The Gerber Life Parenting Blog

Paint Your Kitchen Green – Making Eco-Friendly Kitchen Changes

May 16, 2012

Eco-friendly KitchenIf we were to ask you what room in your home you thought was the biggest energy waster, what would your answer be? If you answered “my kitchen,” you’re right on track. The kitchen is where the majority of a home’s power usage takes place, because this is where the majority of our energy-sapping household appliances are located: our fridges, dishwashers, ovens, and stoves. The good news is that if you’re interested in creating an eco-friendly kitchen, there are a number of things you can do.

Get Your Fridge in Line
Did you know that your refrigerator is your house’s second least eco-friendly appliance next to your heating and cooling system? Now, at long last, you finally understand why it is that your folks were always shouting at you to close the refrigerator door – they were just trying to teach you how to live green! Now that you know what an energy waster your refrigerator is, what can you do about it? First things first, take a look at your fridge’s age and specs. If it’s an oldie, replace it with a new Energy Star compliant model. Also, be sure to keep its internal temperature set at around 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As for your freezer, keep it at a chilly 5 degrees Fahrenheit, but no colder unless you want to waste electricity.

Greening Your Dishes
While you’re making your kitchen eco-friendly, consider your dishwasher. If you’ve already got an Energy Star brand, you’re doing great. But if you’re still burdening your energy bill by using an out of date dishwasher, it’s time to make an investment in a more eco-friendly technology. New dishwashers don’t just save on electricity, they also waste a lot less water. And the best bonus of all? They do a far better job of cleaning your dishes.

Keeping It Green while Keeping It Clean
Nobody wants to let their kitchen go to the birds, but with all that you hear about toxic chemicals in everyday household cleaners, is there an alternative? You bet there is. There are a bevy of environmentally friendly products that you can use to keep your kitchen clean without having to sacrifice the health of the environment to do so. Buying these products and using them on a regular basis is also a great way to let your voice be heard. The more they sell, the more manufacturers will see there’s a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives.

By following these simple eco-friendly tips you can transform your kitchen from a place of waste into a model for sustainable living without sacrificing your quality of life. Having your cake and eating it too is possible, after all.

Source:
www.energystar.gov

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