Survey data from market researchers at Nielsen shows that around 50 percent of Americans are willing to change their habits in order to reduce their impact on the environment. Inevitably, the kitchen is where we can do the most. Yet while reducing food waste and using locally sourced ingredients are all laudable, we can make the greatest impact when looking at those periodic upgrades and major purchases that we all have to make from time to time.
Appliance upgrades
It’s the perennial question – is it more eco friendly to purchase a more efficient appliance or to keep an old one running longer? There’s no simple answer, but the rule of thumb is that if the old appliance is still working efficiently, it is a false economy, both financially and ecologically, to replace it. However, when you’re doing a full upgrade, new appliances will be near the top of your shopping list. Think beyond like-for-like exchanges will good efficiency ratings. For example, replacing a standard oven with a convection oven will reduce energy consumption by about 20 percent.
Cookware and utensils
If your cookware is showing signs of age, it can spoil the look and feel of an upgraded kitchen. Here, too, you can make your cooking space greener with a little lateral thinking. Glass or ceramic cookware isn’t just easier to keep clean, its conductive properties also help food to cook faster. If you are replacing plastic utensils, opt for a material like bamboo. It looks great and is completely sustainable.
Clever faucet technology
Reducing water usage is one of the most important steps we can take to make the kitchen more eco friendly. It’s not just about changing habits, however, tech upgrades can also play a role. Motion detecting faucets automatically shut off the flow of water when you don’t need it. As well as looking great and being easier to keep clean, you’ll be amazed at the impact they have. Add an aerator to the mix and the average consumption reduces by an incredible 40 percent.
Other kitchen upgrades
There are numerous other eco-friendly areas you can look at when upgrading your kitchen, from LED lighting to sustainable flooring. But the above three areas will have the greatest impact, and will also make preparing and cooking food easier while improving the overall look of your kitchen. It’s not so much a win/win as a win/win/win!
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