The kitchen is where people waste the most energy and water. Learn the best tips for saving water and energy while managing the environment and your wallet!
Environmental pollution is a problem that worries us all. However, appropriate steps must be taken to improve the current situation (at least not to make it worse), and it must start at home. Today I’m sharing some tips on saving water and energy in your kitchen.
Although published by the World Health Organization (WHO), recent data show that 9 out of 10 people in the world breathe in contaminated air. On the other hand, UNESCO warned that if no action is taken, “by 2030, the world is expected to face a global water deficit of 40%, depending on the normal operating climate scenario .”
However, looking at energy consumption can contribute to reducing environmental pollution by reducing the production of required energy. It is indispensable for living, but the same goes for scarce water. Reducing consumption means protecting the future.
Do you think these two reasons are important enough to change your home habits? You can contribute by doing what you can to protect the environment and at the same time save money!
How to Save Water in the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the places where people use the most water, energy, and water throughout the house. For this reason, it’s important to be careful and change your habits.
Water is one of the most important resources on Earth. Unfortunately, thousands of gallons of water are wasted every day around the world. However, you can reduce water consumption at home by changing some habits.
1. Washing Vegetables and Fruits in a Bowl
Washing vegetables and fruits under running water is a waste of water.
How many people wash vegetables and fruits under running water? Perhaps most of us! However, to save water, you need to fill the bowl with water and wash what you need in it. Then don’t throw out the water. Let’s reuse it by watering the plants!
2. Water in the Sink and Wash by Hand
Once again, we are referring to the mistake of letting the water flow. The first step is to remove all food debris to avoid clogging the sink drain. After that, lather the bowl and silverware and fill the sink with water to rinse.
3. Using Energy Saving Dishwasher
Believe it or not, some eco-friendly dishwashers use less water than washing the same number of dishes and pans by hand. Use it if you are at home!
However, use it only when the dishwasher is full. What you use when you’re half full wastes water and energy.
4. Checking for Faucet Leaks
The faucet should be in good condition without leaks. Above all, it should be well locked after use. Leaky faucets can waste more than 18 liters of water per day.
5. Try Steaming Dishes
Steamed dishes are healthy and use less water.
Did you know that steaming vegetables retain their nutritional value better? It can also reduce water consumption. Try steamed spinach, broccoli, zucchini, green beans, or carrots.
6. Install Additional Devices for Saving
There are many add-ons for saving water on the market. Generally not expensive. You can also see how much consumption has been reduced after a short period of time.
7. Do not Defrost Food Under Running Water
When you forget to defrost the food, you will probably end up putting the food in hot running water to speed up the defrost. However, this wastes a lot of drinking water.
Instead, plan ahead and defrost food into nature.
8. Reuse of Boiled Vegetables
The vegetable broth is the perfect base for preparing soups, stews, and even pasta. Can be used to water plants!
Don’t waste it in the sink. Instead, use it to add flavor to the dish.
How to Save Energy in your Kitchen
Saving water and energy in your kitchen is essential. Because it helps fight for a more sustainable world and save money. Now that you have seen some ideas to reduce water consumption, below, we will share some tips to help you save energy.
1. Buying Energy-Efficient Home Appliances
To reduce energy consumption and protect the environment, choose energy-efficient products.
Pro tip: You can use appliance repair software to fix your favorite home appliances
Next time you need to buy a new appliance, check the label! Products with labels with a high energy efficiency class consume less energy, which helps to reduce costs and protect the environment.
2. Adjust the Refrigerator Temperature According to the time of the Year
In winter, the refrigerator doesn’t have to run at temperatures as cold as summer. Therefore, energy consumption can be further reduced by adjusting the thermostat. The appropriate temperature is 37~41°F (3~5℃). 5℃ in winter and 3℃ in summer. The difference seems small, but I’m sure you’ll see a difference in terms of energy use.
3. Refrigerate After Food has Cooled
Avoid putting hot food in the refrigerator. When hot food is added, the refrigerator will run more to refrigerate the food. Therefore, energy consumption increases.
4. Checking the Location of the Refrigerator
The refrigerator should be kept away from heat sources such as ovens. At the same time, there should be a space between the floor and the wall so that air can circulate freely to avoid overheating.
5. Using the Right Size Stove
Using a stove of the right size can help save energy by avoiding unnecessary waste of heat.
Make sure to choose the right size stove burner for each pot and pan. Check the diameter of the pot to make sure you are using the correct size. Does it protrude from the stove? To avoid wasting heat, the bottom of the pot should be equal to or larger than the stove.
6. Turn off the oven and Ceramic Stove Before Cooking
Ovens and ceramic stoves remain warm for a while after being turned off. Therefore, we recommend turning off the appliance before finishing cooking. You can see that the food is cooked the same, but consumes less energy!
7. Do not Open the Oven when Baking
Opening the oven while baking will cause the appliance to lose approximately 20% of heat. This must be restored when the oven is closed again. Count your cooking time well to avoid wasting energy.
It is also a good idea to cook several dishes one after the other to use the preheated oven.
8. Unplugging Devices that are not in use
Take a beautiful coffee maker, for example. Did you know that if the power is not turned off, energy is consumed even when not in use? The same goes for microwave ovens and other devices.
To save water and energy in your kitchen, you need to change some habits. Embark on a savings business and fight for a healthier world! By following these tips, you can save money and save your child’s future as well.
