The environmentally-friendly kitchen often begins with eco-friendly eating but it certainly doesn’t end there. From energy-efficient appliances to sustainable materials, there are lots to make your kitchen truly healthy and truly nature-friendly (which incidentally is also good for your pocketbook). Here are a handful of them.

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Energy-Efficient Appliances

According to Energy Star, Americans conserved enough energy in 2008 to equal the gas emissions of 29 million cars by simply using Energy Star-rated appliances; that equates to nearly $19 billion saved on utility bills. Want to join in the savings? When your old appliance is nearing the end of its existence (and it doesn’t simply need a repair), look for energy-efficient appliances with the Energy Star rating, available on most kitchen appliances including dishwashers, stoves and freezers.

Buy Fresh

Not only does fresh food taste better, it is better for the environment and your wallet. Packaged, frozen foods are often packaged just that way to ensure there’s no degradation in the taste or quality of the food. So why not go fresh from the get-go? It’s less packaging, better for you and often involves fewer environmentally-damaging processes to get to your hometown grocer.

Use Sustainable Materials

When it comes to countertops and the kitchen sink, there are a wide variety of stylish yet sustainable materials to choose from. For instance, recycled copper sinks or stoneware (think Blanco sinks) are green and stylish. When it comes to countertops, consider everything from recycled glass to sustainable wood, there’s an eco-friendly option that fits every fashion and budget.

Environmentally-friendly Cleaners

There seems to be a egregious misconception that a truly green kitchen isn’t a clean one. But you don’t have to use harsh, toxic chemicals to achieve the level of sparkle and clean you want. Look for cleaners that are biodegradable, plant-based detergents or you can make your own using average household items such as vinegar, lemon and baking soda.

“Waste Not, Want Not”

Never is this saying more true than in the kitchen. In fact, from leftovers to wrappers, the kitchen typically generates the most waste of any room in the house. As such, be aware of the products you purchase and their packaging. Use your own recyclable bags when shopping and recycle what you can such as glass jars or durable packaging. Watch out if you frequently throw out food, then you are purchasing and cooking too much! Prevent waste and save money by shopping for food only for the upcoming week.

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