In a world endangered by global warming, reducing carbon emissions should be your primary goal in the kitchen. Adopting eco-friendly cooking practices is a great way to reduce carbon footprints.
Take action today by implementing environmentally-friendly kitchen techniques. Do your part by installing eco-friendly appliances and remodeling your kitchen into an eco-space.
We have found common ground, haven't we? Now, let's deep-dive!
Top Trends on Earth-Friendly Cooking in 2020
Chefs believe 2020 will be a revolutionary year in earth-friendly cooking. Their focus is shifting to plant-based eco-friendly food trends as opposed to meat servings. Another area of interest is on cooking technology and appliances for use in the kitchen.
So, what are chefs saying about earth-friendly cooking? Let’s pick up a few points:
- The focus will shift to plant-based proteins, and there will be significant cuts in animal protein.
- Eco-friendly packaging will be big.
- Delivery-friendly menus will dominate the kitchen space.
- There will be more additions in the kitchen like stress relievers.
- Healthy bowls will be the center of attention.
Check the full report from the National Restaurants Association.
Preparation for earthy cooking
Embracing eco techniques requires deliberate effort. You must be ready with the right supplies and appliances that help you meet your environmental goals.
Let's have a look at what will get you prepared:
Organic Purchases
To be at peace with our planet, always buy organic. Go for organically grown foods that are non-toxic.
Buy from farms that practice organic planting. Organic farms don't use chemical-based fertilizers, which are toxic. They carefully select pest control methods that don't involve the use of toxic chemicals. The crux of the matter is that the waste from organic foods doesn't pollute the environment.
Shop for Reusables
The top tip here is to shun single use plastics. Start by getting a reusable cloth shopping bag, and for bigger items, carry them by hand.
Plastic is a nuisance! It kills marine flora and fauna. It also clogs drainage systems. Reusable bags undo the ills of single use plastic bags.
For water drinking bottles, use the game-changing DYLN Bottle.
Why Choose the DYLN Bottle?
The bottle is free of any BPA or plastic. By using reusable steel water bottles like the DYLN, you reduce the plastic waste problem that comes from buying plastic bottled water. Create alkaline antioxidant water anywhere and reduce your plastic waste.
Reusables are items you can use severally without needing to dispose. For your kitchenware, go for glass, melamine, and stainless steel options. You can replace plastic wrap with those made of beeswax.
Similarly, minimize the use of paper towels by using cloth towels.
Other kitchen reusable items include silicone multi use bowls, linen bread bags, stainless steel/glass straws and long lasting reusable sponges.
Select Appliances Wisely
Tame the power-hungry appliances! Electric devices contribute to high carbon emissions around the globe.
An average household owns 20 devices and spends $2,200 annually on electricity bills. Isn't that crazy? Stop this madness by getting energy efficient appliances for your kitchen.
The culprits you need to check for electricity consumption include refrigerators, dishwashers, and water purifiers. Ovens are in this too. We shall look at them in the subsequent section.
Use Eco-Friendly Ovens
Did you know that 3 billion people still use wood fuel globally?
Green ovens are the way to go on this front. Unlimited options are floating in the market, and it’s upon you to choose one that suits your needs.
A pressure cooker is another noble idea for your kitchen. This type of cooker has several advantages let's sample a few:
- Pressure cooking maintains nutrients in food
- It takes a shorter time to prepare food
- Less energy to cook
- Cleaning is made easier
- There is less heat in the kitchen in the summer
Next, we talk about the convection oven. This type of oven works similarly to the pressure cooker. It uses a fan technology that recirculates air inside for even and faster cooking. Besides, it uses third less energy as compared to a conventional oven.
Try out combination ovens in your eco journey. You will save energy by buying an oven that does multiple functions with less power. Combination cookers feature microwaves and ovens built into one appliance.
Solar ovens are the latest technology which saves you a great deal on electricity bills. Solar is readily available, it’s renewable and clean energy. You need to tap this natural resource because it doesn't harm our environment.
Then there is the option of Biogas for those who live in ranches and farmlands. Biogas captures toxic methane gas and uses it as fuel. Another plus for biogas is that it uses no energy in its preparation.
Kitchenware and eco-friendly supplies
Start by using environmentally friendly materials to build countertops, cabinets, and flooring. Formaldehyde is the best component to use in making counter-tops.
Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash
If you must use wood, then consider using reclaimed. Otherwise, concrete is the best choice. Work with a specialist to know if the wood you are using contains toxins.
Ceramic kitchenware is best because they it's easy to clean and non-stick in nature. Avoid Teflon-coated ware that contaminates food with particles originating from the coating.
Consider buying kitchenware made from natural materials. Take a look at some examples:
- Bamboo cutting boards
- Silicone food covers
- Ceramic cups and plates
- Organic towels
- Beeswax food wrappers
- Resealable snack bags
Fit Eco-Lighting
Reduce electricity costs by going green with your lighting. A quick way to embrace eco lighting is by using sun lighting. You simply install sunroofs or tubular lighting.
LED lighting is another way to save energy. These LED lights save energy by 75% as compared to traditional candescent lighting.
Consider remodeling your kitchen into an Earth-Friendly Environment
To go full green, you need to overhaul your kitchen to conserve energy. When remodeling, use reclaimed or recycled materials. This is a major step, if you decide to take this path it should be well-thought of because it requires major changes. There’s no need to remodel if it’s not time for your kitchen yet, it would be counterproductive. Consider making these changes if you were already thinking about remodeling.
A noble idea would be to use Eco materials for your kitchen tops. Linoleum is a natural and eco-material best for use in the kitchen. It has vital antimicrobial elements, making it safe for use in the kitchen environment.
Another tip is on the arrangement of appliances in the kitchen. Don't put the refrigerator next to the oven as it will struggle and use more energy.
On painting, use only low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints. Most importantly, work with green contractors who have great suggestions about painting.
Photo by Joseph Pérez on Unsplash
Check the design of your kitchen too. The kitchen area should be well ventilated. You don’t want to suffocate midway through cooking.
Bottom line
To sum up, earth-friendly cooking practices make the world a better place. It is a way each family can contribute to fewer carbon emissions while saving costs on their electricity bills. With reusable kitchenware, water bottles, and cookeries, we reduce pollution in our environment. Finally, don't forget to check the performance ratings of electrical and water appliances before buying.
