8 Easy Ways to Achieve a Sustainable Kitchen

published Jan 05, 2021
2 min read

Sustainable Kitchen

To many of us, we believe that the kitchen is the heart of our home. That’s because it is where people can gather around while enjoying a good meal.

However, spending time in the kitchen could also mean that we are producing waste. In fact, North Americans and Europeans produce at least 95 kilograms of per capita food waste per year. And we are just talking about food waste alone.

That said, we have listed down eight ways on how you can have a sustainable kitchen.

Use Biodegradable Items

When it comes to sustainability, one aspect that you should take note of would be how you manage the waste. In the case of a sustainable kitchen, waste management is even more important an issue to handle.

You can have a more practical approach to your waste management in the kitchen by using biodegradable items in the kitchen. You want tools and utensils, and other items in your kitchen to last long. At the same time, when the time comes, you want them to decompose so that you aren’t generating waste that stays there for a long time. Biodegradable items will ensure that you won’t help fill landfills with waste that won’t even decompose until long, long years passed.

Recycle and Compost

Another part of waste management that you should implement in your kitchen would be recycling and composting. There is plenty of waste that you generate in the kitchen that you could recycle into something else. If you have a recycling centre near your house, you can also send your waste to them, but you have to categorise them well first, depending on their rules.

One type of waste that you’re going to deal with most often in the kitchen is food waste. Instead of just throwing away all of your food waste, you might want to look into the magical capabilities of composting.

Composting is especially significant if you have a green thumb or want to take a crack at gardening around your property. You’ll find that the waste you make isn't a waste because it will help your garden flourish.

Practice Eco-Friendly Clean-Up

When it comes to sustainable living, cleaning the kitchen is often overlooked.

What you do not know is that there are eco-friendly cleaning products that you can use to keep your kitchen clean. The professional home cleaners at Planet Maids Maid Service NYC also recommend making your cleaning solution.

It will also help if you make an audit of how you clean your kitchen and then make the zero-waste swap where needed. For example, if you are used to wiping away spills using a paper towel, consider using a microfiber cloth instead.

Invest in Energy Star Appliances

When you want to be more sustainable, you should also put some effort into making your kitchen more energy-efficient. Kitchen appliances can use up quite a bit of your energy at home, so it will be in your best interests to get energy-efficient kitchen appliances. Luckily, there’s an easy way to find these types of machines.

Look for the Energy Star label on kitchen appliances. This label is an indicator that your preferred appliance is energy efficient.

Sure, energy-efficient kitchen appliances have a hefty upfront price, but you will be able to reap your savings through reduced electricity bills.

Invest in Stainless Steel Tools

The material that makes up your kitchen can also use a touch of sustainability.

Of course, if you already have a working and top condition kitchen, there’s no need to make changes. But consider investing in stainless steel tools if you’re thinking of renovating your kitchen.

The majority of stainless steel materials are recycled, reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, it’s an aesthetically versatile material despite giving off a modern vibe.

Use LED Lighting

A simple way to be more energy-efficient is by replacing your old lightbulbs or lighting and using LED lighting instead.

LED lighting uses less energy for the same level of brightness or even more substantial. That’s why they’re a better alternative to older lighting.

They’re excellent on a long-term basis, so you should switch out your lights if you’re not using LED lighting.

Use Reusable Kitchen Towels

Reusable kitchen towels are an excellent alternative to paper towels. You can use them repeatedly by washing them, and they’ll take a long time before they start becoming unusable.

You don’t even need to purchase new kitchen towels. You can create kitchen towels out of old towels, cut them into smaller squares, and use those instead of paper towels.

Use Glass Storage Containers

As much as possible, you might want to get glass storage containers for any food items or the like around your kitchen. They’re going to be convenient because you can freeze them, and some of them are microwave friendly too.

Plus, they look a lot more stylish around your kitchen than many plastic containers do.

The tips listed allow you to set up the foundation of having a sustainable kitchen. Couple that with other zero-waste practices, and you are sure to enjoy a sumptuous meal with your family while doing your part in saving the planet.