level of sparkle and clean you want. Look for cleaners that are biodegradable and plant-based products or you can make your own using general household items such as vinegar, lemon and baking soda.
Don’t be Wasteful
When it comes to the kitchen, that old cliché most certainly rings true. In fact, from leftovers to food packaging, the kitchen typically generates the most waste of any room in the house. As such, be aware of the products you purchase and their packaging. Use your own reusable bags when shopping and reuse what you can such as glass jars or durable packaging. And of course, if you frequently throw out food, then you are purchasing and cooking too much! Reduce your waste and save money by purchasing food only for the upcoming week.
