We need to act responsibly and think sustainably in anything we do these days following such a long span of a craving for affluence, waste, luxury and insensitivity for the environment.  Here I have compiled a list of points which can help us think GREEN in the kitchen, use less energy and hence waste less fuel and ultimately impact on global warming and our utility bills!

1. Make sure you are using energy wisely and frugally - use energy saving lamps, switch off switches when appliances not in use, use the cooker more sensibly and economically.
2. Buy appliances (fridges and dishwashers especially) that are eco or environment-friendly - such as A class or double A class appliances
3. Reduce the refrigerator energy use - a refrigerator can waste a lot of energy and so it is wise to have practices which save on energy - - eg don't leave the door of the refrigerator open for too long, a nicely stocked fridge will waste less than an empty fridge, avoid placing the refrigerator near a sunny patch in your kitchen or close to an cooker, oven or dishwasher as these cause a lot of heat.
4. When putting dishes in the dishwasher scrape them but don't rinse them as this wastes water - similarly if washing plates in a sink, don't do this under running water but fill a basin or the sink with warm water and wash in this.
5. Use eco-friendly, phosphate-and-bleach-free dishwashing liquids or dishwasher tablets in the kitchen.
6. Use the dishwasher when it is full and where possible use shorter cycles.
7. Turn to Green Power if possible so install solar or PV panels where and if possible
8. A refrigerator needs to be kept at a temperature of 1 - 5 degrees C.  Keep the refrigerator at a cool temperature but not unecessarily cool as the colder you leave it, the more energy it wastes. Around 4 degrees C is enough.

Try these green practices and you'llbe working in a GREEN KITCHEN!

Karen