Our planet needs our help, and small actions add up to make a big difference. With the world's environment facing challenges, it's time to make our kitchens greener. This Earth Day, learn ten simple ways to create a more sustainable kitchen and support a healthier future.
While we could all agree that making our kitchens more eco-friendly would reduce the environmental burden, the change can initially feel painful and seem costly. The best way to move forward is to take baby steps, one change at a time. Check out the list of these strategies to make the kitchen more eco-friendly and start with the easiest one.
Jump to:
- 1. Plant-based Mondays
- 2. Reduce Reliance on Disposable Plastic
- 3. Cook More at Home from Scratch
- 4. End Food Waste in Your Kitchen
- 5. Buy Local Ingredients
- 6. Invest in Long-Lasting Cookware; use Everything to Its Life
- 7. Choose Eco-Friendly Kitchen Cleaners
- 8. Outsmart Your Appliances to Save Energy
- 9. Compost Kitchen Waste
- 10. Ditch Paper Towels, Choose Reusable
1. Plant-based Mondays
The production of animal-based foods is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, plant-based alternatives often have a dramatically smaller carbon footprint, according to a study published at Oxford University in Science Magazine [1]. For example, to produce 100g of beef, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is 25 times more than to produce the same quantity of tofu and more than 60 times that of producing an equal amount of protein from legumes. Similarly, the GHG emission from producing 1 liter of milk is more than three times that of producing an equal amount of soy milk.
The study authors, J. Poore and T. Nemecek, note that the dietary changes can deliver environmental benefits on a scale not achievable by animal-based food producers.
There is power in numbers; even if we replace animal-based foods with plant-based foods for one day a week, it can have a big impact not only on the environment but also on decreasing numerous diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even some forms of cancer [2].
Michelin-starred restaurants are going green! Top chefs like Daniel Humm are ditching animal-based menus for 100% plant-based cuisine, prioritizing sustainability [3].
Did you know that all the recipes on Traffic Light Cook are plant-based?
2. Reduce Reliance on Disposable Plastic
Plastic has invaded our kitchens and lives in general. In 1950, global plastic production was just 2 million tonnes, which increased 230-fold to 460 million tons in 2019. The harsh truth about plastics is that they can't ever be destroyed. Most plastic is not recyclable, and its recyclability is limited [4]. So, landfills are the ultimate destination for all plastic, including those that can be recycled.
In addition to destroying the environment, plastic is a major endocrine disruptor. Chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) have been used to make certain plastics since the 1950s. Numerous scientific studies have linked BPA to adverse health effects, such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and more [5]. The BPA is characterized as a xenoestrogen, meaning it mimics estrogen and, through enough exposure, may contribute to estrogen dominance--a condition often linked with multiple women's health issues such as PMS, chronic inflammation, high risk of blood clots, stroke, and hormonal cancers such as breast cancer.
We often see plastic solutions as convenient ways to navigate kitchen tasks, such as storage containers, plastic Ziplock bags, bottled water, and more. Thirty years ago, plastic was nonexistent in my mom's kitchen and millions of others in India. But now we use approximately 5 trillion bags a year globally, and 100 billion of those are being used in the U.S. [6].
