While many people want to start living greener lives and doing more for the environment, it can be intimidating at first. If you’re just starting to live a greener lifestyle, it’s okay to start small and work your way up. A great place to begin is right in your home––more specifically, your kitchen. Here are five simple ways to make your kitchen greener!
Grow Your Own Herbs
Instead of wasting your money on herbs from the supermarket, you can easily grow your own at home. Not only will this make cooking even more convenient, but it will also cut back on your plastic waste as you will not be buying herbs that come in a package. Even if you don’t have an outdoor area, you can still grow most of your own herbs in a sunny spot on your countertop.
Start Composting
While this may seem a bit intimidating at first, it can be easy to get the hang of once you get started. Composting is decayed organic matter which is then turned into rich, nutritious fertilizer. You can compost many things including fruits, vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds, yard trimmings, cotton, and even newspaper. Instead of throwing this stuff away and contributing to waste, compost it so it can be given back to the earth in a more environmentally friendly way.
Using Efficient Energy Sources
When trying to go green, many people forget to rethink their energy sources. As we are so used to the ways we do things, it’s easy to miss the simple ways to make the planet a better place. By using more efficient energy sources, it will make your kitchen more environmentally friendly while also bringing down your electricity bill. Opt for energy-saving lightbulbs or, if you’re up for remodelling your kitchen, an induction range.
Choose Natural Cleaning Products
There are a large number of dangerous chemicals in the cleaning products we use every day in our kitchen that are terrible for the environment. Make the choice to commit to using only natural cleaning products for a greener kitchen. There are tons of natural products in most grocery stores and supermarkets, but you can also make your own cleaning solutions at home.
Stop Using Plastic Containers
While glass containers may be a bit more pricey, they are so much better for you and the environment. A lot of plastic containers contain which can have a negative impact. A great way to opt for my glass containers without breaking the bank is by opting for mason jars. They are pretty inexpensive and are comparably-sized glass so they won’t take up too much room in your cabinets.