Here at Machika, one of our long-term goals is bringing products that are sustainable and eco-friendly to the market. We realize that it is challenging for most people to make a conscious effort to recycle everyday, compost their food, and carry a reusable straw everywhere they go. Reality is, most people give up all efforts to help our earth because they get overwhelmed. Our society’s constant use of disposable materials also doesn’t help. Which is why, if you feel overwhelmed, one of the best ways to take care of our Earth is to make a conscious effort of buying long-lasting eco-friendly products. Today, we are going to be discussing the top 3 ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly.
YOUR CLEANING SUPPLIES
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Cleaning products are released to the environment during normal use through evaporation of volatile components and rinsing down the drain of residual product from cleaned surfaces, sponges, etc… certain ingredients can present hazard concerns to exposed populations or toxicity to aquatic species.”
Yeah I know, crazy! Turns out this whole time we have been polluting our air with cleaning products. That’s the thing about pollution, it is sneaky. Without knowing it, we are all contributing to our Earth’s demise. Do not worry though, there are alternatives!
When shopping, look for cleaning products that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOC), have a low toxicity level, and are biodegradable. The rule of thumb is, the less chemicals it has, the better.
TUPPERWARE AND PLASTIC CONTAINERS
Yes, Tupperware are convenient and cheap, but you and I both know that they aren’t good for the environment. So, why not ditch them for alternative containers made of glass or steel? The pros: materials look more high end, they won’t stain when you put red spaghetti sauce on them, AND you are helping the environment. What more could you want! This is an investment that, in the long-run, will save you money and bring you so much peace of mind. Plus, you can safely put them in the microwave.
Another change that will greatly reduce your carbon footprint is noticing what products have non-plastic container options. For example, you can buy your grains and cereals from a supermarket that offers the bulk dispenser system. Don’t have a supermarket with that system near you? No worries, the options to go plastic free are endless. For example, opt to buy butter in bars instead of in plastic containers. Then place them in an eco-friendly butter dish, like Machika’s one, to reduce your plastic waste
LIGHTING
This last one doesn’t only apply to your kitchen. It applies to every single light bulb in your house. LED light bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times more than regular light bulbs! You get to spend less money in the long-run AND help the earth. LED light bulbs are extremely accessible. Yes, there are very expensive brands that make these bulbs, but you can also find eco-friendly LED bulbs at Ikea for FOUR DOLLARS. Let me say that again. Ikea sells 2-pack LED bulbs for 4$. So there really isn’t an excuse to not make this small switch that will greatly reduce your carbon footprint.
THE CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU
These are just three easy changes you can make today to make your life a bit more eco-friendly. We need to start taking care of our Earth before it is too late. Never think that your efforts do not make a difference. They do. Change starts with you. Once you start, you’ll notice how the people around you will start making a conscious effort too. Share with your family in an eco-friendly kitchen. Eat from eco-friendly utensils. Make a conscious effort to help.
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