With climate change being an increasingly urgent global issue, it’s essential to make sustainable choices wherever we can – and that includes our kitchens. By making a few small changes to the way we cook and prepare our meals, we can save energy and reduce our carbon footprint. Here are some tips on how to practice sustainable cooking and meal prep at home.
Use energy-efficient appliances
One of the easiest ways to save energy in the kitchen is to use appliances that are energy-efficient. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances use up to 50% less energy than standard models, so they can help you save on your energy bills while also reducing your environmental impact.
Cook with the right-sized pots and pans
Another tip for saving energy is to use the right-sized pots and pans for your cooking needs. When you use a pot that’s too big for the amount of food you’re cooking, you waste energy by heating an unnecessary larger surface area. On the other hand, if you use a pot that’s too small, you’ll need to use a higher heat setting to cook your food, which also wastes energy. Choose the right-sized cookware for each cooking task, and you’ll save energy while also getting better results in the kitchen.
Defrost food in the refrigerator
If you’re planning to cook a frozen meal or ingredient, the best way to defrost it is in the refrigerator. This method takes longer than defrosting on the countertop or in the microwave, but it’s much more energy-efficient because the cold air from the fridge helps thaw your food and keeps it at a safe temperature. Plus, defrosting in the fridge also helps preserve the quality and flavor of your ingredients.
Use lids and covers when cooking
When you’re cooking on the stove, it’s essential to use a lid or cover on your pots and pans whenever possible. Doing so helps trap heat inside, which reduces cooking time and saves energy. When you’re baking in the oven, use a lid or cover on your dishes whenever possible, which will help maintain a consistent temperature and reduce cooking time.
Make use of residual heat
Once you’ve finished cooking, you can save even more energy by making use of residual heat. When you turn off the stove or oven, there’s still heat energy inside that can be used to keep your food warm or even finish cooking it (depending on the dish). Let your food sit for a few minutes in the hot pan or dish, and you’ll save energy while also getting a better result.
Buy local, seasonal, and organic foods
Another sustainable choice to make in the kitchen is to buy local, seasonal, and organic foods. When you choose foods that are grown or produced locally, you reduce the energy required to transport them, which leads to a lower carbon footprint. Seasonal foods are also more likely to be fresh, nutritious, and delicious, and they require less energy to grow and transport because they’re in season. Organic foods are grown without harmful pesticides and fertilizers, which helps reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment.
Avoid over-packaged foods
When you’re grocery shopping, try to avoid over-packaged foods whenever possible. Single-serve packaging, for example, requires much more energy to produce than bulk packaging, and it generates more waste. Choose foods that are packaged in recyclable materials, or even better, buy in bulk and bring your own reusable containers to the store.
Use reusable containers and bags
Speaking of reusable containers, using them is another way to practice sustainable meal prep. When you store your leftovers or pack your lunch in a reusable container, you reduce the need for single-use plastics, which are a significant source of waste and pollution. Similarly, using a reusable grocery bag instead of disposable plastic bags can help reduce your environmental impact.
Summary
Making sustainable choices in the kitchen can seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than you might think. By using energy-efficient appliances, cooking with the right-sized pots and pans, defrosting food in the refrigerator, using lids and covers when cooking, making use of residual heat, buying local, seasonal, and organic foods, avoiding over-packaged foods, and using reusable containers and bags, you can reduce your energy consumption and help protect the environment. So next time you’re cooking a meal or prepping food for the week, remember these tips and make a difference!