How green is your kitchen? Does your kitchen have a huge positive or negative impact on the environment and health of your family? Since the kitchen is one of places that your family will spend the most time, consider giving it an easy and affordable green makeover in these 9 simple steps.
1. Get Cleaned
Ditch the high-price, toxic-filled, environment killing-chemical laden cleaners the next time you do your grocery shopping. Instead invest in a set of reusable spray bottles and 9 simple ingredients that will not only clean your bathroom, but your entire home.
2. Get ReUsed
It is finally time to stop purchasing paper napkins and towels – they are wasteful and can only be used once. Instead invest in a set of affordable organic cotton washcloths and towels that can be used over and over again. Not to mention, they are much more absorbent that paper.
3. Get Recycled
If you aren’t already recycling, why not? Either take all of your recyclables to the recycling bin in the garage or invest in a recycling center for your kitchen. It doesn’t matter how you recycle, it just matters that you do.
4. Get Composted
There are many great options available on the market now for all different types of composting needs. If you like in an apartment, townhouse or condo – there is a composter for that. If you live in a neighborhood – there is a composter for that. If you live in a rural, country area – there is a composter for that. So what are you waiting for?
5. Get Local
When doing your food marketing consider going local -and by local I don’t mean the closest grocery store. Instead, support your local community of farmers by shopping locally at your farmer’s market, food co-ops and farm stands.
6. Get Bagged
Are you still using paper or plastic? It’s time to invest in a great set of reusable grocery bags. These do not need to be expensive, they only need to work and you have to remember to take them when you do your marketing.
7. Get Hydrated
Stop purchasing bottled water – if you are concerned about the quality of your home’s water, consider purchasing a water-flirtation system or pitcher. These may seem like the bigger investment – but overall you will save a ton of money over bottled water. Not to mention the Earth will thank you for not adding another water bottle to the landfill or recycling bin.
8. Get Grilled
While the weather is still warm, get outside and get grilling. Grilling uses a lot less energy than your kitchen oven and it is fun too. For people who live in warmer climates (Yay!) you can grill all year long and save the energy from your giant stove and your air conditioning (since your house won’t be super-hot from using the oven.)
9. Go Organic
You don’t have to purchase everything in organic, but I recommend spending your money on what is important to you. Think of it as voting with your wallet. Our hard-earned money goes towards supporting the products that we want in our grocery stores. Purchase as much as you can organic – if you can’t afford a lot consider starting with produce, dairy and meats.
What other ways do you green your kitchen?
