1. Cut down greenhouse gas emissions.
There are lots of small ways to reduce energy use in the kitchen. An electric kettle uses less energy than a stove-top model. Cover the pot when heating water—it will boil faster.
2. Cut down toxics.
From plastic wrap to oven cleaners, kitchens are a hotbed of toxic chemicals. Don't worry. From cleaning your sink to storing your food, green solutions abound.
Plastics and non-stick coatings
Avoid these three plastics:
Polyvinyl chloride plastic (#3)—also called PVC—is a uniquely bad plastic. It is high in chlorine and additives, and acts as an environmental poison during its entire life cycle. PVC cannot be readily recycled due to its chlorine and additive content. PVC is used to make a variety of products including blinds, shower curtains, purses and children's toys. For more information from Greenpeace International on PVC.
Polycarbonate plastic (#7) is a hard plastic used for products like reusable water bottles and CD containers. It can also be used for baby bottles and lining food cans. Polycarbonate plastic contains bisephenol A, a chemical that mimics the female hormone estrogen. Bisephenol A is associated with a variety of health risks including low sperm counts, diabetes and prostate abnormalities. Polycarbonate plastic is often labelled with a #7, although it should be noted that not all #7 plastics are polycarbonate. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to tell the difference without contacting the manufacturer. (Please note, in the spring of 2008, Canada listed bisephenol A as a toxic substance and is set to become the first country in the world to ban its use for some applications.)
Polystyrene (#6) is widely used for foam insulation and consumer products like foam take-out cups and toys. Its production involves the use of known and suspected human carcinogenic substances. Styrene is also known to be toxic to the reproductive system. Polystyrene can technically be recycled but recycling rates are low.
Avoid some chemical coatings. Non-stick pans, grease-proof fast food wrappers and stain-resistant treatments are usually produced with perfluorochemicals, a family of substances that help repel oil and water. Some perfluorochemicals appear to be particularly toxic and bio-accumulative (meaning they have the tendency to build up over time). Also make a point of avoiding microwave popcorn, which can collect significant concentrations of chemicals when heated.
Cleaning products
Here are a few easy steps to reduce your use of toxic cleaning products:
- Avoid products containing harsh chemicals and synthetic scents.
- Try baking soda and vinegar to clean (they work!).
- Avoid over-packaged products. Choose nature-friendly cleaning products in bulk and concentrated form.
- Choose washable, reusable towels or cloths over disposable tissue products like paper towels.
- If you are going to use toxic substances, make sure you dispose of them separately from household garbage since these products should not be land-filled. Contact your municipality for details.
