6 Sustainable Kitchen Upgrades That Save Energy and Money

If you’re worried about waste in your kitchen, you’re not alone. Disposable plastic baggies? I’m guilty. Outdated large appliances and light bulbs? That too. Last year, a CNET survey found that the average US adult wastes $1,500 a year on food that isn’t cooked or eaten.

But the good news, for both you and me, is that there’s always room for improvement. If you want to reduce food waste specifically, meal kits or easy-to-use apps may be the answer. But if you want to reduce waste in general when it comes to your kitchen habits, save energy — and in turn, save money — we can offer some advice there, too.

Here are six swaps you can make for an immediate impact.

1. Use a compost bin

Composting can simultaneously help reduce your overall carbon footprint and improve your at-home garden. Plus, in certain areas of the US, such as New York City, composting is even becoming mandatory, so it might be smart to get a jump start now. A compost bin provides a dedicated space for your food waste and helps keep unwanted smells at bay.

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

2. Swap disposables out with reusables

If you often find yourself packing lunches or putting leftovers in disposable plastic bags, swap them for reusable Ziploc bags to reduce waste. For larger food storage, reusable beeswax wraps are a great option.

Another easy swap is to use reusable paper towels. An extra bonus is that they come in numerous cute designs, so you can find some to match any kitchen.

3. Purchase Energy Star appliances

In order for an appliance to be labeled an “Energy Star” product, it must meet a handful of energy-efficient criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. From light bulbs and televisions to refrigerators and furnaces, DOE has set standards regarding these devices and appliances. For example, an Energy Star dishwasher has “improved water filtration, more efficient jets, and dish rack designs that reduce energy and water consumption and improve performance.”

Another huge plus is that these types of appliances 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 discovered that compared to an average full-size electric oven, a standard 4-quart 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 french fries, chicken wings or thighs, instead 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 lessening food waste. Oh, a potato!, for example, will scan the food in your fridge and then offer up meal ideas so that no single ingredient goes to waste. You can also use ChatGPT to plan meals by feeding it a list of ingredients you already have (no pun intended) and let it give you an AI-created recipe.

But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, it seems like we can’t eat fresh produce before it starts to turn. That’s where Shelfy comes in. Its manufacturer, Vitesy, says the Shelfy will extend food freshness up to 12 days as long as you use it as intended, meaning that it needs to be placed as close to the food as possible.

I tested Shelfy, and I was impressed with its performance and the easy-to-use app it pairs with. The app keeps track of how many times your fridge has been opened, how long it stays open per day, and when it’s due for a cleaning. Plus, it offers tips for how to store each type of food in your fridge to extend its shelf life.

6. Swap out old bulbs with LED ones

Something as simple as swapping out lightbulbs in your kitchen can also make more of a difference than you may realize. LED lights are energy-efficient and are offered in a variety of styles and colors. Smart light bulbs can also be programmed to turn off during the night in case you forget to flip the switch before bed.

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