Living a green lifestyle is often easier said than done. With modern life being so hectic, finding the time and energy to make eco-friendly choices in daily life can be challenging. However, plenty of small actions you can take at home will drastically reduce your environmental impact without major commitment or overhauls of your schedules. Here are six ideas on how you can go green in the kitchen.
1. Start Composting
Composting is an incredibly effective way to reduce waste output and use organic materials you would otherwise have to discard. It is also great for the environment because it helps reduce methane emissions from landfills, which are potent greenhouse gas.
Additionally, composting helps return organic materials to the soil, which in turn improves soil fertility and helps plants absorb nutrients more easily. Compost also serves as an effective fertilizer for your garden and lawn, helping to keep them healthy and vibrant.
Composting is an uncomplicated and straightforward process with minimal setup involved. It’s also easy to keep up with. For a successful compost bin, all you need is some kitchen scraps, a bit of TLC, and time to tend your compost pile.
Turning composting into a routine is simple. With many valuable tips and tricks available online, you can quickly learn how to create a practical compost pile and make it part of your everyday lifestyle.
Watch this video to learn more:
2. Reduce Your Food Waste
Reducing food waste doesn’t have to be complicated. Making small changes in your everyday food habits will help you when it comes to properly managing the food you purchase. Getting creative with leftovers is a great way to reduce food waste. A great starting point is to become familiar with the average shelf life of different types of food and avoid purchasing too many perishables.
Additionally, keep your leftovers from going to waste too. Get creative and find ways to use them in other dishes or snacks. Leftover food can also be saved for upcoming meals or frozen for later in the week. Composting can also be used for foods that have passed their expiration date or are no longer suitable for consumption.
Check out these hacks on how to reduce food waste:
3. Use Compostable Takeout Containers
Compostable containers break down quickly in compost piles, making them much preferable to traditional plastic or styrofoam alternatives. It’s also vital to ensure you’re using the right type of compostable container, as some are unsuitable for composting.
These containers are usually found at most health food stores or online retailers such as Good Start Packaging. Additionally, many restaurants and cafes now offer their customers compostable takeout containers as an eco-friendly alternative to packaging. They are an easy way to help reduce your environmental footprint and keep your kitchen green.
Watch this to get a glimpse:
4. Reduce Energy Usage
Reducing the energy usage in your kitchen is a great way to help save money and be more environmentally conscious. This can be done by ensuring all appliances are turned off when not in use and unplugging them when you’re done using them. Ensure you only run full loads in the dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances.
Additionally, make sure you use energy-efficient light bulbs that use less electricity than traditional light bulbs. If you want to replace kitchen appliances, opt for Energy Star-certified models, as these use less energy than standard models.
Here are some more tips on how to reduce energy usage in the kitchen:
5. Recycle
Recycling is a simple yet powerful way to help the environment, and it’s easy when you know what can be recycled right in your kitchen. Plastic containers, cardboard boxes, jars, and cans are all easily-recycled items, and having a designated recycling spot helps make recycling part of your routine.
It’s also important to remember that items must be properly sorted for maximum effect. Check with your local municipality for guidelines, or look up the do’s and don’ts of responsible disposal online for a few minutes. It is also an excellent opportunity to teach your kids about recycling and how it can help preserve the environment.
Here are some more recycling tips:
6. Use Natural Cleaning Products
Rather than using conventional cleaning products full of chemicals, try switching to natural alternatives such as white vinegar and baking soda. These are much better for the environment and tend to be more affordable and effective at tackling dirt and grime. You can also make your all-purpose cleaner by mixing white vinegar, baking soda, and a few drops of essential oil. Additionally, natural sponges or cloths are better replacements for paper towels which create unnecessary waste.
Here are some DIY natural cleaning items you can make:
Going green in the kitchen is a great way to help reduce your environmental footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle. You can take many simple steps to make your kitchen more eco-friendly, such as investing in reusable items, recycling, using compostable containers, and switching to natural cleaning products.
Additionally, reducing energy usage can help save money and be more mindful of the planet. Making eco-friendly kitchen choices is a great way to contribute to a brighter and healthier future.
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Andrew is the founder and CEO of StickerYou, a global, e-commerce leader in custom-printed, die-cut products that empowers consumers and businesses to create high-quality materials for personal expression, marketing, and packaging.
