Easy Eco Kitchen Changes

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NEW Eco-Performance Kitchen Faucets from Moen

July 21, 2009 in Save Energy, Save Money, Water by Jennifer | No comments

Moen has just introduced a new line of green kitchen faucets. They’ve already been carrying other green faucets for a while but their new eco-performance line of kitchen faucets is being touted as the first real green water saving faucets for the kitchen. The new Lindley Eco-Performance kitchen faucet offers beautiful, traditional styling, consumer-preferred high-arc pulldown spout – and a multi-function spray wand featuring water-saving settings.

Kevin Campbell, director of retail marketing for Moen notes, “While homeowners are concerned about saving water, the thought of waiting at the kitchen sink to fill a pot or pitcher is not very appealing… We are so excited to be the first in the kitchen category to offer homeowners a water-saving kitchen faucet that still provides the exceptional performance they have come to expect from Moen.”

What makes these faucets eco-friendly?

Faucets offer three unique water-flow settings. For everyday tasks that require constant, yet low-water flow, such as washing dishes or preparing foods, homeowners can choose new eco-performance standard stream or aerated spray modes. These special setting help you save water and money by providing a reduced flow rate of 1.75 gallons per minute (gpm), which translates to a 32 percent water savings. For tasks that require a set amount of water, such as filling a pot or pitcher – you can switch your faucet to the fast-fill mode, which flows at the standard 2.2 gpm rate.

Other perks:

  • The pulldown wand offers an ergonomic design with a fiber hose and a ball joint at the end of the wand.
  • Lindley faucets offer Moen’s patented Hydrolock installation system which connects the faucet and supply lines together with a telltale “click” for a quick, easy and secure connection.
  • Lindley faucets are available in LifeShine Classic Stainless or in Moen’s new Mediterranean Bronze finish.

The faucets are available at Home Depot or through the Moen website.

Are Natural Wood Cutting Boards Safe?

March 10, 2009 in Eco Kitchen, Food & Drink by Jennifer | No comments

Many people don’t want to use plastic cutting boards due to the non eco-friendly quality of plastics overall. On the flip side, many people worry about wooden cutting boards because they’re afraid of germs staying on the board. So… which is safer? Wood or plastic? And which is a more eco-friendly choice?

Germs can actually stay on both plastic or wood – the catch is in how you clean your cutting board. Studies show that if you clean your wooden cutting board properly, you can even use it safely for meat.

How to be safe:

  1. Use two cutting boards – one for produce and one for meats.
  2. After use, wash in the hottest water possible and a basic natural soap (say like an eco-friendly dish soap). Dry with a clean towel.
  3. Never leave your board sitting around wet – dry it as well as you can as dampness aids in bacteria growth.

As for the eco-friendly qualities, wood is a better choice. Especially if you get a sustainable wooden cutting board – such as a board made from sustainably harvested bamboo. Plastics are made from non-renewable resources, so plastic cutting boards are never going to be a better choice. That said, another great option is snagging a Paperstone Cutting Board from Preserve. These cutting boards are made with 100% recycled Forest Stewardship Council certified Paperstone and feature a knife-friendly surface with non-porous, petroleum-free coating. Plus these boards look great (see below).

To learn more read; Green Cutting Board Know-How.

Green Your Holiday Baking with Silicone Baking Sheets & Cups

November 6, 2008 in Food & Drink, Green Your Home by Jennifer | 2 comments

One way to make the holidays a little greener is to use silicone baking gear. Paper muffin cups waste resources, while going sans any baking cup leaves kind of a mess, and your baked goods will stick to the pan.

Silicone has been prooven safe, and it’s reusable. Plus I personally use them, and nothing sticks to them. You will want to wait a little to remove muffins from silicone baking cups though – if you try when the muffins are freshly hot out of the oven, they’ll sometimes stick. Silicone won’t rust, warp, or retain odor from your baking ingredients. It’s also dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe

Here are some good silicone products to try:

Wilton has a HUGE selection of fun, colorful silicone baking cups. Best for kids are the Silly Feet! Silicone Baking Cups (as seen at top pf post).

Cookware.com has plenty of silicone available. Three good options include:

And just for the kiddos, these fun HEAD CHEFS Kid’s Posable Silicone Kitchen Utensils will get them cooking…

Green Cutting Board Know-How

October 30, 2008 in Green Your Home by Jennifer | No comments

Ah the cutting board. Not something we think about all day long right? Still, in most homes the cutting board is a kitchen item that could be made greener.

Stay clear of plastics! Rule number one folks. Plastic anything is not so green, but a plastic cutting board, one exposed to the foods you eat, well, that’s worse. Aim for a sustainable cutting board such as one of these three available from Sur La Table…

Bamboo Cutting Board:

Teak Cutting Board:

Epicurean Recycled Cardboard Cutting Surfaces:

100% post consumer paper cutting board from Recycline:

You should actually choose at least two cutting boards – one for meats and one for other items.

How to green clean your cutting board:

Most studies note that super hot water and soap will do the job just fine. No need for chemical cleaners. For boards you used for meat, I’d run it through your dishwasher too if you have one. If you’re not on board with plain hot water and soap, try a homemade disinfectant. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda, 4 – 5 drops of tea tree or oregano pure essential oil, and 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar. Mix everything but the baking soda. Sprinkle your board with baking soda and then scrub down with the remaining ingredients.

I hate the smell of vinegar so I just use water and eco soap, but it’s up to you.

Visual Green Inspiration – My New Favorite Eco Kitchen

October 23, 2008 in Green Your Home by Jennifer | No comments

Need some beauty today?

Well, this should do it. This green kitchen is part of an amazing portfolio of green home projects and remodels at Green Fusion Design Center – the largest green retail showroom in the Bay Area. Visit their website to get design ideas, and to learn more about healthy and green spaces.

10 Fast Ways to Green Your Kitchen

October 22, 2008 in Green Your Home by Jennifer | 2 comments

1. Green your brew: Use a reusable coffee filter instead of paper filters (I’ve had mine for four years now, and it’s in great shape). If tea is your drink, use loose leaf tea, instead of paper bound tea bags.

2. Green your trash: Recycle and compost more than you are now. Most of us can afford to complete a trash audit. You’d be surprised at what ends up in the garbage can.

3. Green your cleaning: You don’t need harsh cleaners in any room of the house. But there’s food in the kitchen, so being more careful in this room counts even more.

4. Green your herbs: Grow your own organic herbs. They taste better, cost less, and make your windowsill a little more beautiful.
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