Did you know that kitchens account for between 20% and 40% of the entire homes total energy usage? Going green can take some time and effort at first, it's a lifestyle change and we all know what a hard time human beings have with change. So, take baby steps toward going green, make little changes and tweak them as you go.
Below are five steps towards have a green kitchen. Some changes are big, some are small - but each an everyone of them is one more step towards a green lifestyle.
1. Believe it or not, choosing green pots and pans takes a little research. Teflon is NOT healthy! The chemical used to coat the pan (teflon) can release fumes at high temperatures that can actually kill birds and cause humans to develop flu like symptoms. Oigen Foundry, a company in Japan, creates cast iron kitchenware that uses over 75% recycled cast iron and 25% new cast iron. However, instead of coating the cast iron with paint, flouroresin, or enamel, Oigen uses a high heat technique that creates a rust-free, non-stick product!
2. Give your kitchen cabinets a little freshening up by sanding them down and painting or staining them. Just by adding a new door and some new hardware, your cabinets can look brand new again. If your old cabinets simply won't do in your new kitchen design, purchase your kitchen cabinets from a reuse shop and pretty them up with stain, paint, decals etc. You have the opportunity to give your kitchen a one-of-a-kind look.
3. Manufacturers everywhere are looking for sustainable alternatives to regular household products. Flooring is easy! Reclaiming, salvaging and up-cycling wood can make for beautiful hardwood flooring in the kitchen. One company salvages their old shipping crates that are made of tropical hardwoods and re-purposes them into beautiful floors. Salvaged wood is not only great for sustainability, but it can bring personality and in some cases a little history into your kitchen.
4. No need to stop at adding recycled flooring and cabinets to your kitchen, recycle your waste food. Add a compost bin and use it! Vegetable peelings, citrus rinds, coffee grounds, egg shells, tea bags, cooked plain rice and pasta, stale bread and the list just goes on and on. You would be amazed at how much your can reduce your trash load with a simple compost bin, including all that junk mail. Shred it and throw that in your compost too!
5. Homemade all natural cleaners is that extra added boost to having a green kitchen. Not only can it save you money, you are able to eliminate the toxins that a majority of the store bought cleaners contain. A simple all purpose cleaner consists of 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 Tbls dish soap (this is optional), 30 drops of essential oil and 2 cups of water. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and be sure to label it so that you remember what it is. Shake before using and you have yourself a multi-purpose, toxin free cleaner for the house.