Few locations in our home are as important as the kitchen and few things in life are as important as the food we eat – after all, it’s what fuels us and keeps us healthy. Try using the following items to enjoy a greener cooking experience – for your health and the planet’s.
1. Stainless Steel Pots – Avoid Teflon-coated surfaces; the ‘stick-free’ solution is not a healthy way to go as the coating can wear off and end up as seasoning in your meal. Stainless steel is safe and can last a very long time.
2. Cast Iron Frying Pan – These pans can literally last for generations and even add some iron to your diet. A time-tested method for evenly distributing heat, cooking with a seasoned cast iron pan provides a non-stick surface that won’t endanger your health.
3. Wooden/Bamboo Cutting Board – A wooden cutting board made from sustainable materials is a much better choice than chopping on plastic, which can harbor harmful bacteria. Have one board for meats and one for vegetables, etc. Make sure you wash them with mild soap and water or vinegar to disinfect them.
4. Cloth Washcloths – Durable cloth washcloths are a greener choice than wiping up or drying with paper towels. While recycled paper towel products may have their place, washcloths are reusable and thus save money too.
5. Electric Kettle – If you’re a big tea or French-press coffee drinker, using an electric kettle can save a lot of energy. Electric kettles are more efficient than conventional stove top kettles because of converting a maximum amount of power into heat. Make sure you fill the kettle with only as much water as you intend to use so you’re not wasting energy by boiling excess water. Or, get a head start on cooking vegetables or pasta by using boiling water from the electric kettle.
A green kitchen usually means a healthier kitchen… so there is added incentive to make changes where necessary. Always avoid chemical-coated surfaces and plastic utensils. Not only can they contaminate your food, but at the end of their lifespan, which is usually pretty short, they add toxic waste to landfills. Also, keep in mind that glass and ceramic dishes cook faster than shiny metal ones, which reflect heat, thus saving on energy and time. Lastly, make sure you pay for quality kitchen items that will last for years – at least long enough till you can get your kids to cook for you!
