How to Create a Green Kitchen
These days it is important to watch your eco-footprint and make a difference. Start from home, doing changes that will not only help the environment, but are better for your health and pocket.
Recycle
This is an easy one, get two trash cans and you are set. Dispose any paper, plastic or aluminum in one and the rest of trash in another. You can rent the big recycling trash cans for outside the house from your trash services local company. The recycling system is split into 3: Green for any garden disposal, Blue for recycling items, and Black for any other trash.Stop using paper and plastic plates, cups and silverware
Force yourself to start using your awesome silverware, plates and glasses. You will notice that is yummier to eat a sandwich from a real plate and drink juice from a real glass. Also, buy one of those water filter jars, like Brita, they are very affordable, save you tons of money and the water tastes great and it filters in no time; get a reusable going out bottle and you are done!Be aware of paper towels
Yes, paper towels are very handy for cooking and cleaning, but have you noticed how many rolls you use in one month? If not, check again, you are wasting too much paper; it is time for a change. Go to the store and buy a bunch of cloth towels, they can be as great as paper towels, use some to dry your hands only, other to clean counters, other to dry vegetables, and other ones to remove greasy stains. And wash them weekly.If you can afford it:
Make the appliance change; get energy efficient by buying a new refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer. There are amazing rebates and incentives out there. Do you know that the new energy efficient dishwasher use 5.8 gallons of water or less per load? That's right! You can use up to 20 gallons of water if you thoroughly rinse the dishes before putting them in the dish washer. A great tip is just to scrape and load, easier for you, better for your pocket and the environment.Fun Fact:
Using an energy efficient dishwasher instead of hand washing will save you annually 5,000 gallons of water, $40 in utility costs, and 230 hours of your time.Green it up some more:
Your kitchen is starting to look green as green can be. Don't forget to get healthy in the process too, try to buy more organic foods, sure you will spend a little more every time, but you will eat healthier more nutritious food. Also: Buy biodegradable items, like trash bags. Get those trendy new totes for your groceries. Buy vegetables that you can grow, like basil, spinach, cilantro, parsley, etc. It will not only make your kitchen look fresh and prettier but you will have 24/7 fresh vegetables.Wow, don't you feel great? Amazing job!