Have you ever thought of your kitchen’s impact on the environment? It may not seem obvious, but the products and appliances you use in the kitchen can contribute to the nation’s overall environmental load. Making little changes can make your kitchen eco-friendlier and more energy efficient while producing less waste. Ready to get started? Here are 4 easy steps you can do right now.
1. Wash the dishes the greenway
Did you know that using a dishwasher to clean a load of dishes is 37% more efficient than doing things manually? This is precisely why many homeowners have invested in a quality dishwasher, but you can still conserve water even if you don’t have enough money to spare on a dishwasher. If you’re washing the dishes by hand, make the habit of filling one side of the sink with rinse water and the other side with soapy water. Never let the faucet run. This practice uses about half the water a dishwasher does.
While you’re at it, consider using eco-friendly dishwashing products. Take a quick look at the kitchen products from Sustain Eco Store. They offer all sorts of organic home and kitchen products including unscented dishwashing soaps, wooden dish brushes and pot scrubbers, and organic cotton dishcloths. It’s high time to ditch single-use plastics and switch to greener alternatives.
2. Cook more efficiently
Sometimes, it’s tempting to cook small dishes in your full-size oven. While this proves convenient, it’s not the best way to cook smart. When preparing small meals, consider using a microwave, a small convection oven, or a toaster oven instead. These appliances use 30% less energy than a full-size oven.
And when you use the stove top, be more mindful of the pots and pans you use. Make sure that the pan size matches the burner size while having enough space for the food you’ll be cooking. This helps distribute the heat efficiently, reducing cooking time and energy use.
3. Keep the fridge cold
This one appears obvious, but it pays to be reminded. Avoid keeping the fridge door open for an extended period. Otherwise, you’re just wasting a lot of energy. You should also check the rubber seal around the door every few months. Try closing the door on a dollar bill to test how easily you can pull it out. If it doesn’t take much effort, cold air probably leaks from the refrigerator door. Get it repaired or replaces as soon as possible.
If you have an old fridge, you may want to buy a new one. The upfront cost may be high, but the long-term energy savings make this an excellent investment for your kitchen.
4. Choose products with less packaging
Shopping individually wrapped items at the supermarket is convenient. They take up less space and cost less money. But if you’re concerned about your environmental footprint, you should start buying products with less packaging. For instance, choose large juice bottles than small juice boxes. Such a simple change can create a massive difference for the environment.
Also, bring your own reusable bags every time you go to the grocery store. And instead of roaming around the aisles randomly, prepare a list of the items you’ll be buying. This ensures that your kitchen remains well stocked while sticking to your budget at the same time.
