6 Sustainable Kitchen Upgrades That Save Energy and Money

If you’re worried about waste in your kitchen, you’re not alone. Disposable plastic bags? I am guilty. Large household appliances and obsolete light bulbs? That too. Last year, a CNET investigation found that the average American adult wastes $1,500 a year on food that is neither cooked nor eaten.

But the good news, for you and for me, is that there is always room for improvement. If you specifically want to reduce food waste, meal kits Or easy to use apps maybe the answer. But if you want to reduce waste in general when it comes to your cooking habits, save energy and, therefore, save money, we can also give you some tips.

Here are six trades you can make for immediate impact.

1. Use a compost bin

Composting can simultaneously help reduce your overall carbon footprint and improve your home garden. Additionally, in some regions of the United States, such as New York, composting is even becoming mandatory, so it would be wise to get started now. A compost bin provides a dedicated space for your food waste and helps keep unwanted odors away.

You can keep it simple with a classic plastic trash can or take it up a notch with a electric smart compost bin. For more tips on composting, here’s what you I can and I can’t throw it in your trash.

2. Replace disposable products with reusable products

If you often pack lunches or put leftovers in disposable plastic bags, replace them with reusable Ziploc bags to reduce waste. For greater food preservation, reusable beeswax wraps are a great option.

Another simple swap is to use reusable paper napkins. An added bonus is that they come in lots of cute designs, so you can find some to match any kitchen.

3. Buy Energy Star appliances

For a device to be labeled “Energy Star,” it must meet a handful of energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. From light bulbs and televisions to refrigerators and ovens, the DOE has established standards for these devices and appliances. For example, an Energy Star dishwasher has “improved water filtration, more efficient jets, and dish racks that reduce energy and water usage and improve performance.”

Another huge advantage is that these types of devices can even save you money.

4. Use an air fryer instead of an oven when possible

Speaking of saving money, did you know that one of our favorite countertop appliances can help you do just that? Air fryer expert David Watsky found that compared to the average large electric oven, a standard 4 quart oven the air fryer was 50% more energy efficient. Compared to an average gas stove, it was 35% more efficient.

So if you use an air fryer to cook fries, chicken wings Or thighsinstead of opting for the oven, you’ll save energy and money without even trying.

5. Keep track of the food you have

These days, if you need help with something, there’s probably an app for it, and that includes reducing food waste. Oh, a potato!for example, will scan the food in your refrigerator then provide you with meal ideas so that no ingredients are wasted. You can also use ChatGPT for meal planning by providing it with a list of ingredients you already have (no pun intended) and let it give you an AI-created recipe.

Learn more: 4 smart apps that save you money and reduce food waste

But sometimes, despite our best efforts, it seems like we can’t eat fresh produce before it starts to go bad. It’s there Shelf Its manufacturer, Vitesy, claims the Shelfy will extend food freshness for up to 12 days as long as you use it as intended, which means it should be placed as close to the food as possible.

I tested Shelfy and was impressed by its performance and the easy-to-use app it pairs with. The app records how many times your fridge has been opened, how long it stays open per day and when it needs to be cleaned. Plus, it offers tips on how to store each type of food in your refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

6. Replace old bulbs with LEDs

Something as simple as replacing the light bulbs in your kitchen can also make more of a difference than you think. LED lights are energy efficient and come in a variety of styles and colors. Smart bulbs can also be programmed to turn off during the night in case you forget to press the switch before bed.