Whether you’re new to sustainable living or you’ve already been practicing some green practices at home, there are still things you can do that will help reduce your impact on the environment.
For starters, you can start by reducing your water consumption. This will reduce your energy costs and save you money in the long run.
1. Use Less Water
Using less water in your kitchen is an important way to reduce your water footprint. It can also save you money on your utility bill.
One easy way to use less water is to use smaller pots for cooking vegetables. It’s a simple thing that can save a lot of water and nutrients in the process.
Another option is to buy reusable containers that you can fill with cold water. This means that you don’t have to run the tap for a drink when you need it.
Other ways to use less water when cooking include rinsing fruits and vegetables before boiling them. This not only saves water, but it helps food to cook faster.
2. Reduce Your Waste
Food waste is a massive problem, with current estimates showing that 25 to 40 percent of all food produced in the United States gets thrown out every year.
Fortunately, there are lots of ways to reduce your waste when cooking at home. Start by reducing your plastic use and avoid reusing takeaway cups, tea bags, and other plastics as much as possible.
Instead, try to cook using only reusable plates, bowls, and cutlery. This helps keep your kitchen clutter-free and reduces your impact on the environment.
It’s also important to remember that the foods you buy aren’t always going to last long on the shelves so it’s best to make a plan and only buy what you need for a specific meal. Even small tricks like having a ‘eat me first’ shelf in the fridge or pantry can go a long way in reducing your waste.
3. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy efficient appliances can help you save a significant amount of money on your utility bill, while at the same time easing your burden on the environment. They can also help you conserve water and protect the planet for future generations.
If you’re looking to purchase new kitchen appliances, consider opting for ones that have been certified by the Energy Star label. These appliances are anywhere from 9 to 50% more energy efficient than the industry standard, and will ultimately lower your power bills.
These standards help reduce the nation’s energy and water consumption and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by requiring manufacturers to design products that use less electricity. They also provide a means of encouraging manufacturers to replace outdated technologies with more efficient, innovative, and competitive product designs.
4. Switch to Renewable Energy
Energy that comes from renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower is a clean and environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to replenish and emit dangerous emissions, renewable energy sources are constantly replenished.
Many countries around the world are battling high energy costs, climate change and health impacts of fossil fuels by switching to renewable energy. The transition is a win-win for all.
Electric stoves and other energy-efficient cookware are becoming more attainable, and BioLPG, a climate neutral fuel made from waste cooking gas from wood and charcoal, could be a cost-effective option for households in Africa. Providing affordable electricity access, along with clean cooking fuels, will be key in helping to tackle the global health and climate crisis.
5. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
It takes a lot of energy to grow, harvest and transport food. Then, it also takes a lot of energy to process and prepare that food for sale on the market.
Animal products like meat and dairy, which are produced by livestock, have a much larger carbon footprint than plant-based foods. This is because raising animals requires energy to grow them, as well as power to transport them and to process them into finished products.
Switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet is one of the best ways to cut your food’s carbon footprint. It’s also a great way to reduce your own emissions, as it eliminates the need for transporting food from one place to another.