Tips are given below:
1. Lasting Utensils
You should use utensils that can last long. Use stainless steel or cast iron utensils instead of non-stick cookware, and avoid materials like Teflon. Choose sturdy utensils and not cheap ones. Avoid using low quality wood which can rot or plastic that melts if left near stove. Use high quality knives which can be sharpened and need not be thrown away and long-lasting cloth towels instead of paper towels.
2. Energy: Gas vs Electric
Though there is limited prevalence of electric stoves in India, it is found more in the western world. Gas is preferred by many as it allows for easier control of temperature, offers instant heat and does not waste heat when cooking is completed. With electricity efficient stoves use induction elements that transfer electromagnetic energy to the pan. This uses less energy than standard coil elements. However, these need cooktops with metal cookware e.g. steel, cast iron.
The choice should be for sources that last long, gas cylinders and stoves which is prevalent in India is a good choice.
3. Home Appliances
Energy efficient appliances are coming up nowadays and you should keep this in mind and consider an important criterion whenever you buy appliances for your kitchen. A good dishwasher can use less water than washing dishes by hand. You should dispose old appliances carefully specially if any hazardous material is used. While buying you should look for Energy Star ratings.
4. Energy-Efficient Cooking
Pressure cookers are another great way to save energy, reducing cooking time by up to 70 percent. You can read the Pressure Cooker Buying Guide for more. Preheating, except for delicate dishes, nowadays is obsolete with so many advanced ovens available in the market.
For small dishes, using a toaster oven, or reheating in a microwave will also save energy; in fact, You can reduce cooking energy by using the microwave instead of the oven. When using oven consider the option of cooking more than once thing at once.
5. Purchase
Do purchases for your kitchens at one time instead of making multiple visits to a shop.
6. Wastes
Do not buy wherever excessive packaging is used and take your own bags if possible. Avoid buying excess quantity of food that you may have to throw off. Reuse what you can, like old glass jars or bottles, grocery bags, and packaging you can’t avoid. Compost any uncooked organic waste (including cardboard and paper), and use it in your garden.
7. Clean Kitchens
You should check and try to avoid dishwashing liquids, detergents, floor and surface cleaners containing toxic chemicals as much as feasible. You can also create own your non-toxic cleaners by using everyday ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
8. Remodeling and Recycling
If you need to remodel your kitchen, turn to salvage which can be reused. You can look for kitchen fittings, floors, paneling and cabinets that can stand the test of time.
