Going Green In The Kitchen
Going Green In The Kitchen
Becoming environmentally friendly in the kitchen is about more than simply cutting your energy costs. There are plenty of things you can do to help look after the planet’s resources, reduce your carbon footprint and save a few quid while you’re at. Here are Tommy Welsh’s top tips for going green in the kitchen:
Buy quality – Buying cheap cookware and utensils is a false economy. For the most part, low quality equipment won’t last nearly as long a good brand. Spend a little more and your kitchen equipment will work better and last longer.
Buy energy efficient appliances – Look for A-rated energy appliances. One of the best investments you can make is by upgrading to an induction hob. As well as being hugely energy efficient, these will also give you much more control when cooking and can significantly cut the time it takes to prepare a meal.
Change your energy supplier – There is huge competition in the domestic energy market right now, both for electricity and gas. When was the last time you checked you were getting the best deal available? Many suppliers now generate their power from renewable sources, so even if you’re not saving much cash, you can still be saving the planet.
Change your eating habits – One way of saving energy is to eat food that needs less cooking. Most of the time, this means eating healthier food too, such as salads. Don’t buy ready-made meals, as more resources and packaging has gone into processing the product. Buy locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, and where possible, partly cook, for example, by steaming. Good for your health, good for your pocket and good for the planet.
Shop smart – Nearly a third of all the food we buy is wasted. Plan your meals for the week ahead, always use a shopping list and don’t buy on impulse. If something’s coming near its sell-by date, use it to create something you can freeze for eating at a later date. Avoid pre-wrapped produce.
Compost – All those vegetable peelings don’t have to go to waste. Buy a composter, which can also be used for paper, coffee grinds, teabags and egg boxes. As a result, you end up sending less to landfill and can use the compost to start growing your own.
Buy in bulk, cook in bulk – Buying in bulk cuts down on packaging and your shopping costs. Cooking in bulk cuts down on energy. Freeze the food in portion-sized containers and defrost when needed.
Green clean – Use eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own from everyday ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda.
Of course, another way of greening your kitchen is to install a My Beautiful Kitchen kitchen, invite some friends round and watch then turn green with envy.