There are several things you can do to cut back on the energy you use when cooking. When boiling water put a lid on the pot and it will boil faster. Once it is boiling, turn down the heat (water that is lightly boiling is the same temperature). Most foods don’t require the oven to be preheated so don’t waste energy on this. When using the oven for cooking items such as roasts, you can turn it off for the last 15 minutes and the heat left will finish the cooking. All of these can help you to use less energy in the kitchen.

Running the tap while waiting for the water to heat up is an unnecessary waste. Instead of letting this run down the drain, catch it in a pitcher or pot and use it to water your plants, save it for cooking or put it in the fridge as drinking water.

Compost your kitchen waste.

Composting your fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to cut down on the amount of garbage going in to our landfill sites, and provides nutrient rich soil that you can use in your garden. Some communities are now starting city run composting programs so be sure to check for a program like this where you live.

Also known as “crock pots”, slow cookers can be used for everything from roasts to stews. Because new ones use only the same amount of energy as a single light bulb, they are a very energy efficient way of cooking.

Pack lunches in reusable containers.

The amount of packaging used for food nowadays is staggering. Help reduce it how you can by opting for reusable containers when packing lunches. There are lots of options available in a variety of different sizes so you can pack everything you need. Be sure to include reusable silverware if needed as well.

Since the simple act of house cleaning is such a basic and frequent activity, using eco-friendly products and equipment can make an immediate and positive impact on the environment.  Not only will you be contributing to greening the planet, but you will be making your home healthier too.  Eco-friendly products don’t contribute to indoor air pollution by emitting toxic fumes like many commercial cleaning products do.  And green cleaning equipment can even improve indoor air quality.

Green vacuum cleaners
It wouldn’t be very green to rush out to buy a new vacuum cleaner if you don’t need one. But the next time you’re ready to buy a vacuum, look for one that is energy efficient and uses as little power as possible.  Also, look for a vacuum that uses a HEPA filter to remove dust and allergens from the air.  That way, every time you vacuum, you’ll also be improving your indoor air quality. 

Beware of some ‘natural’ ingredients
Never, never, never mix ammonia and bleach.  The combination of these two ingredients creates a deadly gas.  It’s not just foul smelling – it can kill you, your kids and your pets.  In fact, you really should cross ammonia off of your ‘natural cleaner’ list entirely.  It’s about as natural as an oil spill, meaning it’s always toxic and a health hazard no matter how you use it.  There are plenty of safer non toxic alternative to use instead.

Use cleaners with safe natural ingredients
If you enjoy mixing up your own cleaning products, you can replace a lot of commercial cleaners with simple solutions of vinegar and water for glass cleaning, or baking soda and water for heavy duty scouring jobs.  But if you prefer buying your cleaners, look for products that use citrus oils and other plant based soaps as their main ingredients.  That way, not only will your home be free of toxic chemicals, but you won’t be adding them to the environment in the rinse water.

Most cities have farmer’s markets where you can purchase produce, meats, breads and baked goods from local vendors. Not only are you supporting your local economy, but these are usually fresher and healthier options. You can also talk to the seller directly to find out their practices when it comes to the use of pesticides, hormones and preservatives. An added bonus is that the food wasn’t trucked in which means less fuel usage and fewer emissions.

When buying your groceries, remember the four Ns.

Choose food that is NATURAL, (meaning no pesticides have been used and it is as minimally processed as possible), NAKED (as little packaging as possible), NUTRITIOUS and NOW (in season).

You can still make a big impact on reducing carbon emissions if you only use 20 percent biodiesel. Mixing biodiesel with regular diesel fuel in a 20 to 80 ratio is a good option for people who drive diesel cars and don’t live close to biodiesel refueling stations, but still want to improve air quality and do their part to reduce global warming.