Going green has been a global trend for a while now, and that isn’t likely to change any time soon. If you’d like to be part of the growing movement toward eco-friendly homes, read on for some tips to get started in your kitchen!
Choose Long-Lasting Cookware
Sometimes going back to the basics is the best option, and this is a tip that can help out the planet and give your wallet a break.
Stainless steel cookware may have a higher up-front cost, but it’s long-lasting and hard to damage, making it a good choice if you want to go through fewer pans. Cast iron, so durable it’s been passed down through generations in some families, is even better.
Quality knives will save you time on cooking prep, and sharper knives are safer to use. Investing in a good knife sharper will prolong your knives’ lifespan and keep them good as new if proper care is taken.
For other kitchen utensils and containers, consider non-plastic options.
Cut Down on the Plastic
Going completely zero plastic may take some work, but cutting down on your plastic use in the kitchen can be surprisingly easy.
Swap out plastic containers for glass. Glass doesn’t absorb smells or food stains. It handles the dishwasher better. And, of course, glass can be reused for far longer than plastic. Not to mention you avoid the sometimes dangerous chemicals in plastic.
Wooden or metal serving spoons are also good alternatives. Wood for pans you don’t want to scratch up. Metal for cast iron or out on the grill.
Buy Local (and in Bulk)
Buying local is great for two reasons:
- You support your local businesses (Like Closet & Storage Concepts of Las Vegas!)
- You make your carbon footprint a lot smaller
Farmer’s markets and neighborhood grocery stores give you a connection to where your food comes from. Bulk shops are good sources for kitchen staples with little or no packaging. And those glass containers we mentioned earlier look great on open pantry shelves.
Pick Eco Friendly Appliances
Keeping your old appliances for as long as possible is, of course, the most eco-friendly option. But if you’re in the market for new ones, keep an eye out for energy efficient options. And if you want to be a little more environmentally friendly with your food prep, pressure cookers and crock pots are a great option. They use less energy, and you get the bonus of convenient meals whether they cook quickly or slowly.
Recycle
This is the standard one. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
In most communities, plastics, paper, glass, and metal are recyclable, though what goes in your bin may depend on your recycling service. If you want to increase your impact, composting food waste can help cut your carbon footprint even further.
Pull outs in your kitchen or pantry can help keep trash, recycling, and compost organized and orderly.
Considering installing some, or upgrading your pantry storage for bulk buying? Closet & Storage Concepts of Las Vegas can help! Contact us today for a free in-home consultation with one of our designers and talk about your pantry needs.
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