Do you want to do your part to save the environment? Then look no further than your own kitchen!
Making some simple changes to the way you cook and clean at home can make a big difference to your impact on the planet’s resources and can even save you time and money too.
Here are some of the ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly.
Keep a Compost Bin
Reducing food waste will not only help the environment but can save you time and money.
Freeze and label leftovers for a quick mid-week meal and if you do have food waste, rather than throw it away with your general rubbish, consider putting it in a compost bin.
Composting turns food waste into a rich fertiliser which can then be used in your garden or window boxes to help plants grow.
Switch to an Induction Hob
Induction hobs are more energy efficient than other types of electric or gas hobs, making them a greener alternative.
Induction hobs transfer their energy directly to the pan, meaning less energy is needed. They’re also safer as they cool immediately when a pan is removed.
If you’re making the switch to an induction hob, you’ll need to invest in induction pan sets as some cookware, such as aluminium, for example, won’t work on an induction hob.
Cut Down on Water Use
Conserving water also reduces energy consumption, meaning that it can benefit both the environment and your wallet.
You can cut down on your water use in the kitchen by keeping lids on pans, and only filling a washing-up bowl to do the dishes rather than filling a full sink.
Buy Reusable Items
Reducing the number of single-use items in your kitchen means less rubbish going to landfill sites.
Opt for cardboard or metal straws and use washable cloths and towels rather than paper towels or wipes.
Lots of the food we buy from supermarkets comes wrapped in plastic, which then goes straight in the bin so buy fruit, vegetables and baked goods unwrapped wherever possible.
Some shops, like zero waste stores, will even allow you to bring in your own glass jars or containers to refill with loose produce such as rice, pasta and cereals.
Buy Local Ingredients
Buying from local shops is a great boost for the local economy but to help the environment, why not take it a step further and buy locally-produced ingredients?
The closer your food is to your table, the less energy it will have used getting there, so rather than buying out-of-season fruits and vegetables that have to be flown around the world, consider opting for seasonal, locally-grown produce instead.
Eat plant-based
By choosing a plant-based diet, you can drastically reduce the amount of water, land, and oil resources that you consume daily and the amount of pollution it otherwise might cause.
Even choosing a few vegan meals a week can make all the difference.
Do you have any simple ideas to save the planet from your kitchen? Let me know!
Love, Sarah xoxoxo
