Earth Day

We spend the majority of our time in the heart of the home, the kitchen. This Earth Month we’re figuring out all the small changes we can make at home that can collectively make a big difference. Amy Roskelley of healthy food and family blog Super Healthy Kids says, “There are so many ways to be sustainable that are practical, easy, and don’t require large amounts of time.” She shares with us 9 ways she and her family make earth-friendly choices in the kitchen.

1. Bring your own grocery bags

Say "no thanks" to plastic shopping bags by keeping an eco-friendly BAGGU on hand in your purse, car or wherever. Designed in Brooklyn, these versatile, durable bags hold the equivalent of 2-3 plastic grocery bags or up to 50 lbs!

2. Bring your own produce bags

 

“These reusable bags are awesome!" says Amy. "They are color-coded to keep your veggies sorted and collapse easily into my purse. Plus, if you shop at a farmer’s market, these are priceless!”

3. Practice your knife skills

Food that's cut in smaller pieces cooks more quickly and uses less energy. Even better, use cutting boards made from bamboo. Bamboo is an inexpensive, sustainable grass that grows quickly and without pesticides.

4. Put it on the back burner

Amy optimizes the stovetop by using the 4th Burner Pot, which is the perfect size for the back burner. “We use it for boiling eggs, canning in small amounts and steaming veggies in the removable basket.”

5. Put a lid on it

While boiling, simmering, or sauteing, try putting a lid on and turning off the burner. Your food will continue to cook. “I use these silicone lids all the time! I love that you can have one lid that fits a variety of pots!"

6. Make your own dressing

Cut down on unnecessary packaging that’s headed for the landfill by making your own salad dressing and condiments. “I love this salad dressing bottle because the kids can use it to make the dressing for the family.”

7. Say good-bye to plastic wrap for good

Amy is a convert when it comes to Bee’s Wrap. "It's the best wrap made with all natural and anti-bacterial beeswax and organic muslin cloth. It’s the perfect replacement for plastic wrap and even sandwich bags!"

8. Choose reusable towels and napkins

Tea towels and napkins by Oh Little Rabbit feature hand-drawn designs screenprinted with non-toxic, water-based inks on organic cotton. 

9. Clean up your cleaners

“Perhaps my favorite of all, considering my kids do a lot of cleaning, is a SAFE green cleaner to use on every surface in our home." All Blissed Out Natural Surface Cleaner is non-toxic and environmental friendly. Use with bestselling reusable Tidy Dish Cloths made from 100% organic cotton.

Giveaway!

Win everything you need to be more sustainable in the kitchen from the reusable goods to the tools you need to use less energy. Enter for a chance to win this Earth Month Prize Pack (a $250 value!) plus a $250 cash donation to your school! To enter click the green button below AND share with us your tips for being more sustainable and eco-friendly at home. Giveaway ends April 15, 2015. View Official Rules.