Photo by Watermark Designs on Unsplash

Sustainability is a pretty important topic, and for a good reason. The environment is going through some big, and not so positive changes, so it’s important to make a collective effort in order to prevent further catastrophes from happening. That collective effort can only happen if we all individually do our best to live a green lifestyle. Since the kitchen is such an integral part of every household, then making your kitchen energy-efficient is the first step in the right direction. Therefore, here are some smart ways that can help you make that happen.

Upgrade your fridge

The fridge is the appliance that uses the most energy, which makes sense since it needs to work in order to keep the food fresh. And since it’s impossible to turn it off, then you should make sure to get the new one (if your current one is too old), or at least, to keep all the parts up to date, so the fridge can run smoothly. Also, keep it well-stocked and preferably full: because the more items you keep there, the less energy it’ll waste. 

Use green light bulbs

Green light bulbs are a more convenient option, not because of their energy-saving properties, but also their longevity. And since families tend to spend more time in the kitchen, that also means that it’s important to keep it, especially at times of cooking and eating meals. 

When it comes to green light bulbs, it’s safe to say that there have been quite a few advancements, so nowadays it’s possible to find ceiling-mounted, cabinet-mounted, and also recessed can light fixtures. Energy-efficient light bulbs save about 75% more energy, which is why you should use them if you want to have an energy-efficient kitchen. 

Cook using energy-efficient ways 

There’s no kitchen without cooking. And even though electrical stoves have their own upsides, it’s important to mention that using gas to cook is a more energy-efficient solution. And since it requires three more times to deliver energy, then opting for a gas burner stove is a logical decision. Also, when buying a burner, make sure to get the one that fits your needs, so you won’t use too much energy while using it. Cooking in energy-efficient ways is a great habit that you should adopt in order to live a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Switch off the devices that you’re not using

We’re so used to having everything at our disposal that we often forget to switch off the devices that we’re not using. The same goes for unplugging. But, the devices use energy, even when plugged into the socket, which is why it’s important to unplug them after each use. Toasters, electric kettles, even microwaves should be all unplugged and switched off in order to preserve energy waste and have a more eco-friendly kitchen. 

Clean your oven and other appliances

Your oven (and other appliances) tend to get dirty really fast, which is why it’s essential to clean them on a regular basis. So, if you keep your oven clean from all the grease and junk, it will reflect the heat better, directing it toward the food that is being cooked. If you want to keep things extra energy-efficient, then it’s best to clean all your appliances manually. If you want to use self-cleaning options, then be sure to do that right after cooking/baking in order to use the residual heat. 

Use natural heat sources whenever possible 

So, even though microwaves can be extremely energy-saving and useful, sometimes there are other options to defrost the foods that you have. Available heat sources such as sunlight or heat from the radiator can be extremely helpful whenever you need to soften the hard block of butter or chocolate. Therefore, next time you need to do it, place your butter on the sunny window seal, and you’ll be pleased with the results! Plus, you’ll save energy, which is the ultimate goal. 

Make your microwave work for you 

Microwave is a truly useful kitchen appliance, so be sure to put it to good use. If you need to reheat the food, it’s always better to do so in the microwave than to use the oven or stove burners. Most microwaves have a defrost option, which is also a more energy-efficient solution when you have frozen food that you need to defrost really fast. Aside from defrosting and reheating, you can use your microwave to cook a wide variety of foods, such as potato, rice, and pasta, just make sure to use a durable bowl that is heat-resistant. 

Conclusion 

These smart ways will surely keep your kitchen energy-efficient. Living a more eco-friendly lifestyle is something we should all do if we want to take care of the planet. And if you make sure that your kitchen is energy-efficient and eco-friendly, then you can proudly say that you’ve scored a big victory for the environment. 

Written by Chloe Taylor

 

About the Author

Chloe is an interior design consultant from Adelaide and a regular contributor to Smooth Decorator. She loves everything related to decor, aesthetic and lifestyle topics. She is also passionate about photography. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world and take some stunning photographs of beautiful places. Beside all this, she enjoys drinking coffee and reading a beautiful book from time to time. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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