As we become increasingly aware of our carbon footprints, we find ourselves trying to do whatever we can to be more sustainable. As it turns out, the kitchen may be one of the best places to achieve this.
Being greener doesn’t just mean eating more veg. The way we use our appliances, the materials we use, and our waste disposal all affect how sustainable our kitchens are. To help you understand how to make your kitchen greener without needing a complete kitchen refurb, we’ve put together this guide.
Food waste
The UK alone generated 9.5million tonnes of food waste in 2021, and over 70 per cent of that waste came from households, not restaurants.
But food waste decomposes, so what’s the issue? The issue comes with the amount of carbon and methane generated by this waste. That’s not even accounting for the carbon emissions from growing, transporting, and storing that food, only for it to be wasted.
To solve this, try meal planning, using up your leftovers and not buying more than you need.
LED lighting
LED lighting is one of the most energy-efficient sources of light available, able to last 25 times longer than fluorescent lights. This not only means they’ll power your home for less, but you also won’t need to replace them nearly as often.
Single-use products
Plastic bags, paper towels, and wet wipes are some of the prime culprits for unsustainable kitchen products. Consider alternatives like bags for life, cloth napkins, and reusable towels for cleaning.
Green appliances
We’re not dictating your choice of colour within your kitchen here, so you won’t need a kitchen refurb. Rather, we’re talking about how the appliances in your kitchen may be unsustainable.
Our fridges, ovens, and dishwashers tend to account for the largest energy expenditure each day, so try tweaking them – try eco-mode washes and operate the fridge and oven at reasonable levels.
Water waste
This one’s subtler, but watching your water waste can help with sustainability. Time your showers, use the hosepipe less, and invest in energy-efficient dishwashers to keep your kitchen greener.
