With Earth Week wrapping up, we thought we’d leave you with a few simple tips on greening your kitchen:

1. Keep your fridge full

Refrigerators and freezers use one-sixth of the energy in the average American home, according to the California Energy Commission (CEC). 

As the CEC explains, every time you open your fridge warm air flows in, forcing the appliance to readjust its temperature. The more items sits in the fridge, the less the temperature changes when the door opens, which cuts down on overall energy consumption.

But now’s not the time for a shopping blitz: Instead, try stocking the fridge with water-filled containers, making sure to leave up to two inches between the fridge walls and food so that the air inside can circulate.

2. Microwave cook

The CEC claims that microwaves use 50-65% less energy than the standard oven. For reheating or steaming, opt for this instead of turning on the stove.

3. Use a dishwasher

Just because doing the dishes by hand feels virtuous, doesn’t mean you’re saving the earth. A study by the CEC shows that you can reduce your water consumption by 37% by using the appliance. Don’t be afraid to load dishware dirty (prerinsing only uses more water), and make sure to run only when the washer is completely full. Also, keep your hands off the heat-dry button…

4. Try to grow some of your own food

Whether you have a yard or a windowsill, try growing some of the produce you like to cook with. Products like the aerogarden will keep you sprouting indoors all year long.



5. Invest in your cookware

You’ll find yourself consuming less, if you pay a few extra dollars for cookware that lasts. Swear off Teflon and stick to stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans, use high quality wooden spoons, and cloth towels instead of paper. 

6. Kick cans…

Products like the Soda-Club (above), which lets you carbonate tap water to make soda, can help you kick back on bottles and cans – not to mention high fructose corn syrup consumption.