TigerChef

The fact is, we live on planet Earth. There is nowhere to run and hide. Why not make the world a cleaner and safer place to live? Saving the Earth is easier than you can imagine. There are a couple of insignificant steps you can all implement in our very own kitchen.

1. Buy plain white paper towels and tissues. Dyed paper pollutes. Even better, skip paper towel altogether and use dishtowels.
2. As an alternative to using ammonia-based cleaners, use vinegar, baking soda and water.
3. Re-use your grocery bags, or buy a string bag you can carry all your groceries in.
4. Buy eggs and milk in cardboard cartons instead of plastic. Recycle your plastic milk jugs.
5. Avoid keeping your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Government recommended temperature for keeping food fresh is 38°F. For freezers, it’s 5°F. Avoid setting the temperature on your appliances on lower settings than those recommended by the FDA.
6. Re-use aluminum foil and plastic wrap, or stay away from them completely by using reusable containers.
7. Be sure to return you recyclable cans and bottles to your local supermarket for your return deposit.
8. Use cold water rather than hot water whenever possible for kitchen tasks and laundry.
9. Install water-conserving sink-faucet aerators.
10. Insulate your water heater and turn the thermostate control down to 121°F.
11. When buying new appliances, compare the energy guide labels.
12. To reduce cooking times and to ensure food safety, thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator.
13. No matter what the size of a water leak may be, repair it immediately. A moderate leak loses a minimum of 2 gallons of water per hour.
14. Whenever possible, use small electric pans and ovens to reduce energy consumption.
15. Run your dishwasher only when full. Be sure to use the energy saver cycle.
16. Use a cofee cup rather than a disposable coffee cup.
17. Do your grocery shopping at the local farmers' market. Products are fresh with minimal packaging and no preservatives. Air polution is reduced since there is no trucking involved.
18. Plant your own garden.
19. Educate everyone and anyone, especially your children, about the environment.
20. Always keep in mind that we want to preserve this planet and keep it clean for our great-granchildren.

Filed under: How-To • General • Going Green

Tags: going green