Creating a Sustainable Kitchen: Tips and Tricks

Hello there, foodies! If you are someone who enjoys good food and cares about the planet, here are some tips on how to create a sustainable kitchen. By making some simple changes, you can cook up a greener future and reduce your carbon footprint. So, let's get cooking!

Buy local and seasonal produce

According to Farmer’s Market Coalition, locally-sourced produce travels about 27 times less distance than conventionally sourced produce. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint of your food by cutting down on transportation and storage. Local often means organic food that’s cultivated in-season, meaning you’re not supporting industrial-scale agriculture to produce crops unnaturally. Plus, it supports your local farmers and boosts the local economy.

Reduce food waste

Did you know that food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions? The average American household wastes nearly a third of the food they buy. If you want to minimize your food waste, check how from Stop Wasting Food. Plan your meals, use up leftovers, and compost your food scraps. Not only will you be helping the planet, but you'll also be saving money.

Choose organic and non-toxic products

Opt for organic and non-toxic products in your kitchen. These products are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, which are not only bad for the environment but also bad for your health. Look for certifications like USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.

Go meat-free or reduce your meat consumption

According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations), animal based food is responsible for 57% of the global GHG emissions from the production of food. Opting for more plant based meals or adopting a vegan lifestyle significantly reduces GHG emissions.

Support sustainable food systems

If giving up meat is a no-go for you, you can still make that steak more sustainable by sourcing it locally from organic, grass-fed farms. Supporting sustainable food systems is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Ditch take out

Plastic and styrofoam take-away containers dominate ocean plastic waste. Unfortunately, waste is almost unavoidable when ordering take-away, so it is almost always better to dine-in or make your food at home.

Invest in plastic-free food storage containers and silicone baking sheets

Things like silicone sandwich bags, silicon baking sheets and beeswax wraps can replace the need for single-use plastic wrap, which is difficult to recycle and picks up harmful chemicals.

Set up a compost system

This is hands-down one of the best sustainability practices you can implement. An indoor compost bin helps reduce food waste (which otherwise releases devastating methane gas in landfills) and turns your food scraps into natural fertilizer for plants. One third of food bought for the house is wasted in US. Learn how to take action with Stop Wasting Food.

Use reusable paper towels

While paper towels are compostable, ditch them for reusable paper towels, dishcloths, or old t-shirts.

Use your dishwasher

Unintuitive though it may sound, dishwashers actually save water (up to 5,000 gallons a year with an efficient appliance). That at least makes everyone’s least favorite chore a bit better, especially when using eco-friendly dishwasher tablets.

Invest in energy efficient appliances

The EPA gives the ENERGY STAR label to eco-friendly appliances when they meet energy efficiency specifications, making it easy to decide what appliances are the most efficient.

Switch to zero-waste coffee products

Single-use coffee pods and filters are a major contributor to waste, with billions of them ending up in landfills each year. Instead of using disposable coffee products, consider investing in reusable coffee filters or pods. These products are not only more sustainable, but they can also save you money in the long run.

Install a tap filter to purify water

Bottled water generates a tremendous amount of waste, with plastic bottles ending up in landfills or the ocean. Instead of buying bottled water, consider installing a tap filter to purify your tap water. This not only saves money but also reduces plastic waste. Plus, tap water can be just as safe and clean as bottled water in certain places, so you're not sacrificing quality by making the switch.

Creating a sustainable kitchen may seem like a daunting task, but with these simple steps, you can make a big difference. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but you'll also save money in the long run by reducing energy and food waste. So, let's get started and make our kitchens more sustainable today!