Go local.
Whether you grow some of your food in a backyard or community garden, purchase it from the neighborhood farmers market, or shop seasonally. This will minimize the miles your food travels, which means fewer greenhouse gas emissions in the form of carbon dioxide, which has been linked to climate change. These foods are also more likely to be organic, which reduces pesticides in the environment and in your home. Local food is also fresher, healthier, and can save money.
Watch water use.
From drinking and food prep to cooking and cleaning, the kitchen plays a significant role in the 88 gallons of household water Americans use each day. There are some common water guzzlers that are quick-fixes, such as fixing leaky faucets and not letting the faucet run when rinsing produce, washing hands, or cleaning the sink. Fill a shallow bowl with rinsing water, and rather than wash dishes by hand, save water by running a full dishwasher of dishes. Catch water that is coming to temperature in a bucket, and use for pasta cooking water or soaking water for dried beans and watering house or garden plants.
Conserve energy.
Appliances use the bulk of energy in the kitchen. Using less electricity, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers our carbon footprint. Newer appliances are more energy efficient than older models, but there are still ways to save electricity in the kitchen. Keep the fridge between 37- and 40-degrees F and the freezer at 5 degrees (0 degrees for a stand-alone) for highest efficiency, and don’t overcrowd it, as this interferes with air circulation. Ovens take less time to preheat these days, so avoid running an empty oven. The convection setting can shorten cook time and save energy too. Consider using a smaller toaster oven or microwave for smaller dishes, and utilize lids when cooking on the stove top to avoid wasting heat.
Get even more efficient by making use of the instant pot, pressure cooker and slow cooker, whenever possible. They are far more energy efficient than other cooking appliances. The instant pot, for example, saves up to 70% of the electricity used by ovens, stove and steamers.
It’s empowering to know how small, simple changes in everyday kitchen practices can have such a positive impact at home, on us, and our beautiful planet.
“Be Green in the Kitchen” was reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com.
© 2021 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.