While most people would choose environmentally conscious products over the regular alternatives when given the choice, many are under the impression that it’s too expensive to do so. Fortunately, these days there are many ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly without spending a ton of your hard-earned cash.
Whether you just purchased a home among the real estate in Toronto or have been living in your house in Austin for years and want to make it more eco-friendly, consider any one or more of these five great ideas.
Install a Water Filtration System
Water filtration systems have become one of the most desired features in a kitchen. In fact, Consumer Reports says it’s something that’s frequently requested for kitchen remodels. That’s because not only is it a great way to save money on bottled water, but it reduces the use of all that plastic, something that’s horrible for the environment while providing purity for your health. It’s something that anyone can install without plumbing experience, generally requiring only two components, a filter, and a gooseneck faucet.
Switch Out Standard Appliances for Smart Appliances
Smart dishwashers, microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, and other appliances can monitor the energy they’re using to help reduce waste. While it may not be in your budget to replace them all at once, consider doing it one at a time for a more eco-friendly kitchen. They’re more expensive because you’re investing in the technology that’s integrated into them, but ultimately there will be a payoff. For example, your fridge may be colder than it needs to be, or your dishwasher may not be set at the right temperature to get the dishes clean, and you end up having to wash everything over again. With smart kitchen appliances, that won’t happen. Plus, not only will you be lessening the impact on the environment, but it can mean big savings on your utility bills.
Only Run the Dishwasher When It’s Full
Speaking of kitchen appliances, while dishwashers are more water- and energy-efficient than washing by hand, if you run yours when it isn’t full, you’re wasting a lot of water. Aim to run it at the end of the day or whenever it’s at its fullest to avoid additional unnecessary loads.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
Chemical-filled cleaning products are released through normal use, rinsing down the drain, or through evaporation, and their toxic ingredients are terrible for the environment and our health, as well as the health of pets and wildlife. Commit to using only natural cleaning products that are effective and usually cost less while being more eco-friendly. While you can find options in most grocery stores, it’s easy to make your own with a few simple ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. A Google search is sure to turn up easy recipes for just about anything you need to clean.
Start Composting
You can instantly reduce the amount of garbage you throw out by composting. It’s good for a number of reasons in addition to conserving landfill space and reducing the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. It saves water by helping the soil hold moisture and benefiting the environment by recycling organic resources. And, if you have a garden, it will reduce the need for chemical fertilizers while encouraging the production of beneficial fungi and bacteria that break organic matter down to create rich, nutrient-filled material.
