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Your kitchen is one of the areas in your home that uses up the most energy and resources. In same cases, kitchen use will be the main contributing factor for household bills. As well as this, there are many ways that we can reduce our impact on the environment by altering our lifestyle in the kitchen. For these reasons and much more, many people are turning toward adopting an eco-friendly kitchen. We’ve put together our top 6 ways that you can create an eco friendly kitchen that your wallet, your body and the Earth will thank you for.
- Establish a budget
So you’ve decided to make the investment of transforming your kitchen into an eco-friendly one. Before you dive into solar panels and energy ratings, it’s vital to establish what finances you’ve got to work with. Writing up a budget will also mean you can more easily allocate your funds, and cancel out any designs that are too costly, improving the overall transformation process.
- Make it last
Although sticking to your budget is important, it’s also crucial to consider the value that your new kitchen will add to your house. Emphasise this by choosing utensils and cookware that will stand the test of time. It may seem more expensive to buy good quality items in the short-term, but it means you won’t have to replace them as frequently.
- Energy efficiency
The gas versus electric kitchen debate is an age-old one, with many conflicting views. When it comes to the stove top, it can be a tough choice between gas and electric; natural gas is a fossil fuel, but most of the electricity comes from coal-burning power plants. From a cooking perspective, many prefer gas because it’s easier to control temperatures, whilst also offering instant heat and not wasting much heat once the cooking is done. However, each individual situation varies. If you need advice on the best, energy-efficient items for your kitchen, contact your local kitchen renovation specialists.
- Reuse and recycle
Of course, the greenest option would be to make your old kitchen work for you. However, many older designs of kitchens are not energy efficient, and in some cases need a complete remodelling. If you are in the market for a new kitchen, first try to salvage parts of your old kitchen, or choose items from recycled materials. Remember: where possible, reuse and recycle!
- Eco-friendly appliances
These days, almost all appliances have an energy rating. Moreover, each year, most appliances get an energy-efficient upgrade. An energy-efficient dishwasher for instance, can use a lot less water than washing the dishes by hand in the sink. When shopping around for eco-friendly kitchen appliances, make sure to carefully consider energy ratings, as well as the previous, current and future models that are on the market or are scheduled to come out.
- Cook it yourself
One of the best ways to nurture both yourself and the environment is to avoid purchasing pre-prepared, frozen foods and make them yourself at home. Ensure this process is convenient and efficient by designing an ergonomic kitchen suited to your particular eating habits and lifestyle. Do you entertain people at home often? Design a kitchen made for large meal preparation. Perhaps you live alone and only cook for yourself? Incorporate a larger storage area for containers, so you can store pre-made food easier, for longer.
Making eco-friendly choices for your kitchen is not only good for your wellbeing, it’s also great for your pocket and the planet. Take heed of these 6 simple suggestions, and you’ll become a greener gourmet household in no time.
