The green movement that has been taking over the world in recent decades can no longer be considered a passing fad, but a new way of life that will help in the preservation of Mother Earth. With the growing scarcity of natural resources and the rising degree of global warming and climate change, homeowners are faced with an easy decision to introduce green solutions across the household in order to help the eco-system and make long-term financial savings.
Fortunately, breathing new life into your home and going green can be an easy and straightforward process. And it all starts with the kitchen. Here are five effective ways to make your kitchen truly environmentally-friendly.
Clean your appliances the right way
First things first, regular appliance upkeep is essential in maintaining a green kitchen with ease and without busting the proverbial bank. Unfortunately, food residue, dust, and other kinds of nasties can accumulate quickly in such a hectic environment, impairing the performance of your appliances and costing you dearly in the long run.
So consider giving your essential appliances a thorough scrub-down every month or so, tending to the fridge, the microwave, the oven, and the range equally. This will allow the appliances to operate optimally without consuming more energy than usual, and it will help prolong their lifespan as well.
Look for Energy Star appliances
In the modern world, there can be no room for old, wasteful household amenities. This is the dawn of a more mindful, eco-friendly age, and smart, green appliances are at the forefront of the environmental movement. You don’t have to switch out every appliance in your kitchen at the same time, but you can introduce a contemporary model one at a time.
The most important thing is to look for appliances that are eco-friendly, boasting an Energy Star rating depicting their effectiveness at conserving resources. Don’t forget to use your appliances properly as well, keeping the fridge and the dishwasher fully stocked. Refrain from using the microwave to defrost food too, as the process wastes huge amounts of electricity.
Cut cooking time and save energy
The kitchen is the busiest room in the entire house. And rightfully so – it’s the place where mom makes all those delicious treats 24/7. While there is nothing wrong with cooking for your family, it would be a nice change of pace if you could cut cooking time, save energy, and enjoy a bit of well-deserved rest and relaxation.
That’s why you want to use contemporary cookware, such as a Scanpan Dutch oven that’s just perfect for preparing delicious meals easily without wasting energy in the process. Look for cookware that doesn’t require you to use more than medium heat and choose only pieces that wash easily with the use of natural cleaning products.
Say no to the dishwasher
The dishwasher, no matter how useful it can be, is a product that has no place in the modern world. And even if it has, you should at least refrain from using it all the time, and try to cut short the wash cycles in general. Dishwashers often consume vast amounts of resources, which you can easily avoid by simply tending to the dishes yourself and giving them a quick clean when you find the time.
Use only natural cleaning products
Speaking of cleaning and washing, another great way to go green in the kitchen is to replace the harmful commercial cleaning products with their natural, eco-friendly counterparts. You can get most cleaning chores done around the house with a simple mixture of apple vinegar, water, and baking soda, although there are numerous other recipes you can try. Before long, your kitchen will boast a fine, natural aroma, with no harm done to the environment.
Homeowners around the world are increasingly embracing the eco-friendly concept by implementing simple solutions in their homes in order to build a better tomorrow for their family and save money in the process. With these five easy tips, you will have no problem going green in your kitchen and paving the road to a healthier, happier future.
Author: Olivia Jones