To reduce plastic waste in your kitchen, focus on the following common culprits. Here's how:
| Mode of Use | Reduce/Remove | How to |
|---|---|---|
| Food Storage Boxes | If you have a collection of these boxes in good condition, use those only for dry food ingredients. If they are not BPA-free, it is best to use them occasionally. Don't store wet food, and heat these in the microwave. | If you need new boxes, look for glass or steel. |
| Food take-out containers | Most of these are not recyclable and will likely end up in landfills. Additionally, hot food will likely cause the plastic to leach chemicals into the food. | Dine at the restaurant or check if the restaurant would pack food in green containers. |
| Disposable plates, glasses, and cutlery | These are primarily used during big gatherings. | Either use the regular cutlery and plates or switch to compostable alternatives like this one. |
| Canned food liners | Most canned food is lined with plastic liners. | Either cook from scratch or read the packaging to ensure the liner is BPA-free. |
| Plastic packaging | Bottled water and beverages are the biggest sources of plastic packaging. Another major source is single-serve foods in plastic packaging. | Buy food in bigger packaging if you can use it within the use-by date. Use a reusable water bottle to carry water and beverages. |
| Produce bags and grocery bags | These bring in loads of unnecessary plastic at home. | Use reusable bags for both groceries and produce. After unloading, always return the bags to your car so they're ready for your next trip. Using reusable cotton produce bags can prevent recurring plastic waste from accumulating in your home. |
Ditch Ziplock bags and plastic wrap | Most of these are not recyclable and will likely end up in landfills. Additionally, hot food will likely cause the plastic to leach chemicals into the food. | Replace plastic Ziplock bags with reusable options like silicone bags (only for dry storage) and/or empty glass bottles that come as packaging for other foods. Eliminate plastic wrap by using beeswax wraps for sandwiches and food and reusable lids for covering open containers. |
3. Cook More at Home from Scratch
Want to make your kitchen more eco-friendly? Start by cooking more meals at home! Studies [7] show that eating out produces a significantly higher carbon footprint than home-cooked meals. This is due to factors like energy consumption in restaurants, food waste from large portion sizes, and the environmental costs of packaging and transportation associated with takeout.
By preparing your meals, you gain control over ingredients, making healthier choices and reducing excess sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. You'll also reduce packaging waste, support sustainable food practices, and save money in the long run.
4. End Food Waste in Your Kitchen
Stop tossing perfectly good food! Your kitchen is ground zero in the fight against food waste. The United Nations calls food waste a "global tragedy," with good reason. In 2019 alone, over 930 million tons of perfectly edible food landed in the trash. Shockingly, over 60% of this waste comes from our own homes. On average, each person throws away a staggering 173.8 pounds of food every year [8].
The sobering statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that the average family of four spends $1,500 per year on food that doesn't get eaten [9].
It's definitely time to fight food waste, which not only helps the environment but would save you a ton of money.
Here are some strategies to fight food waste and save money at home:
- Do meal planning. Keep a list of meals, recipes, and ingredients you and your family enjoy and plan them according to your schedule. Only buy what you can cook in a week. By planning leftovers, you will also save time and energy. The best thing is that you will have a healthy, home-cooked meal when you are hungry instead of relying on expensive, unhealthy restaurant food.
- Invest in high-quality, non-plastic, versatile glass storage containers that seamlessly transition from fridge to microwave for easy reheating.
- Avoid buying duplicates. Before heading to the grocery store, take inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer.
- Only buy the amount of food that you can use before it spoils. Reflect on the amount that you would use and buy accordingly. For example, if you have a big family, buy bigger packages to reduce packaging waste, but if you are cooking just for yourself or two people, either buy from the open bins or buy the biggest packaging that you can use before the end date on the packaging.
- Properly store food in your refrigerator and freezer.
5. Buy Local Ingredients
Global food miles account for nearly 20% of total food-system emissions [10]. For my Indian recipes, I have primarily started buying ingredients such as chickpeas, lentils, spices, and grains produced in the U.S. instead of buying from stores that import from India. For example, I mostly buy California-grown basmati rice instead of the one from India. This also ensures the freshness of the ingredients.
Choose locally grown or less-traveled options for the freshest, most nutritious produce. Far-traveled produce loses nutrients during transit and contributes to a higher carbon footprint. Spice up your kitchen by buying local ingredients. You will experience the peak of freshness and flavor in your produce and support your community's farmers, boost the local economy, and reduce your food's carbon footprint. Visit a farmers' market, join a CSA, or seek out farm stands – your tastebuds and the planet will thank you!
Is Organic Produce Healthier and Tastier?
6. Invest in Long-Lasting Cookware; use Everything to Its Life
We (humans) tend to get attracted and distracted by the "Shiny Object Syndrome," a phenomenon where an individual or business is constantly drawn to new ideas or objects that tickle our senses.
A good example is buying a new cookware set because it looks nice and promises better cooking results when you have a perfect cookware set for cooking any meal.
