HERE ARE A FEW NEW WAYS TO BE ECO-FRIENDLY AROUND THE KITCHEN
Small changes can make a big difference worth considering to save the planet
These days I’ve been spending a lot more time in the kitchen; cleaning, organizing, cooking and baking for myself and the neighbours (how many homemade loaves of bread have you made this month?). Self-isolation has got me thinking about a few new ways to be eco-friendly around the kitchen, and to be mindful of how my actions affect the world beyond my walls. It feels like the perfect time to think about the health of each other and our planet, too. Here are a few changes I’m making at home.
APPLIANCES
Choose major appliances that not only look great and function well, but also use less energy (look for Energy Star certified appliances, which use up to 41 per cent less energy). For me, the dishwasher is the obvious place to clean up my act. I live alone and like to have clean dishes by morning, so I’m looking for a new dishwasher that can handle a variety of load sizes and work quietly at night while I sleep. Samsung’s Built-in Dishwasher (DW80R9950UG/AA) checks off many boxes by offering a sleek black stainless design and a myriad of eco-friendly options, such as an almost silent motor for quiet nighttime off-peak-hours operation (only 39db noise level for those techie types out there), and its 24-hour delay start makes it easy to program for overnight usage. I love that it’s customizable for small or large loads, which means less power and water consumption, and it has a water detection feature that shuts off the machine if water leaks.
FOOD AND DRINK
Being friendlier to the Earth by making wise food and beverage choices has become important to me. While stuck at home, I try to hydrate instead of giving in to frequent snacking temptations. A sparkling water maker is a fun, healthy and eco-friendly way to drink more water without adding the waste of plastic bottles and cans. Adding a splash of fruit juice, some crushed herbs or pieces of frozen fruit helps to make plain water tasty and exciting, and that bit of fizz makes it feel like a real treat. Amazing fact: One of these machines can reduce up to 2,000 single-use bottles a year!
ADD STYLE
Bring some style to the kitchen. Painting cupboards is often a big procedure requiring heavy-duty paints with toxic fumes. Not anymore. New paints make it possible to do a great job on cabinetry and trim while staying in the house (crucial at this time, but always convenient). I like Behr Premium Plus’s interior semigloss enamel paint and primer in one for painting cabinets and trims — it’s low odour, zero VOCS, and dries within two hours (plus it’s one of the best-priced paints comparably). Give a coat to the walls while you’re at it! Or maybe you want to add some pattern? As the wallpaper trend slowly infiltrates every room in the house, look for it to add pattern and colour to the kitchen. Most kitchen walls are covered in cabinetry and backsplash tiles, so adding a little pattern is a nice way to liven up the space. Look for wallpapers that are made of recycled paper or from responsible forestry practices, as well as printed with non-toxic inks or paints.
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS
Even small changes in the kitchen, if all of us participated, will have a big impact.
Buy a good spray bottle and make your own cleaner with one part water, one part vinegar.
Scrap the plastic wrap and sandwich bags and make your own waxed cloths for food storage or buy beautiful sets made from repurposed fabric by artsy craft-makers and sold online.
Use washable cloth towels instead of paper towels. Bonus: You save money while generating less waste.
Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl on Facebook at Karl Lohnes Designer. Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years.