July 14, 2022

Homeowners are always looking for ways to live sustainably, care for the environment and reduce their carbon footprint. Luckily, we can achieve this through sustainable living. Besides, sustainable living and environmental consciousness go hand in hand. One of the most ideal ways to incorporate sustainable living into our lifestyle is by creating an eco-friendly kitchen.

Here are 7 ways to create a kitchen that supports sustainable living.

Reuse and Recycle

Don’t use and dispose of items mindlessly. Reusing and recycling go a long way in minimizing kitchen-based trash. Recycling, in turn, prevents reusable litter from filling the already overflowing landfills. Reduce and reuse your packaging, especially when going for grocery runs. Also, buying items in bulk will reduce your trips to the grocery store.

Don’t throw away plastic cups and bottles. You can get creative and make decor items out of these plastics. Your kids can also use such reusable materials for their school projects.

Don’t throw food into the trash can. Turn it into compost and use it in your kitchen garden or yard.

Always recycle and reuse kitchen furniture or items during a kitchen remodeling session.

Natural Illumination

Natural lighting reduces the need to turn on kitchen bulbs during the day. You may need to spend a few coins on a kitchen remodeling spree. Use bright colors like whites, yellow, or orange on the wall. Remember to stick to glossier and eco-friendly paints.

Floors also play a big part in making your kitchen naturally lit. Install shiny polished floors. If the budget allows, add floor-to-ceiling windows in your kitchen. A window over the sink area can also illuminate the kitchen. 

You can also replace your back door with a glass door to let more light into your kitchen. Also, go a step further and install skylights.

Mindful Cleaning

Mind how you clean your kitchen and utensils. Switch to an eco-friendly cleaning routine. Use cleaning towels or cloth instead of a paper towel. Reusable plates are more sustainable than disposable plates. Besides, you can clean them.

Get rid of toxic cleaning products and use organic or traditional cleaning solutions with a “Green Certified” label. You can also make your cleaning products using non-toxic ingredients.

If you’re using a dishwasher, run it when it’s on full load. Full loads prevent water and energy wasting.

Save Energy While Cooking

Reduce your energy usage and bills by getting energy-efficient cooking appliances. Induction cooktops, instant pots, rice cookers, air fryers, and limited oven usage conserve energy.

Always opt for foods that require little prep time. You can always try eating edible raw foods such as salads.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Are you thinking of upgrading your kitchen appliances? Take the energy-efficient route. Manufacturers are continuously producing efficient appliances. Do your research and buy appliances with start energy consumption ratings. Switch to an efficient dishwasher and a smaller fridge. Most of the vegetables and fruits you store in your fridge can last longer outside the fridge. 

Don’t dispose of old kitchen appliances. Donate them or call the recycling company.

LED Lighting

What type of lighting do you use? Bulbs, fluorescent tubes, or surface-mounted LEDs have superb efficiency rates. Energy efficiency helps reduce your household’s carbon footprint. Compared to halogen tubes, LED tubes don’t contain any toxic substances that can harm the environment.

Additionally, they have a longer life than other lighting alternatives. A standard LED bulb has an average of 5.5 years of life span. LED lights are also durable. Therefore, it is ideal for the kitchen.

Grow Your Food

A garden inside or outside your kitchen is a fantastic way to produce your food. It’s less costly and a great way to consume organic and nutritious food. You don’t need a big garden to yield enough food. You can use pots or raised garden beds. Besides, plants are good for the environment and cleanse the air. Bring some of these plants into the kitchen to create a green and clean kitchen.

A Wrap

There are many facets to creating an eco-friendly kitchen. How you clean your kitchen, manage waste, the energy used while cooking or storing food, and lighting contribute to an eco-friendly space. A sustainable lifestyle needs not be expensive or complicated. It requires the will to preserve the environment and stay committed. What’s more, all these tips are budget-friendly and easy to implement. Embrace sustainable living to preserve the planet.