Today, there is a need to conserve energy and natural resources. Environmentalists around the world are urging people to be more aware of the environment and the damage we are inflicting on the earth. Their efforts are paying off as more and more people become aware of the plight of our environment and take the necessary steps not only to conserve non-renewable energy but also to help preserve our natural resources. Efforts to be “green” can also be seen in kitchens, whether private or commercial kitchens.
If you are interested in having a “green” kitchen, here are some simple and very easy tips that you can do.
Save water
It has been said over and over again that we should save water, and doing this is not such a difficult thing to do, as all you have to do is turn off the water supply when you are not using it. If you are doing the dishes; pick up crockery, utensils, glassware, etc.; store kitchen items; or even chatting with your friends, make sure the water supply is turned off so as not to waste water. Unfortunately, there are many people who do not save water when they are doing the dishes. Instead of turning off the water supply when they’re doing the dishes, they leave it on all the time. If you know someone who does this, talk to them about the importance of conserving water.
Recycle
Another way to have a “green kitchen” is to know what recycling is. For this reason, it is important that you properly segregate your trash into dry and wet trash.
Wet garbage is organic garbage like leftover vegetables and fruits. These are basically anything that comes from plants and animals and is biodegradable. You must store them in an appropriate container and mark the container with a sign that says “wet garbage” so that the garbage collector knows what is in it and sends it to the appropriate place in your disposal facility.
On the other hand, dry garbage is paper and cardboard boxes, glasses and bottles, rubber and plastics and metals, etc. You should also segregate them accordingly, such as papers with papers and plastics with plastics for easy and proper disposal when the garbage collector arrives. These items will be recycled by recycling plants into materials.
Shop kitchen items wisely
Instead of using plastic wrap when storing food products inside your refrigerator or freezer, why not buy items that last? Instead, you can use glass food containers. The same can also be done when it comes to choosing and buying cookware as well as cookware. Instead of buying Teflon or other non-stick surface cookware that has a shorter shelf life, why not use cast iron or even stainless steel cookware? When it comes to kitchen utensils and appliances, don’t go for the cheap ones. Bet on the best quality kitchen utensils and appliances. They may be more expensive, but they won’t break easily, so they will save you some money and help the environment at the same time. Remember, cheap kitchen utensils and appliances will break and rot easily.
Lastly, you need to take proper care of your kitchen appliances. This involves following the manufacturer’s instruction manual before using them and using them properly. This also involves turning them off when not in use and unplugging them from the outlet. This should also involve proper storage.
Plan, plan, plan
As they say, don’t waste, don’t want. To save some money, be sure to plan your menus ahead of time and write down all the ingredients you’ll need for the entire week. This way, you won’t waste valuable ingredients and money, and you won’t waste valuable time and effort either. With just one trip to the supermarket, you can save fuel.
Another way to save some money when you do your grocery shopping is to buy in bulk.
These are just a few of the little ways you can have a green kitchen.