Eco-Friendly Kitchen: Embracing the “Green” Lifestyle. Creating a “green” kitchen involves making conscious choices when it comes to appliances and food storage methods.
By implementing the following changes, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.By incorporating these changes, you can gradually transform your kitchen into a more sustainable and eco-friendly space. Remember, every small step contributes to a greener future for both your household and the planet.
Optimize Energy Consumption with Efficient Household Appliances
When it comes to assessing the eco-friendliness of your kitchen, your appliances play a pivotal role.
According to Jennifer Powers, media manager of the National Resources Defense Council in New York, NY, aside from heating and cooling systems, refrigerators are the primary energy guzzlers in households. However, the good news is that modern refrigerators are significantly more energy-efficient compared to the older models many of us remember from our childhood.
In fact, regardless of the type you own, today’s refrigerators are approximately 70 percent more efficient.
To ensure energy efficiency with any appliance, there are two key factors to consider: the Energy Star certification and the Energy Rating Number.
The energy rating number indicates the level of efficiency, with higher numbers representing better efficiency. The Energy Star program ranks appliances based on their energy performance, meaning any appliance bearing the Energy Star label is among the top 25 percent in terms of efficiency.
Furthermore, paying attention to temperature settings can significantly impact energy consumption.
Powers advises setting your refrigerator temperature between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit, while the freezer should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your fridge has a power-save switch, utilizing it can further enhance efficiency.
Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the refrigerator door seals tightly. You can test this by placing a closed dollar bill between the door gaskets.
If it’s difficult to pull out, the seal is intact. However, if the bill slides out easily, it’s time to replace the gaskets.
When it comes to dishwashers, it’s advisable to choose models that are not only energy-efficient but also excel at cleaning dishes effectively.
By selecting a high-performing dishwasher, you can eliminate the need for pre-washing, thus conserving water. Pairing it with low-sudsing detergents from brands like Seventh Generation and Mrs.
Meyers, which are both non-toxic and biodegradable, ensures that your cleaning routine remains environmentally friendly.
Construct with Sustainable Materials to Foster an Environmentally Friendly Environment
When it comes to replacing or updating various elements of your home decor, such as countertops, flooring, and tiles, it is essential to prioritize the use of sustainable materials.
Opting for eco-friendly options like bamboo and cork can make a significant difference. These materials are derived from plants that regenerate quickly from the same source, unlike wood, which takes decades to regrow a tree.
Another alternative is to choose products made from recycled content, offered by companies such as Green Sage and Green Building Supply.
Dr.Herb Hauser, president of Midtown Technologies, a green builder consulting firm in New York City, emphasizes the energy-intensive nature of mining operations involved in obtaining granite and marble. By utilizing recycled materials, we not only reduce waste but also minimize the energy required to mine and process new products.
It’s important to note that not all sustainable materials are synthetic. Innovative companies like Vetrazzo in Berkeley, CA, are now using recycled glass to create unique countertop designs, showcasing the possibilities of incorporating recycled content in new and exciting ways.
However, if the timeless appeal of marble or granite is your desired aesthetic, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and ensure the ethical sourcing of these materials.
Prioritize local suppliers whenever possible. Opting for locally sourced materials reduces energy consumption and fuel usage during transportation from the point of origin to the store and ultimately to your home.
In addition to the environmental benefits, supporting local businesses contributes to the growth of your community’s economy, providing an added bonus to your sustainable choices.
Adopt Eco-Friendly Practices for Food Preparation and Storage
When it comes to creating an environmentally friendly kitchen, it’s not just about the permanent fixtures and materials but also the choices you make regarding food preparation, storage, and consumption.
Dr. Hauser suggests transitioning from plastic containers to glass alternatives.
Glass containers have a longer lifespan as they can be used repeatedly until they break, and then they can be recycled. On the other hand, plastic containers have a shorter lifespan and contribute to environmental waste.
Eliminating the use of bottled water is another crucial step in creating a greener kitchen.
According to Elizabeth Royte’s book “Bottlemania: How Water Went on Sale and Why We Bought It,” a staggering 17 million barrels of oil are used each year in the United States solely for producing plastic water bottles. To avoid relying on bottled water, consider installing a filter on your faucet or even a whole house filter system.
By using refillable and reusable water bottles, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact.
In addition to the materials and products used, it’s important to evaluate how we utilize our kitchen space to make it more environmentally friendly.
Small Changes in our cooking and food preparation habits can have a significant impact.
One area to focus on is water consumption.
Dr. Hauser highlights that most of the Water Waste occurs when the water is left running unnecessarily, such as when we step away while the faucet is still on.
To rethink water usage, consider installing foot pedal controls for your faucet. By using a foot pedal, you become more conscious of the amount of water you use, and it also eliminates concerns about cross-contamination after handling raw meat.
Residential foot pedals are available from companies like Pedal Valves.
Another option to conserve water is to install motion-controlled faucets, similar to those found in public restrooms.
These faucets only activate when something is in front of them, and they automatically shut off when you step away. By implementing this technology in your kitchen, you can conserve water and reduce your water bill.
By making these small yet impactful changes, you can transform your kitchen into a greener space, minimizing waste and conserving vital resources.
*The information is for reference only.
