10 Simple Ways for a More Eco-Friendly Kitchen
It's easier than you think to help the environment, and the kitchen is a great place to start with some simple switches! So, we've put together a list of simple ways to have a more eco-friendly kitchen to get you started
1. Use reusable bags while shopping
A quick and easy way to reduce your plastic waste is to simply switch out your plastic bags while grocery shopping with some reusable tote bags! Simply make sure you have a spare tote bag in your bag when you're going shopping, and make sure you have a selection in the boot of your car.
2. Use upcycled kitchen furniture
If you need to get some new furniture for your kitchen, why not go more eco-friendly and get yourself some upcycled kitchen furniture? You can save on furniture going to landfill and often can give a second life to something you already have at home!
3. Replace plastic for glass and ceramic
Make sure you buy kitchen accessories that last, this usually means cutting out the plastic and heading straight to ceramic and glass. Not only will it mean you're cutting down on your plastic waste, but you'll save money in the long run if you invest in something high quality that will last. Why not get yourself some second-hand Le Creuset pots or good quality chef's knives?
4. Buy local
Get a more eco-friendly kitchen by improving the eco-footprint of the food that you cook in it! Buy food grown and sold locally to reduce the food miles of what you eat. Plus, you'll be able to support a smaller business or farmer in your local area
5. Swap out paper towels
2.5 million tonnes of paper towels go into landfill every year and, even when they are recycled, they can be really problematic. As paper towels can be easy dirtied and hold food waste and oil, it can spoil a whole load of recycled paper. Instead, get yourself some reusable fabric towels.
6. Swap out your cleaners with something more eco-friendly
As you run out of your cleaning liquids in your kitchen, try to switch them out for less harsh and chemical-laden cleaners. It's pretty easy to make your own eco cleaning products using white vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda, so to our green cleaning blog for some inspiration.
7. Try Using Reusable Sandwich Wraps
Cut out nasty clingfilm and plastic sandwich bags and get some reusable Beeswax sandwich bags. They're reusable, save money and will help you cut down on your plastic waste when packing lunchboxes and leftovers!
8. Create a Food Waste Bin
Why not save any food waste you make and create your own compost bin? It's a quick and simple way of reducing your waste as well building up a bank of mineral-rich compost! Get yourself a second-hand compost bin and get collecting!
9. Grow Your Own Veg
Save on wasteful plastic buying fruit and veg at the supermarket, get your green fingers on and grow your own! We've got plenty of guides to get you started, whether it's growing vegetables in containers or what to sow, harvest and look after throughout the year in our guide to what to do in the garden every month!
If you're not one for gardening, however, try to shop plastic-free wherever possible. Buy loose fruit and veg, bulk buy but avoid individually wrapped products and even look for a zero-waste shop where you can stock up on everything else without nasty plastic!
10. Look at Getting More Efficient Appliances
Get an eco-friendly kitchen and save yourself some money by investing in some more efficient appliances. Investing in appliances with an A, A+, A++ or A+++ rating will help you reduce the amount of energy you use, which helps to save the planet and your pocket!
That's all for our tips on how to get a more eco-friendly kitchen! Let's see your eco-friendly tips over on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Looking for some more tips? Check out our other guides for how you can help the environment!
