When it comes to making decisions to reduce your carbon footprint and become more environmentally conscious, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. For this reason, we have put together some ways to make the kitchen of your new apartment more sustainable.
1. Buy food with reusable bags
One way to reduce the amount of plastic grocery bags in a landfill is to use reusable shopping bags. Look for bags made of cotton, hemp, or another natural fabric or mesh, and always wash them after use.
2. Clean your kitchen with ecological products
Ditch harsh chemical-laden cleaners and use green cleaning products instead. Chances are you have baking soda, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, or soap in your pantry.
These eco-friendly alternatives can clean your kitchen, appliances, and clothes just as well as conventional chemicals without the harmful side effects.
Read more: Small Kitchen ideas
3. Use cutting boards made from sustainable materials
Cutting boards are key components for kitchens, so why not buy one that is both functional and eco-friendly? A wooden cutting board is a beautiful addition to a kitchen and is made from a sustainable source, unlike plastic cutting boards.
Some types of wood, such as fast-growing bamboo, even naturally reduce the growth of harmful microbes.
4. Change your sponges
When it comes to kitchen scraps in need of an eco-friendly makeover, sponges aren’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. The dishwashing sponge often contains synthetic fibers and therefore can end up contributing to landfill waste that is harmful to the environment.
The best thing you can do is change your sponges and clothes for sustainable alternatives. Currently, there is a wide ecological range made with renewable resources, natural fibers, and recycled materials.
5. Use ecological utensils and tableware
Set aside plastic items and Styrofoam plates, bowls, and cups. Instead, buy recycled glass cups, ceramic or metal plates, and bowls.
Also, you can add charm to your kitchen with wooden cooking and serving utensils.
6. Do not use plastic containers
While it’s convenient to store dry or raw foods in plastic containers, you’d better consider using eco-friendly material.
Look for items made of silicone, glass, or metal. For containers that don’t have tight-fitting lids, a food-safe lid can seal food properly and prevent exposure to air.
Reusable beeswax wraps are a great alternative to plastic wrap because they come in all kinds of sizes and shapes with the added benefit that they are sustainable and can be washed and reused.
7. Pack your lunch in reusable sandwich wrappers.
Instead of packing lunch in a single-use sandwich bag, use natural beeswax wraps. These plastic wrap alternatives can be folded into packets and sachets of various sizes to easily fit sandwiches, chips, cookies, or fruit for your child to eat during breaks at school.
Find out: The importance of kitchen remodeling
8. Use natural air fresheners
Chemical air fresheners can expose you and your family to toxins and allergens. To keep your home smelling good without the negative side effects, we recommend simmering spices or aromatic vegetable oils on the stove, dropping a lemon wedge into the food waste disposer, or using houseplants to purify indoor air.
9. Deodorize and disinfect with vinegar or baking soda.
Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors and works well to deodorize kitchen curtains and rugs.
For its part, vinegar kills bacteria, mold, and mildew and can be used to clean sinks, kitchen appliances, and cooking surfaces.
10. Shop seasonally
Buying seasonal produce and locally grown produce is another way to be environmentally sustainable. This is because products that are not in season must be imported from abroad, which accumulates miles of carbon or be grown in greenhouses that consume a lot of energy to achieve the right climate.
Also, the best part about buying seasonal fruits and vegetables is that the produce is usually fresher and much cheaper. Likewise, buying in bulk, too, is a smart way to limit packaging.
11. Make green choices
Ultimately, achieving an organic kitchen comes down to the choices you make. Here are some ways you can reduce the use of plastics in your kitchen.
- Say no to straws or switch to metal or bamboo alternatives.
- Store food in airtight containers to reduce the amount of waste.
- Use low-energy bulbs.
- Choice of products made from renewable materials.
- Choose energy-efficient options when buying new appliances.
There are very simple options to make your kitchen more sustainable. Remember that it is very important for the environment to reduce your carbon footprint.
