Every day new appliances that use less energy and water are hitting the market. Investing in some of this equipment can save money, but it’s important not to get lost in the hype. Energy Star rated appliances are a good place to start looking. Stoves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and microwaves are all available with this rating. However, if you cannot afford to invest in new appliances throughout the kitchen, start with the refrigerator. As one of the highest energy-use appliances, making the switch to an Energy Star rated fridge can save several hundred dollars within a year’s time.
Consider converting to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for task lighting in the kitchen. CFLs do not have the color rendering qualities of incandescent bulbs, so an incandescent might remain over the dining table to create a warmer atmosphere and make food look more appetizing. Use CFLs in food prep areas to efficiently light work surfaces. An energy star rated bulb uses approximately 75% less energy than a conventional bulb and just one CFL can save around $30 on your electric bill in its lifetime.
One way to make households more eco-friendly is by creating products that are accessible and make sustainable habits easily adopted. To promote composting, indoor compost pails are now available with charcoal or carbon filters to eliminate food odors. Produced with a variety of features and finishes, indoor compost pails can range anywhere in price from $15 to $50. Carbon filters, lasting up to three months, cost as little as $4 when it’s time to be replaced. Pails lined with Biobags, biodegradable bags thrown into the outdoor compost pile along with the food scraps, can hold up to a gallon of food at a time. By creating an easily accessible, mess and odor free pail, composting can become an easily adopted habit for the homeowner and family, eliminating waste and producing valuable compost.
http://www.worldgreen.org/home/wg-feature-articles/5176-3-steps-to-a-greener-kitchen.html
No comments:
Post a Comment