How to Stay Eco-Friendly While Cleaning the Kitchen

For homeowners concerned with their impact on the environment, there are a number of changes throughout the home they can make to reduce their ecological footprint. One way is to focus on the kitchen and the steps to keep it spotlessly clean. There’s no reason why you can’t use eco-friendly techniques throughout the chore of cleaning. The following are several tips on how to keep your kitchen as clean as possible with the environment in mind:

1. Look at the Label
   A lot of cleaning products contain a long list of chemicals, some of which are potentially toxic and harsh on the skin. But for homeowners who are environmentally conscious or have young children in the home, green cleaning products are an attractive option. There are a variety of green cleaning products available on the market, made with safe and natural materials. If green cleaning products are a bit too expensive, then water, soap, and baking soda can also do the trick.
2. Avoid Plastic
   Over time, the chemicals used to make plastic degrade and break down, possibly leeching into your food or drink. Heat from microwaves or cleaning can worsen this issue, contaminating other items throughout your kitchen. Therefore, switch out of your plastic containers, cups and utensils for alternatives such as stainless steel or glass. Not only will you decrease the chances that plastic taint your food, you’ll also be able to build a more eco-friendly environment.
3. Start Composting
   Do you end up with a fair amount of scraps and plant waste after every meal? If so, you may want to consider composting, instead of simply dumping them in the trash. Composting consists of placing organic matter into a pile and allowing them to rot naturally, turning it into a rich, soil-like material. This process is especially useful for gardeners, as it allows you to save on the costs of fertilizer and dispose of trash in an eco-friendly way.
4. Opt Out on Paper
   Homeowners frequently use paper towels to clean their counters, dry any spills and wipe away messes. However, using paper towels can be very wasteful and costly in the long run. Instead, opt out on paper in favor for reusable cloths. Not only will you be able to get more uses with every cloth towel, you can simply throw it into your laundry to clean it. Every paper towel roll avoided will allow you to work towards saving both the environment and your wallet.
5. Alternatives of Appliances
   Many homeowners rely on dishwashers in order to avoid the effort of washing on their own. However, they take up a considerable chunk of your electricity bill, driving up the prices to the hundreds. Instead, look for energy-efficient alternatives, which are designed to be eco-friendly. Not only do they save electricity, they’re also efficient in the use of water, saving gallons of water in a dishwasher’s lifetime. While shopping for energy-efficient dishwaters, make sure you look for an “energy saver” label, denoting its eco-friendly status.

If you are looking to learn more about how to clean kitchen countertops in detail, you should read what the experts on natural stone has to say!

Christine Cooney is a writer at The House Designers, writing articles on DIY and award winning floor plans on The House Designers blog. She loves learning about architecture, home décor, and house plan designs.