Create a space inside your kitchen for tossing recyclables. For example, put a recycling bin on the floor of your pantry. The more convenient it is to recycle, the more likely it is that everyone in your home will do it consistently. Post a sign above the bin explaining which numbers of plastics your area collects.
2. Consider a Kitchen Compost Bin
Would you compost if it were easy and convenient? Create a compost canister in your kitchen to make it easy to hold leftover scraps until you empty them into an outdoor bin. Composting saves food from needlessly taking up space in landfills and turns it into useful, rich fertilizer. Find a space under your sink to store an open-topped container. No special purchase is necessary; any container will do.
3. Cook Smarter
To conserve energy when cooking, don’t preheat the oven unless you’re cooking something that needs a hot oven at the start, such as baked goods. On the stove, match the burner size to the pan size, and use a lid to keep in the heat. When baking, use glass or ceramic baking pans to conserve energy. These warm up faster and retain heat longer than metal, so you can lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees — which will save you energy and money.
4. Be Cautious of Your Water Usage
Do you hand-wash your dishes? Try using Ultra Dawn®,* a dependable dishwashing liquid that fights grease and gives you squeaky-clean pots, pans and other dishes.
If you wash your dishes in the dishwasher, only run it with full loads. Use the water-saver setting if the dishes aren’t unusually dirty. Try Cascade® ActionPacs™* for the ultimate wash.
5. Don’t Dump Fats Down the Drain
Any fat, from bacon grease to olive oil, can damage your pipes, the sewer system and, ultimately, the environment. Instead, let your pans cool down, and then pour fats into a disposable container (preferably one you’re reusing). Keep using the container to collect fats, and then throw it in the trash when it’s full.
6. Position Work Surfaces Near Skylights or Windows
Try to position most of your kitchen activities — from chopping to scrubbing — near a natural source of light. Natural light is free and uses zero energy. Plus, it’s the best light available.
7. Use a High-Efficiency Ceiling Fan Instead of an Exhaust Fan
Adequate circulation and ventilation are important. But consider using a ceiling fan instead of an exhaust fan. It encourages natural ventilation and air circulation, and it uses less energy than an exhaust fan.
* You can find coupon savings for Dawn and Cascade in P&GbrandSAVER®.
