From recycled materials to energy-efficient appliances, transitioning into a green kitchen is beneficial for the environment and your wallet. Replacing things around your kitchen for an eco-friendly option is always a good choice! Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you will most likely save money in the process. If you don’t know where to start, we have shared five eco-friendly options for your kitchen!
Recycled Materials
Refurbishing and repurposing items for your kitchen is a great way to start. Update your cabinets with eco-friendly paint! Eco-friendly paint consists of materials from clay or citrus, which are solvent-free and contain no VOCs. For the handles, try using some from old dressers or recycled glass! Quartz countertops are a low-maintenance, durable, sustainable option for your kitchen. Recycled bamboo, tile, or sustainably sourced hardwood are great options for your flooring.
Eco-Friendly Cookware
Cookware is a simple way of transitioning your kitchen. Replacing pots and pans for stainless steel, ceramic or glass, is an effortless way to start. For cooking utensils, stay away from pesky plastics, as they are harmful to the environment by accumulating in landfills. Instead, use utensils made of recycled materials, such as bamboo, metal, wood, or silicone! Vegan reusable wax food wraps are an astounding replacement for cling wrap! These wraps are made of candelilla and non-GMO soy wax and are perfect for wrapping sandwiches and bowls.
Composting and Recycling Bins
Composting and recycling bins are fine additions to your green kitchen. Composting eggshells, food scraps, and biodegradable things is a sure way of keeping these out of landfills. Composting also helps reduce greenhouse gases! Recycling bins take care of plastics and other recyclable materials. Keep your composting, recycling, and trash bins together and labeled for a practical, organized kitchen.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Appliances that are plugged in all of the time use the most energy. Try switching your refrigerator to an Energy Star one, as other models use about 30% more power than an Energy Star model. Energy Star dishwashers are also a fantastic green option, with multiple cycle options to choose from according to the number of dishes. An induction cooktop saves energy by heating the pan directly; it also decreases the heat in your kitchen, so that’s a plus! Another energy-saving option is a convection oven. Convection ovens have fans that continually circulate the heated air, moderating the temperature and reducing cook time.
LED Lighting
Switching all of your energy-wasting bulbs with LED bulbs is an easy way to transition your kitchen into an eco-friendly space. Switching to energy-efficient bulbs not only helps the environment but it helps your wallet as well! These bulbs use up to 80% less energy, saving you money on your electric bill. Another great way to save energy in your kitchen is by utilizing dimmer lights! Dimmer lights help conserve energy by allowing you to choose the brightness of your lights according to your needs.