7 Steps to a Green Kitchen

1. Get a “green” garbage bag.

Traditional trash bags sit in landfills for eons. Opt for a biodegradable bag like EcoSafe 6400 Kitchen Bags. $4.75 for 25 bags, ecosafeplastics.com

2. Put an end to paper towels.

Three thousand tons – 600,000 pounds! – are tossed in the US every day. Save money and landfill space by switching to reusable rags.

3. Conserve water.

Rather than running the tap to clean vegetables or fruit, wash them in a bowl of water. And don’t forget to fix that dripping faucet, which can waste more than 6,000 gallons of water a year! A simple washer will save significantly on your water bills and the environment.

See also Reconsider Tap Water: The Healthiest Water Options.

4. Compost kitchen waste.

Food and yard scraps make up 24 percent of municipal garbage. Don’t toss your banana peel; compost it and create nutrient-dense soil for your houseplants.

5. Put down that dish towel.

According to a German study, dishwashers use half the energy and one-sixth of the water of hand washing – and less soap, too!

6. Bag the bag salad.

Six million bag salads are sold in the US every day. Switch to in-season local produce for a fresher, more eco-friendly option. It’s cheaper, too.

7. Clean green.

Indoor air pollution can be two to five times greater than outdoors. Cut down on chemicals by cleaning with baking soda and vinegar.

See alsoMake Your Own Household Scrub.