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The kitchen is the heart of the home… and it’s also where eco-friendly living begins.

With an increase in environmental awareness and social responsibility comes a deeper commitment to setting up healthier, eco-friendly living spaces.  This begins with some simple practices like recycling, reusing, and composting.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started…

Recycle

Get the whole family to recycle by making it easy and convenient. Consider earmarking one area in your kitchen where items can be easily sorted for recycling.

Reuse

Are worn or broken materials creating an eyesore in your kitchen?   Consider this a wonderful opportunity to go a little greener by selecting recycled tiles, countertops, or flooring option.  There are many options available.

Reduce Waste

Consider stocking your kitchen with reusable items that come in bulk, rather than individual servings. For example, try replacing paper towels and napkins with reusable dishtowels and cloth napkins.  Make sure they are easily accessible to family members.

Avoid using plastics

Plastics are filling our oceans and landscapes, a situation that won’t improve until we reduce our use. We can do this by avoiding commercially packaged foods, by buying in bulk, and by employing reusable materials, such as glass containers, whenever possible.

Use Energy Efficient Appliances

Thanks to energy efficiency standards, newer model dishwashers use far less water and energy than their earlier counterparts.  There are plenty of great energy efficient models to choose from when it’s time to replace your dishwasher or washing machine.

Compost

According to the Environmental Protection Agency,  the average American produces 4.6 pounds of waste per person, per day, which adds up to a huge, cumulative waste of resources and money.  Composting allows food scraps to be reused in your garden or taken out with your curbside yard debris which will later be repurposed as well.  There are many container options for countertop or under-counter composting.

Use non-toxic paints and cleaners

Many paints include volatile organic compounds, called VOCs, which off-gas fumes that release toxicity into your home and into the environment. Fortunately, almost every paint line now includes low and no-VOC paint options that deliver great results without the toxicity.

The same goes for kitchen and general cleaning products.  Living green means avoiding the use of harsh chemicals whenever possible. Thankfully, more manufacturers are now offering green cleaner options. And, nature offers its own line of effective household cleansers including white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

Here’s to greener living!