What are some ways you can make your kitchen more sustainable?

2 Reduce food waste

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, about one-third of the food produced globally is wasted or lost. This not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, but also wastes valuable resources and money. To reduce food waste in your kitchen, you can plan your meals ahead, shop smartly, store your food properly, and use leftovers creatively. You can also compost your organic scraps, or donate them to a local farm or animal shelter.

3 Use eco-friendly cookware and utensils

Another way to make your kitchen more sustainable is to use cookware and utensils that are made from natural, renewable, or recycled materials, such as wood, bamboo, ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. These materials are durable, easy to clean, and do not leach harmful chemicals into your food. You can also avoid using single-use items, such as plastic bags, wraps, straws, or disposable cutlery, and opt for reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags, beeswax wraps, metal straws, or bamboo cutlery.

4 Save energy and water

Cooking can consume a lot of energy and water, especially if you use electric appliances, run the dishwasher, or leave the faucet on. To save energy and water in your kitchen, you can use natural or LED lighting, switch to gas or induction cooktops, use a pressure cooker or a slow cooker, and cook in batches. You can also wash your dishes by hand, use cold water, and turn off the faucet when not in use.

5 Eat more plant-based foods

One of the most impactful ways to make your kitchen more sustainable is to eat more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Plant-based foods are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, and can lower your risk of chronic diseases. They also require less land, water, and energy to produce, and emit less greenhouse gases than animal-based foods. You can start by having one or two meatless days a week, or by replacing some of the animal products with plant-based alternatives.

6 Learn from other cultures

Finally, you can make your kitchen more sustainable by learning from other cultures and cuisines that have a long tradition of using local, seasonal, and plant-based ingredients, and minimizing waste. For example, you can learn how to make fermented foods, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, or yogurt, which can extend the shelf life of your produce, enhance their flavor and nutrition, and benefit your gut health. You can also learn how to use spices, herbs, and sauces to add variety and complexity to your dishes, and how to use every part of the food, such as stems, peels, or bones, to make stocks, soups, or salads.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?