Green Renewable Energy

Get eco in your kitchen with these tips. From electricity, to water consumption, your kitchen can be earth-happy if you follow some simple guidelines to re-use items, minimize waste and be as environmentally friendly as you can.

Microwave - Cooking in the microwave and other small appliances can be extremely efficient compared to a stove. When buying one, go for models with the highest energy star rating.

Bamboo and aluminium steamers - Bamboo or aluminium steamers are perfect for conserving energy. Always try to combine cooking time and energy. For example, a roast and vegies can both be cooked in the oven at the same time, while a pot of pasta can also be used to steam vegies.

Food processor or blender - Making your own sauces, dips and dressing not only saves money, it’s healthier and drastically reduces packaging.

Eco bags - When you get back from the shops, put your eco carry bags back into your car or handbag to avoid forgetting them next time. Many eco-bags are made from a light weight parachute material that is easy to compact and stow away.

Water efficient fittings - As has become the standard, it is a great idea to install water=saving devices throughout the home - especially in the kitchen where taps are used the most.

Pots of herbs - Plants herbs in pots and place them close to your kitchen. That way, when you need some fresh herbs, they are already close at hand.

Recycling - Set up a system to separate your waste. Separate plastics, glass, newspaper and cans. Put a calendar up to remind yourself when different items are collected and contact your local council for more information.

Compost Pail or Bokashi bin - Invest in a small compost pail or in a bokashi bin to collect your kitchen scraps. By keeping your compost pail close by, it’s easier to collect scraps as you go and then add them to your garden or composting system later.

DIY cleaning products - ditch the chemicals and make your own cleaning products. Mix white vinegar with water for a terrific floor cleaner and add a touch of lemon for a fresh scent.

Leftover fridge calendar - Keep a calendar on the fridge to mark your leftovers. This way, you can tell at a glance if you really need to do another shopping trip.

Plastic tub - Don’t have a grey water system? Use a plastic tub in the sink to catch water from washing vegetables. If you use a grey water safe dish detergent, you can gather the water you use from rinsing your dishes as well.

Coffee and tea - Use fair trade, organic or rainforest alliance coffees where ever possible. Same goes for teas. Always go for loose-leaf teas brewed in a pot or plunger - less packaging.

Kettle - Go for the most energy efficient model. Look for ones that shut off after the water is boiled and remember to only boil the amount of water you need to avoid re heating unnecessarily.

Going green, also known as eco friendly living, is a growing trend around the world. Now more than ever, people are beginning to realize the impact their actions and decisions have on the world around us. Every time we get in a car, ride on a plane, or make a purchase at the grocery store, we know that energy is consumed, greenhouse gasses are created, and landfills get a little fuller. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the vastness of it all, but relax and take a step back. No one of us has to save the world alone. But what we can do is each take a few small steps every day. Small changes make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. With that in mind, we’re going to discuss a few easy things that you can do at home to make a big difference in the world around you.

1. Recycle. Experts agree that recycling is one of the best and easiest ways to make a difference. If every person on the planet recycled, we could reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gasses in a very significant way. Most communities have recycling programs in place already, making it easy to participate. If your city doesn’t, inquire with local officials about starting a program.

2. Don’t throw it away! We have a tendency not to think about items we throw away. They disappear from our sight, so they are out of our minds. But all those things that the garbage truck hauls away every week do have to go somewhere, and that place is a landfill. Landfills are a major cause of greenhouse gasses and ozone depletion. So next time you get ready to throw something away, ask yourself if you could possibly use the item in another way or donate it.

3. Turn off the water. U.S. householdswaste thousands of gallons of water every year. A significant amount of this water goes down the sink while we are brushing our teeth, washing our hair, or soaping up in the shower. Turning off the water during these activities can save a huge amount of water, which not only helps the environment, but also saves you money.

4. Ride your bicycle. For short trips around town, air up the tires and ride your bike. It will save you gas and give you some good exercise. If you don’t have a bicycle, you can walk, ride rollerblades, or even a skateboard.

5. Install low flush toilets and showerheads. This is another way to consume less water in the bathroom. Even better yet, if you’re getting ready to put in a new toilet fixture, look into composting toilets. These fixtures are clean and odorless, and will save you a significant amount of money in water and sewer costs.

While the suggestions above may seem like really small things, don’t underestimate the impact these changes can make. If every person in the United States made a conscious effort today to turn off the water while brushing their teeth or shampooing their hair, think how many millions of gallons of water would be saved! Now multiply that over the course of fifty years, and the result is astronomical. So what are you waiting for? Now is a great time to jump on the going green bandwagon by recycling, saving some water, and using less energy. The environment will benefit, and in many cases, your pocketbook will, too.