A Green Kitchen is a Clean Kitchen

1. Recycling. Before you throw anything away, it’s important to know where it’s going to end up. Ask yourself, can this be reused? If the answer is yes, it’s recyclable. Another helpful reminder is to have designated recycling bins in your kitchen.
2. Did you know that a fully loaded dishwasher uses less than four gallons of water in one cycle? Crazy, right? That’s about five times less than if you were to wash them by hand. Bonus: Dishwashers also sanitize your dishes, which is another huge win in the clean category.
3. Making your own counter cleaner is easier than you think. Plus, it takes barely any ingredients and time. Fill a spray bottle with one part distilled white vinegar, one part water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil for that fresh clean smell. That’s it.
4. Start cleaning in style. Reusable paper towels are all the rage. They are easy to use and very effective. They also come in fun prints and colors to help brighten up your kitchen.
5. Another paper product worth swapping out is napkins. You’ll save on money and trees by switching to cloth napkins, which can be reused. Plus, they look nicer on the table! Dinner-themed parties… anyone?
6. When heading out to the store, don’t forget to grab your reusable grocery bags. Make sure you have one for meat products, produce and anything else that you want to be separated.
7. Hearing the word “compost” can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. Just toss your food scraps in a pail until it’s full. Then add it to your outdoor compost pile or garden. Done!
8. Not only does buying in bulk save you money but it also saves the planet. We suggest purchasing your favorite dish and hand soap in bulk and refilling glass containers when needed. This can also look aesthetically more pleasing than the average plastic soap dispenser.
9. Leftover herbs, fruits, veggies, grains and more can be revamped into something delicious. Yes, it’s easier to throw out… But just think of all the possibilities a few sprigs of leftover cilantro could make in your next batch of guacamole.
10. This is so simple, yet it’s overlooked a lot. Unplugging small appliances, like toasters, coffee makers, blenders and more can save energy and money. So, next time you’re on your last cup of coffee, unplug the machine.