Are you searching for ways to create a more sustainable kitchen? Look no further! There are several simple steps you can take to make your kitchen more environmentally-friendly. From using your appliances more efficiently to making product swaps, you can easily convert your kitchen to be more sustainable.

Reduce Food Waste

The largest amount of waste in your kitchen comes from food that has been thrown away. Make sure to store your food in airtight containers to prevent them from going bad in the first place. Also, when preparing vegetables, use the WHOLE plant. Freeze the leaves and other veggie scraps and use them to make a stock; a cheaper, healthier and environmentally-friendlier option than buying vegetable stock from the store. If you cannot freeze or save the food, then invest in a compost bin for your food scraps. There are even indoor compost bins available that have a filter and add a chic farmhouse aesthetic to your kitchen.

Reuse!

An abundance of waste is created from plastic wrap, plastic bags, paper towels, and garbage bags. But, there is good news: there are reusable options for all of these products. As an alternative for plastic wrap, you can make or purchase beeswax wraps. There are no chemicals in them, and they keep your food fresh. For plastic bags, there are reusable silicone bags that do the same thing, and even though they are an investment, they will end up being cheaper than buying Ziploc bags over time. For plastic grocery bags, reusable mesh cotton bags have become increasingly popular, but you can reuse any type of grocery bag. These alternatives to plastic not only save the planet, but look more stylish than tacky plastic wrap/bags.

Eco-friendly Cleaning Products

Next to wasted food and single-use plastic, cleaning products can also create waste. Sponges and bottles of certain cleaners can create waste, and some cleaners have strong chemicals. Instead of sponges/towels, there are reusable towels available that can be washed in your dishwasher A biodegradable dish brush is also an essential to cut down on waste and they are better for scrubbing hard-to-clean dishes. For counter or appliance cleaners, you can buy eco-friendly products or just make your own. Companies such as Mrs. Meyer's or Method Home have natural & organic all-purpose cleaner for your kitchen. Or if you want to make your own, here is a simple recipe: 1 part water to 1 part distilled vinegar and your desired amount of citrus essential oils. 

Maximize Your Appliances' Efficiency

To make sure you save energy, your appliances have to run efficiently. Let's start with the refrigerator. The condenser coils need to be cleaned twice a year, as they collect dust over time. If they aren't clean, they cannot cool the refrigerator properly, and take up more energy trying to do so. Also, make sure your fridge isn't overstocked. If there is too much in there, it makes it harder for the appliance to cool itself down. For your dishwasher, make sure to only start a load if the dishwasher is full, as several small loads takes up more water than fewer large loads. Finally, if you have a faucet that drips, then it needs to be replaced or fixed immediately--leaky faucets can waste much more water than you think. 

If you follow these steps, you will have a sustainable kitchen in no time. The more you practice these, the more of a habit they will become!

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