As always, constructive ways of solving problems are in great demand. Getting rid of excessive trash and burdens of wastefulness by performing valuable endeavors for us and the planet, while feeling delighted, excited, and productive (and a bit richer) all that time, could become a life-changing habit. This time we are talking about 20 kitchen eco-friendly tips to save money.
While performing daily chores in the kitchen we can gain a lot of extra benefits. The “only” thing we need are guidelines, some useful knowledge, and persistent and genuine support.
These habits listed below have a particular place in my life since I love to prepare my own meals, applying the tips for a healthy lifestyle and bodybuilding routine.
And, why not, saving the money and the rest of the world in my way. (I am already getting hungry, I can tell you.)
1. Avoid food waste, please!
Wherever I went, I saw excessive food waste. It makes me sad. Knowing the world food dearth issues, I couldn’t refrain from putting this request at the very first place on this list.
The point is: we are able to prepare the exact amount of any meal and their ingredients using our experience, precise list of groceries, and will to implement this in daily routine.
Food leftovers we can put in the fridge, using them afterward in some other delicious recipes. The Internet is full of them. (link 1 and link 2)
Another option could be composting organic waste since food leftovers are often unavoidable. Sure it depends on the circumstances of the type of accommodation, our will, and organizational skills, as well as the organization of waste treatment in our settlements.
Whatever approach you choose, just don’t toss away food, please!
2. Creating a smart list of groceries
Developing the habit of timely creating a list of exclusively necessary ingredients and items can also contribute to unnecessary waste of money and the production of excessive garbage. For example, I use an application on my mobile phone, such as “Make a list” and the like. Creating a habit of “ding-dong” consulting this list comes in the same bundle.
3. Becoming the best friend with the pressure cooker
Pressure cookers are designed to make short work of slow cook dishes.
Speeding up cooking time while saving energy and money, in the long run, sounds good enough to invest in buying this friend of the kitchen.
4. Usage of the remaining heat of the hob for cooking
In addition to cooking at lower temperatures (whenever is possible), 10-15 minutes before the end of cooking, I usually turn off the stove hob and let the food simmer until the end. This also contributes to a reduction in electricity bills in the long run.
5. Cooking without oil or grease
I know, this isn’t easy, since it’s one of the greatest challenges within this “to do” list.
If I cook on water, it doesn’t mean that others have to. It’s just advice.
Anyway, this habit can save money for oil, grease, and cleaning agents, as well as reduce the percentage of body fat (along with other relevant fitness and nutrition “appliances”). Healthy lifestyles are also potentially beneficial for the budget (and, I almost forgot – health) in the long run, again.
Not to forget, I consume healthy oils separately (olive oil with lemon, for example).
6. Eating less meat
Hear this too! Meat lovers are unlikely to become big fans of this movement. But for those who want to start applying this eco-and budget-friendly advice – a few facts below could be a great impeller.
Meat belongs to the group of the most expensive foods (remember the household budget briefly), with the greatest negative impact on the planet environment in the field of agricultural ecological footprint.
A healthy combination of cheap vegetables with little meat can be a good solution in this domain of advice.
As for bodybuilding (that’s my area, too), I would mention the example of my friend Chris from the gym, who is a vegetarian and looks great: not overly fleshy, of course, but harmonious, with excellent musculature and shredded.
7. Making our own meals, spices, side dishes, sauces
There are endless lists of recipes on the Internet. I have nothing against attending the restaurants, from time to time, because they also need to work and earn. But the cheapest (and mostly the healthiest) variant is when we prepare meals ourselves, with cleverly selected ingredients, supported by our loved ones.
8. Usage of cloth napkins
The washing machine is one of the busiest housemates anyway, just insert those kitchen cloths in it with the rest of the washing contents. (Be sure to get them dirty first.) It will save our money that we would direct to buy paper napkins. They are not cheap, as far as I noticed. Not to mention the cumulative financial effect.
9. Cleaning with vinegar and water
Vinegar is cheap, affordable, and effective detergent for cleaning a decent number of kitchen elements. More precisely, we could (and should) be cleaning everything in our kitchen with white vinegar.
An aqueous solution of vinegar kills various types of germs at one of the lowest costs of combat.
10. Cleaning with baking soda
Similar to vinegar, there are endless ways to use baking soda for cleaning: from oil stains, through kitchen utensils, all the way to body parts.
11. Shopping adventures at thrift stores
Each of us knows at least a few places where food is cheap and of good quality. So let’s visit them as often as possible. Using a bike, of course.
12. More shopping adventures at the local farmers’ market
Farmers’ markets are the best place to buy fresh, local, and affordable groceries. Just only one more small effort is needed: we should be using our own cloth bags.
What’s more importantly: I highly value friendships with these hardworking people I met while shopping at the local markets as one of the greatest values in life. Not to mention a lot of fun I have experienced there. That goes beyond the story of price and economy. Thanks a lot to them!
13. Buying second-hand kitchen appliances
I recently bought a smaller used refrigerator with exceptional interior space organization and low electricity consumption for 50 euros. Applying the useful recommendations from this range, I am very pleased with the choice.
This can also apply to all other household appliances.
14. Taking care of what we already have
The wastefulness’ mindset repeats all the time: who cares, when I break this I will buy a new one. Fortunately, it is easy enough. But it is a wasting of money that can be used for other purposes. Feed the hungry ones, for instance.
15. Stuff repair
Personally, I keep useful things alive for as long as possible.
We should not throw stuff away just because we no longer like them or they became ugly and obsolete. It doesn’t mean they are useless.
16. Turning off the tap
Whenever feasible, the tap should be turned off so that water does not leak unnecessarily. (I’ve heard this somewhere before.)
Same as any other potentially avoidable bad habit (turning off a light when the kitchen job is done), it’s simple and saves a lot of water and money in the long run.
17. Faulty faucet repair
Every drop counts. Especially when it takes a lot of effort and money to get it. So, fix that faucet as soon as possible. Mine is fine for now.
This also applies to other water installations.
18. Purchase of energy-efficient appliances
Energy Star Appliances have little bit higher prices, which demands a certain initial investment, but their durability, sustainability properties, and thrift treats advocate in their favor.
19. Unplug anything pluggable
As anywhere else, unplug kitchen appliances while they are out of use. No comment till further notice.
20. And when finish all this – Feel free to turn off the lights (I’ve already done this)
Fortunately, most light switches are next to the door, so turning off the lights at the end of a kitchen adventure shouldn’t pose a problem.
And, let there be an end.
OK, A Few More Words
All these tips have the intention of saving a lot of money, making us healthier, and contributing to the planet’s sustainability. Most important, they don’t require a lot of investment, just a bit of goodwill.
But, besides that, you may have noticed one more benefit here: this way of life, in addition to saving money and improving the planet’s environment, has the power to create many more quality intimacies and friendships with the people we meet within these green fields of constructive behavior. And that can in no way be expressed in dollars or euros.
And, that’s all for now people, definitely. See you in the next article.