You can have the greenest kitchen in the world, but it will not make a jot of difference if you do not behave in a green way once you are in it. In fact, the way in which you use your kitchen on an everyday basis could probably have more of an impact on the environment than all the cabinets, appliances, pots and pans put together.

Try carrying out these suggestions and you will be well on your way to green living in the kitchen.

 

Saving water

 

If you do nothing else make an effort to save water:

 

  • Fix dripping taps (faucets) immediately. Around 4 litres (7 pints) of water can disappear down your drains this way every hour or so, and 90 litres (20 gallons) of water if the drips start to form a stream.

 

  • Fill the kettle with the correct amount of water needed for your cup of tea, thereby saving water and energy; and de-scale the kettle regularly - it will be more efficient.

 

  • Don’t leave taps (faucets) running when you are washing and rinsing dishes – running the tap (faucet) can use 10-14 litres (2-3 gallons) of water a minute (enough for a small bath in just five minutes) and washing a mug under a running tap uses about 1 litre (2 pints) of water; six mugs the same as a bowl of washing up.

 

  • Save water leftover from washing the dishes or fitting a new water filter - it can be used for watering the plants or flushing the toilet.

 

Most of our drinking water comes from rainfall, but on its way into our pipes it can pick up whatever pollution exists in the air and on the land. At the same time, it is dubious whether expensive bottled water is any better for us than water from the tap (faucet), due to the toxins absorbed from the plastic. There have also been some worrying stories recently regarding well-known brands of bottled water, which have been contaminated as a result of poor sanitation due to heavy flooding. Because of the manufacturing and transportation involved in the production of bottled water, not to mention the amount of water bottles that are thrown away each year, it is a far less environmentally friendly option. If you are determined to buy bottled water, choose large bottles made out of glass that can be recycled.

 

Filtered tap (faucet) water is a much better option. There are various types of filter available, from jugs with disposable filters to special systems that can be fitted under the sink. If you use the plastic jug version make sure you change the filter regularly, to prevent contamination by the release of bacteria and heavy metals back into the water. There are different types of fitted water filters: activated carbon, reverse osmosis and distillation. A distilling filter is the most effective, but is expensive to install. Seek professional advice as to what system would best suit your needs and budget.

 

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