Painting Your Kitchen Green

Ok, well not green literally. Earlier today, I wrote a hubpage on Reducing Your Bills So You Can Save and Survive In A Down Economy. This of course sparked 100's of blog post possibilities, one being, how to turn your kitchen, at a low expense into an eco-friendly, healthy and green machine!

Coat One: What's In Your Kitchen?
I want to elaborate a wee bit more on the importance of what you are bringing home and putting into your kitchen and essentially into your bodies. Remember to always shop the outer edges of the market. Stock up on fresh foods, not frozen or canned. If you can go organic, that is always the best option. You might spend a bit more, but with changed shopping habits, you can afford it!

And how can you afford it? My first suggestion is whether you are able to drive or walk to the grocery store, take your reusable bags and fill it, not the cart. By physically having to carry your groceries, you are less likely to purchase things you do not need. Yes, you might need to make more than one trip to the grocery store. If you are on foot, you really don't care. If you are in the car, obviously schedule your trips based on when you are in the car and not going out specifically for groceries.

Finally always remember: Buying Less = Wasting Less

Coat Two: The Machines
I haven't posted about my bread maker yet and I think I need to. This little, energy efficient device is just about the best thing since sliced bread. No more do I hunt and peck for the best loaf with the most fiber and whole grains and all of that. I make it at home. The kid told me the other day that her sandwiches are delicious and it's because of the bread. We found ours on E-bay and I can't imagine not having it.



As we can afford to, we have upgraded the kitchen as responsibly as possible with Low VOC paints, recycled materials, and energy-star appliances.

Coat Three: Composting, Garbage and Recycling
This one is pretty easy. Once you have made your at home composter in the back yard and you have the recycling bin easily accessible, you will notice your garbage will begin to go down. Here is another place to save some money that I did not touch on in my hub page, you can reduce your garbage pickups.

Coat Four: Cleaning Products
Easily available in almost every store now, eco-friendly cleaning products. They cost about the same and if you had to wash a mouth out with soap, you will feel a little better knowing that it is somewhat safer for the lesson at hand.

So to sum it all up:
1. Reduce what you bring into the kitchen and make what you do bring in healthy.
2. Begin making all appliance purchases energy-star efficient and don't be afraid of small appliances that will help you make more at home.
3. Compost and Recycle Period
4. Cleaning products should be safe.