Your dining room is where family and friends gather to enjoy home-cooked meals. But did you know there may be ways to make this space even more hospitable – by making it sustainable? Read on for some easy upgrades that will transform your dining experience while caring for the planet.
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Choose Furniture Made from Certified and Reclaimed Wood
When choosing a new dining room table, look for one made from certified sustainable wood. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures the wood was harvested in an environmentally-friendly way that protects forests and wildlife.
Some retailers offer FSC-certified options. For example, Crate & Barrel has a table made from reclaimed pine wood that is FSC-certified. Floyd Furniture uses FSC-certified walnut in their designs as well. You can also search online marketplaces for specific pieces made from certified sustainable wood.
If FSC-certified wood isn’t available, recyclable materials like IKEA’s wooden tables are a good alternative. IKEA often designs its furniture to be taken apart and recycled at the end of its life.
For dining chairs, used or reclaimed wood is a sustainable choice. Companies like Zin Home offer chairs made from reclaimed pine. Vintage and antique stores or websites often have pre-owned wood chairs as well. Avoid plastic if possible since it requires fossil fuels. Polypropylene, a common plastic for chairs, is recyclable, but composites usually aren’t.
Secondhand stores are a great place to shop for a whole dining set. Locally-owned thrift shops, classified listings, and garage sales offer pre-loved wood tables and chairs that keep them out of landfills. Checking these sources first is best for the environment before purchasing new ones. With some patience, a sustainably certified wood or reclaimed dining setup can often be found secondhand.
Opt for Eco-Friendly Kitchen Linens
When choosing kitchen linens, opt for reusable materials like organic cotton or linen that are more eco-friendly than disposable paper products. An environmentally friendly way to cut waste is to use reusable aprons, dish towels, and cloth napkins.
Take durability into account as well. Vinyl tablecloths are incredibly durable and stain-resistant. According to Premier Table Linens, for higher usage settings, thicker vinyl provides extra durability and is a suitable option for both home and commercial use.
Thinner, less durable materials that may need replacing frequently. So, it’s better to opt for durable vinyl tablecloths selection in natural fibers as they are better for the environment. Reusable linens eliminate the need for single-use paper products that end up in landfills. Durable, washable materials last for years with proper care, reducing textile waste.
Sustainable textiles are an affordable way to lessen the environmental impact of kitchen essentials. Choosing quality, reusable linens is an eco-friendly investment for your home.
Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances
Many existing kitchen appliances can significantly impact energy usage and utility bills. An effective way to create a more sustainable cooking space is to replace old appliances with energy efficient models.
Energy Star-certified devices meet strict standards for reduced power consumption compared to conventional options. This conserves natural resources while potentially lowering costs.
Refrigerators with the Energy Star label use 9-10% less energy. Dishwashers bearing the rating save about 1,300 gallons of water over their lifespan through more efficient washing cycles. Even small appliances like microwaves and cooktops are rated to deliver optimized performance with minimal energy draw.
Upgrading just a few appliances can meaningfully cut household electricity and water usage over time. As older models need replacing, considering Energy Star-certified replacements helps lighten environmental impact. In most cases, the additional expense is recouped in a few years by lower utility costs. Making energy-efficient choices forms the foundation of a sustainable kitchen.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Rather than letting food go to waste, get innovative with leftovers from meals throughout the week.
Planning leftovers into future meals streamlines cooking on busy nights. It also saves money by reducing takeout needs. Freeze portions of homemade meals like lasagna, soup or casseroles for an easy heat-and-eat option later.
Produce scraps and leftover bits can be used to make homemade stock with just the addition of water. Let it simmer to extract flavor.
Many homeowners nourish their soil with food scraps through composting. Collect items like eggshells, coffee grounds, fruit peels, and vegetable trimmings in a kitchen bin before transferring them outside or using an indoor composter. The resulting compost makes an excellent fertilizer for herbs and plants.
With some forethought, it’s easy to repurpose what remains from meals to minimize food waste and sustainably feed your kitchen needs for the week ahead. Leftovers provide flexibility and dollar savings when creatively reused.
FAQs
1. What are some environmentally friendly fuel options for kitchens?
A: Methane, LPG, and natural gas are well-liked options because they have little effect on the environment. Natural gas is commonly utilized for both electricity generation and heating purposes, while compressed natural gas (CNG) serves as an eco-friendly vehicle fuel.
2. Is an induction cooker an environmentally sustainable option?
A: Induction cooktops offer high energy efficiency, consuming less electricity compared to conventional electric cooktops. This reduced energy usage contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller overall carbon footprint.
3. How can we create a healthier kitchen environment?
A: Adopting energy-efficient cooking and cleaning practices, opting for kitchen equipment made from sustainable materials, and avoiding the use of toxic chemicals are crucial steps toward fostering a truly healthy kitchen space.
Small changes like choosing sustainably-sourced furniture, reusable linens, and energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of your dining room and kitchen.
Most importantly, get your friends and family involved by sharing homemade meals and turning leftovers into new creations. Your kitchen is the heart of gathering, nourishment, and community – so make it a space that nourishes both your loved ones and the earth for generations to come.
