Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Easy Green: 10 Small Kitchen Changes to Make Today
Taking small steps in going green can lead to big results over time, and starting in the kitchen is a smart choice
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/), my blog devoted to all of the things that make a house a home - decorating from the heart, living with intention, and savoring life's simple pleasures.
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/),... More »
If you are looking to live a greener lifestyle, a great place to begin is in the kitchen. But rather than trying to make sweeping changes right away (which can be self-defeating), try taking on one small, easy change at a time and repeat it until it becomes a habit you no longer have to think about. Here are 10 ideas for where to begin.
|
by Dear Lillie
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 1. Deal with excuses. This is a great first step to take, no matter which habit you are trying to change. Think about what has been stopping you from taking up a new habit you want to try, and brainstorm potential solutions. Let's take using cloth towels instead of paper towels for cleanup: Excuse: "Some things are just too gross to wipe up with cloth." Solution: Use really cheap rags for messy chores and throw them right in a hamper in the kitchen. Also, don't be afraid to replace old rags from time to time — and go ahead and keep a roll of paper towels hidden away for emergencies. No one said you have to go cold turkey. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
2. Seek out local, organic food. Make going organic a fun event by making time to browse a local farmer's market once a week. You can find farmer's markets and roadside stands in your area through Local Harvest.
If buying all organic is too expensive, start with the foods known to contain the highest levels of pesticides and foods that you eat a lot of. Read up on the "Dirty Dozen" fruits and veggies on Dr. Andrew Weil's website.
If buying all organic is too expensive, start with the foods known to contain the highest levels of pesticides and foods that you eat a lot of. Read up on the "Dirty Dozen" fruits and veggies on Dr. Andrew Weil's website.
by BAAN design
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
3. Use a water filter instead of drinking bottled water. Most of us are aware that there is a problem with excessive plastic waste in the world, and that individual bottles of water are a large part of that problem. Luckily, this is a pretty easy one to remedy at home, either by installing an undersink filter or using a pitcher filter. If you like chilled water, just fill a glass pitcher from your newly filtered tap and store it in the fridge.
Ready to take it a step further? Fill your own water bottle to bring on outings, so you won't be tempted to buy a bottle while you are out.
Ready to take it a step further? Fill your own water bottle to bring on outings, so you won't be tempted to buy a bottle while you are out.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 4. Gradually replace plastics. Any time you notice a plastic container that has lost its lid, has stains or cracks, take the opportunity to toss it in favor of a glass container. I am a big fan of glass nesting bowls with lids — they can be used for meal prep and storing leftovers, and can be safely microwaved, too (remove lids first). |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 5. Reduce your reliance on paper towels. If you find yourself reaching for a paper towel to clean up every last spill and drip, this may be a tough step to tackle. I recommend stocking up on a huge bundle of dish towels and placing them in strategic spots throughout your kitchen. Even if you keep a roll of paper towels in the closet for extra-messy scenarios, if you can use a cloth towel 75 percent of the time, you will be doing great. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 6. Cut down on packaging. Requiring a bit more attention than the ideas up to this point, becoming aware of packaging on everyday items you purchase is something that can be developed over time. A great place to start is by choosing a few ingredients from the bulk bins rather than the aisles of the supermarket. You will usually save money by buying in bulk, and storing grains and beans in glass jars in the pantry is easy, pretty and practical. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
7. Switch to nontoxic cleaners. Most of the time, it is unnecessary to use powerful cleaners on everyday household messes. If the mess you are cleaning up is less harmful than the product you are using to clean it, that's a clear sign you could scale back a bit. Especially with little ones in the house, it feels much safer to use natural cleaners on floors and counters.
As with all of these ideas, there is room for moderation. There is no reason to trash all of your old standby cleaning products — just reserve them for occasional deep cleaning and times there has been an illness in the house.
As with all of these ideas, there is room for moderation. There is no reason to trash all of your old standby cleaning products — just reserve them for occasional deep cleaning and times there has been an illness in the house.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 8. Reduce waste. If you managed to cut down on some packaging waste per tip number six, bravo! The next step is to think about reducing the food waste that usually gets tossed in the bin. Composting is easier than you might think, and once you start creating your own "black gold" (compost), your garden will thank you. Learn how to get started making compost and make your own DIY compost bin for $15 on Simple Mom. Don't have a garden? Some cities provide food waste containers that are collected along with other recycling bins and used in a city composting program. Contact your town to see if there is a program in your area. |
by Palmona's Nest
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
9. Use cloth napkins for everyday meals. If you reach for paper napkins at every meal, consider swapping them for a cheap set of everyday napkins. I recommend getting a dark color like chocolate brown or a fun print that will hide stains. To prolong their use between washings, pick up a different napkin ring for each family member.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 10. Replace old nonstick cookware. There has been conflicting evidence about the safety of nonstick cookware containing Teflon. To be on the safe side, if you notice an older nonstick pan getting scratched up, toss it. Replace the old nonstick with stainless steel, cast iron or enameled cast iron pans. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Bonus: 11. Plant a kitchen garden. If you have the room, consider giving up some of your lawn space for a productive potager, also known as a kitchen garden. Start small, in a raised bed with just a few plants each of your favorite things to eat. More: Grow Your Own Herbs, Fruits and Vegetables Houzz Housekeeping Guides |
Ideabook updated on June 18, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
Public service announcement in the name of living greener ...
When you do use paper towels, use recycled paper towels! This not only ensures that trees weren't cut down for your paper towels, but also helps support the market for recycled paper products.
For glass containers, I love the Crate and Barrel "glass bowl with lid" for taking lunches in ($1.95 each or 12 for $20), and for freezing chicken, beans, and anything else, I like the Weck canning jars (~$3-4), also from Crate and Barrel, shown in one of the pictures on this page, because the tops are slightly wider than the bottoms, unlike regular jars, so that when the food is slightly thawed but still in a solid blocks, it can slide right out.