The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a space that gets used for more than just cooking. We entertain, help kids with homework and create a makeshift office in this central hub. It’s a space that gets plenty of use, therefore it should be as energy efficient as possible. Just by making a few changes and upgrades, you’ll save money and energy, while enhancing the comforts of your kitchen.

Here are eight simple ways to make your kitchen more “green.”

1. Cooking

When you cook or bake using a full-sized oven, you often create heat in your home. During winter months, this is a great duality of oven use, however, in summer months, the excess heat is not too welcoming and may cause you to crank up your air conditioning system. Save money and energy by using cooking alternatives when a full sized oven is not necessary such as a slow cooker, toaster oven or convection oven. When using your stovetop, be sure to use a lid on pots and pans to help cook food faster and waste less energy, as well as match your pots and pans to the appropriate flame or burner size.

Also, consider your stove options: gas vs. electric. Electric tends to be more energy efficient, while gas stove allows you to have more control with your heat source.

2. Eat Smart

While grocery shopping, buy locally and sustainably when possible. You’ll lessen your carbon footprint by purchasing foods grown locally versus being shipped or transported in from miles away, and you’ll help boost your local economy by shopping local farmer’s markets. Reduce on food packaging waste by buying from bulk bins, and filter your water instead of purchasing disposable plastic water bottles.

3. Compost

Did you know that food waste takes up nearly 20% of landfill space? Instead of dumping your food scraps in the garbage, set your kitchen up with a small, compact food compost bin. There are conveniently sized ones that can sit right on your countertop for easy access, and if you are concerned about the smell, you can purchase biodegradable liners that are scented. Still cringing about potential smell? Use an empty juice carton to collect your food scraps and store in the freezer until you are ready to take to your outdoor compost or yard waste bin.

4. Bag It

Paper and plastic bags contribute to waste that can be avoided. Purchase reusable shopping bags to keep on hand with you in your car for when you do your grocery shopping, or keep a few stashed at work or in your gym bag for more last minute stops to stores. You’ll be doing the planet a great favor by cutting down use of plastic bags.

5. Energy Star

Approximately 80% of appliances meet the federal Energy Star guidelines. If you are planning to upgrade your appliances, make sure to purchase ones that meet this government guideline for energy efficiency.

6. Dishwasher

It’s not always noticeable how much running water you are wasting, and washing dishes by hand can cause you to use a large amount of water. Save time, energy and money by utilizing your energy efficient dishwasher when you have a full load of dishes to run. Only wash those dishes by hand that are not dishwasher safe.

7. Refurbish

If you are renovating your home, save on construction waste and consider giving existing cabinets a facelift instead of disposing of them. Visit your local and salvaged and antiques stores for reclaimed fixtures, and keep your eye out for items that have been tossed that can be restored. If refurbishing isn’t your thing, consider purchasing green materials like compressed paper or recycle glass and ceramic mixed with concrete for countertops.

8. Natural Light

Brighten your kitchen with light colors that reflect natural light more effectively. Be sure to open curtains and blinds during daylight hours to use the sun’s natural source of light. Also, replace any incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient ones, as well as the fixtures.

Light colors in your kitchen will brighten the room and reflect natural light if you open the curtains to let natural sunlight in. Finally, replace incandescent bulbs and fixtures with energy-efficient lighting.

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Photo credit: bigstock.com/kazoka

The post 8 Ways to Go Green in Your Kitchen appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

These days, there is a lot to be known about the environment, and more importantly what we can do to help preserve it. Although it seems like a worldwide effort, there are small changes that you and your family can make to make your home green, and more energy efficient. Here are six products that can help lighten your wallet and your family’s carbon footprint.

NuvoH2O Home System – Hard, versus soft, water can be harmful to your home and your family’s budget. A salt-less system that softens your water, called the Nuvo H2O Home System, can be installed and will ensure your family is bathing in and drinking water that is healthier and less acidic. Uses Citrus, not Salt! It’s easy to maintain and has a nice compact design. Fewer appliances are being clogged with calcium deposits and are running more efficiently, while at the same time using less detergent and soap extending the life of your appliances. It is easy to install and you can choose the right size softener – Nuvo Studio System (for 1,000 sq ft and smaller homes), Nuvo Home System (for 1,000-2,000 sq ft homes) and Nuvo Manor System (for 2,000+ sq ft homes)dependent on the size of your home. Awarded Best in Show at 2014 International Builders Show for Indoor Living!

Buy a Nuvo H2O system here!

LG Energy Efficient Washer/Dryer – Another product that is designed to conserve money and energy within your home is the high efficiency washer and dryer. The LG Electronic Washer and Dryer is one of the better models and would be the perfect addition to a family home hoping to go green, help the Earth and, of course, shave a few dollars from the monthly budget. In 2013, it was awarded the Energy Star for most efficient design. Yearly, the washer only costs $14 to operate. They use less water and less electricity. Other models of energy efficient washers and dryers come from Kenmore, Frigidaire, and Samsung.

Tyvek Insulation – Tyvek ThermaWrap™ is a type of metallized insulation that can be installed in your home that will help your home save money long-term.In cold weather insulation keeps heat in, while it keeps the warm out in the hotter months of the year. This translates to a more energy efficient home because it is less costly to operate and only uses the heat and air that your family absolutely needs.

Click here for instructions on installation.

Philips LED Lighting – Electric bills can accrue quickly during both warm and cold months, and can become a large part of your monthly utilities. An efficient way to light your home and avoid high costs is to install Philips’ LED light bulbs and other lighting components. Philips’ LED light bulbs contain no mercury and last significantly longer than traditional light bulbs. The standard A Shape bulb works at 11 watts while doing the work of a 60 watt light bulb.  These energy-efficient bulbs can be purchased at home improvement stores everywhere.

Velux Skylights – Skylights are also called roof windows, and are both beautiful and use natural light to reduce electricity use. Velux skylights are equipped with Neat glass that keeps windows nearly spotless while reducing outside noise by 25 percent. When you install a skylight, you eliminate the need for electric light and give any room in your house that natural touch. You can search for the residential skylight that is right for you here at the Velux website.

To learn more about finding new ways to save energy and money in your home, visit the Energy Star website for tips and tricks. As well, at the Colorado Dream Homes website, there are tips for keeping a low maintenance home. The EPA also offers a website with information about building a greener home.

The post Healthy Home: Little Changes = Big Results appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.