When we think about going green around the home, an eco-friendly kitchen is often one of the first things that comes to mind. And it’s for good reason when you consider how much heat and energy is generated in our kitchens. Hot ovens, boilers and appliances running make our kitchens one of the biggest energy hogs in the home.
So if you’re looking for ideas to help make your home greener, your kitchen is a great area to focus on. The good news is that there are lots of ways you can improve your kitchen’s eco-friendliness, both simple and not so simple.
Maybe you’re considering a brand new fitted kitchen or a kitchen remodel? If you are, this presents the perfect opportunity to make these eco-friendly changes.
[Recommended reading: 6 Things Everyone With a Really Small Kitchen Will Understand]
Here are our top tips for an eco-friendly kitchen.
Save on the Stove
Your stove is one of the biggest energy consumers in your kitchen, but there are ways you can make it that little bit greener.
For example, if you have an old stove, whether it be gas or electric, then chances are it isn’t very energy efficient and a more modern appliance is likely to consume far less energy.
There are lots of arguments for both electric and gas stoves. Gas allows much more control over the cooking temperature and so can be greener, but electric stoves negate the worry about nitrogen dioxide emissions, and some models such as the Halogen hobs you can buy are very energy efficient indeed.
The bottom line is the older your stove, the less energy efficient it’s likely to be.
Efficient appliances
While you may be tempted to think you have plenty of years left in your appliances, it’s only recently that energy ratings have been brought in. So if your fridge or freezer is particularly old, it’s likely to be a lot less energy efficient than a newer model.
If you’re already planning a kitchen remodel, it can be worth the extra cost to replace your appliances with newer, more energy-efficient models.
Waste not Want not
The food you buy for the kitchen is one of the biggest energy suckers around, and while you can do obvious things like buying organic, there are lots of other ways to reduce food waste too. Use up your leftovers, buy raw and non-processed and go for fresh wherever possible. Not only will you feel better and healthier but you’ll be doing the environment some good too.
We always promote using natural cleaning products, simply because they make your new kitchen last a lot longer. But it’s not the only reason. Cutting out harsh cleaning products is also good for the environment and will help you be that little bit greener in the kitchen.
Going green isn’t a fad, it’s a way of life! And a few simple changes can make all the difference to living a more eco-friendly life!
Need more advice on how to reduce your home’s carbon footprint? We’d be happy to give you some. Contact us today and let’s have a chat.