Either buy a set or the pieces individually that fit your needs from brands that make cookware that lasts a lifetime or a generation. Stay away from chemical-loaded non-stick pans. Here are some of my favorite brands.
| Cookware Type | Brand |
|---|---|
| Steel | Cuisinart |
| Enameled Cast Iron | Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge USA Enamel |
| Cast Iron | Lodge, Utopia Kitchen |
Your kitchen is the heart of your home, nourishing you and your loved ones. Make it a haven of sustainability! By extending the life of your kitchen tools and ingredients, you'll reduce waste and minimize your environmental impact. Here are some strategies to accomplish this:
- Buy only what you would use. If there are extra pots and pans, give them to family or friends and donate them to the Salvation Army.
- Avoid the "Shiny Object Syndrome." If you like something in a store, count to ten or take another round before putting the item in your cart.
7. Choose Eco-Friendly Kitchen Cleaners
Ditch the harsh chemicals and embrace eco-friendly cleaners for a healthier kitchen and planet! This would also boost your health. Natural cleaning solutions made with plant-based ingredients and essential oils are as effective at tackling grease and grime without toxic fumes or harmful residues.
- Opt for refillable bottles.
- Buy concentrates or make DIY cleaners with simple ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.
- Avoid dishwasher cleaning tablets with plastics.
- Buy in bulk and refill.
My favorite brands are Seventh Generation, Aspen Clean, and ECOS.
8. Outsmart Your Appliances to Save Energy
Appliances form the backbone of your kitchen and make cooking easy. To save energy, follow the following tips.
| Larger Appliances | How to save energy |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 1. Keep it between 37°F and 40°F, and freeze it from 0°F to 5°F. 2. Clean coils regularly (behind or underneath) for efficient heat release. 3. Don't leave the door open longer than necessary. 4. Let hot foods cool before putting them in. |
| Dishwasher | 1. Run only full loads. 2. Use the air-dry cycle instead of heated drying. 3. Scrape dishes well, eliminating the need for pre-rinsing. |
| Oven & Stove | 1. Match pan size to the burner for even heating. 2. Utilize residual heat by turning off the oven/burners a few minutes before cooking is finished. 3. Use glass or ceramic cookware, as they retain heat better. 4. Keep the oven door closed while cooking to avoid heat loss. |
| Smaller Appliances | How to save energy |
| Microwave | Use it for smaller portions or reheating to save energy compared to the oven. |
| Toaster/Toaster Oven | Use these instead of the full-size oven for smaller tasks. |
| Coffee Maker | Unplug it after use to avoid phantom power drain. |
| Pressure Cooker | The pressure cooker can save up to 70% energy compared to stovetop cooking [11]. |
| More Tips | How to save energy |
| Energy star appliances | Choose Energy Star appliances |
| Unplug when not in use | Many kitchen appliances draw phantom power even when off (coffee makers, microwaves, toasters). Unplug them or use a power strip with a switch for easy control. |
| Maintain appliances | Clean burners, coils, and seals to ensure they work at their best. |
| Cook in batches | Prepare larger meals and refrigerate or freeze leftovers to minimize future oven/stove use. This would also help avoid |
9. Compost Kitchen Waste
In the U.S., food is the most common item sent to landfills [12]. In 2019, only 5% of the 66.2 million tons of Composting kitchen waste is a great way to reduce landfill contributions and create nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden. Collect scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and tea bags. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods, which can attract pests and slow decomposition. Layer your kitchen scraps with "brown" materials like shredded leaves, paper, or wood chips for balance. Keep your compost pile moist (like a wrung-out sponge) and turn it regularly to provide oxygen and speed up the process. With some care, you'll transform your kitchen waste into valuable "black gold" for your plants!
10. Ditch Paper Towels, Choose Reusable
Ditch those disposable paper towels and embrace reusable alternatives! Not only will you save money in the long run, but you'll also make a significant dent in your environmental impact. In the U.S., only 2.31 million consumers will likely not use paper towels. Some 110 million consumers will likely use 5-7 rolls per month, and 45 million will likely use 8 or more rolls in the same period [13]. This high usage translates to massive amounts of deforestation and unnecessary waste. Reusable cloths and Swedish dishcloths offer superior absorbency and can be washed hundreds of times, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for your kitchen cleaning needs.
Ready to make a change? These 10 steps will transform your kitchen into an eco-friendly haven. Not only will you reduce your environmental impact, but you'll likely save money and create a healthier cooking space too. Remember, even small changes add up! Embrace the green kitchen revolution – for your home and the planet.
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