How Green is Your Kitchen?

Many of us recycle and make a habit of shopping for healthy and organic food choices. What else can you do to ensure your kitchen is as "eco-friendly" as it can be?

Make sure to shop locally whenever you can. Not only will you end up with fresh seasonal vegetables, but you will also reduce fuel consumption and shipping costs.

Buy your most-used ingredients in bulk. Consider packaging when you shop. 

Make or purchase cloth napkins, and use cloth napkins or washcloths/dishrags in place of paper towels whenever possible. 

Did you know your outdoor grill uses less energy than your stove? It’s also helpful in the summer to keep your house cooler. 

Look for the stickers on your produce when you shop at the grocery store. If you are looking for organic produce, keep your eye out for a #9 at the start of the code. 

Remember your reusable shopping bags. 

If your freezer is not full, fill it with milk jugs or water bottles, it will help it to run more efficiently. 

Recycle all that you can. 

Use a reusable water bottle so you can cut down on plastic water bottles. 

Have you considered how much wasted food leaves the house in your compost or garbage? Many of the food scraps we let go to waste can be used in cooking. One way to “recycle” your food scraps into something delicious and useful is to start saving them in a freezer bag or container in your freezer. Once you’ve collected enough, create a stock by simmering on the stovetop. The stock can be cooled and then stored frozen for the next time you need a broth or stock base.

http://www.thekitchn.com/stockpiling-you-159193

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/10-eco-friendly-kitchen-tips/index.html