Are you interested in reducing your home’s carbon footprint? The best place to begin may be in the kitchen; there are a number of eco-friendly practices that you can adopt, including eating green, using energy efficient appliances and cutting back on your waste. The more you do, the more you will benefit both the Earth and your family. The following tips should help you get started.
Watch What You Eat
Eating green doesn’t have to be complicated; there are a few changes that can make a big difference. For instance, cutting back on the amount of red meat you consume has a huge impact on the Earth. Cattle release methane gas into the atmosphere, and they also contribute to environmental pollution. Committing yourself to two vegetarian dinners a week is a great place to start when it comes to green eating.
It is also important to make as many homemade meals as possible. While pre-packaged meals are convenient, they aren’t good for you and they often generate a lot of waste. Reserve a few hours on the weekend and create several meals at once. Freeze some of them so you can pull them out later in the week.
Select Appliances You Love
If it is time to replace an existing appliance, it is important to look for something that is energy-efficient. Beyond that, however, you need to think long-term. For example, perhaps you are looking at refrigerators and one model is a bit more expensive than another. Don’t immediately discount the costlier item, as long as you can afford it. If you pick an appliance that you either out grow in a few years or simply grow to dislike, the process of getting rid of it will release toxins into the environment. It is much better to pick wisely the first time and use the same appliance for years to come.
Pay Attention to Packaging
The easiest way to reduce the waste coming out of your kitchen is to cut back on the amount of packaging you buy at the grocery store. For example, purchasing a large box of goldfish, rather than individually packaged snacks, is a smart way to save money and avoid a lot of potential trash. In addition, seek out unwrapped produce whenever possible. Rather than using the plastic bags that the store provides, purchase reusable produce bags and bring them with you on each trip to the grocery store.
Of course, you can’t eliminate food packaging entirely, which is why it is also important to commit yourself to recycling anything and everything that you can. In addition, readjust your shopping strategy if you find you aren’t able to eat all of the food you buy before it goes bad. Not only will you hold true to your green ideals, but you may be able to avoid an extra visit from Responsible Pest Control!
If you want to be more environmentally friendly at home, start in the kitchen. There are a number of ways to go green, so you can choose to proceed however you are most comfortable. And, the best part is, everything you do will benefit your own family as well.
