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10 simple ways to create a more sustainable kitchen, according to experts
Over the past few years, most of us have spent more time cooking at home than ever before. This has prompted many families to become much more aware of the environmental impact of their meals and Good Housekeeping readers are no exception.
In a November 2021 survey by Good Housekeeping, over 85 per cent of readers said they were very concerned about the environment, with issues such as climate change, deforestation, extinction, and plastic pollution topping the list of things they are most worried about.
If you're concerned, small changes in your daily life can have a positive impact on the environment and your kitchen can be a good place to start.
Nutritionist and culinary expert Anita Bean and Good Housekeeping's Cookery Director, Meike Beck, share their advice to help you go green in the kitchen.
1. Eat More Plants
Research suggests that if we all switched to a predominantly plant-based diet, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by as much as 52 per cent.
2. Use more eco-friendly cleaning products
Concentrated products that you mix up at home can help reduce plastic waste and some eco-friendlier products may contain fewer chemicals that are potentially harmful to the environment. Don't rule out traditional cleaning methods either – distilled white vinegar is a cheap, versatile surface cleaner that's kinder to the environment to boot.
3. Invest in long-lasting cookware
Don't be tempted by cheap products with non-stick promises, as they typically lose this quality fairly quickly (not to mention you'll be avoiding the chemicals used to coat and create them). Instead, opt for stainless steel or cast iron, which cost more but offer lifetime guarantees.
4. Buy an electric pressure cooker
Electric pressure cookers are all the rage, and for good reason. They'll significantly reduce cooking times, which in turn will lower your energy expenditure. Win win!
5. Buy local and seasonal
Buy local and seasonal unwrapped vegetables and fruit when you can, in reusable bags.
Get advice and take action at the 'How to Have a Sustainable Kitchen' talk, part of Good Housekeeping LIVE, on 23rd June. Save money on tickets with a special 40 per cent discount. Limited time offer!
6. Reduce meat
If every family in the UK alone swapped a red meat meal to a plant-based meal just once a week, the environmental impact would be the same as taking 16 million cars off the road.
7. Eat a variety of food
About 75 per cent of the world's food supply comes from just 12 plants and five animal species. Greater diversity in our diets is essential as the lack of variety in agriculture is both bad for nature and a threat to food security.
8. Eat fewer ultra-processed foods
Ultra-processed food production uses large quantities of land, water, energy, herbicides and fertilizers, causing environmental degradation from greenhouse gas emissions and accumulation of packaging waste
9. Cook in bulk
Cook in bulk– but make sure you can consume what you have made or have space to freeze it (so it doesn't end up being wasted a few days down the line). Buying food in bulk is often cheaper than smaller quantities – you'll likely save on packing and it's also more energy and time efficient.
10. Plan your meals
This isn't always fun but by thinking through your menu you can greatly reduce food waste as you can factor in using up all your fresh ingredients.
Join us at the 'How to Have a Sustainable Kitchen' talk, which is part of GH LIVE in partnership with Dyson, a three-day festival of events (23-25 June 2022) to celebrate our 100th anniversary, in London this summer. For a limited time only, we are offering a 40 PER CENT DISCOUNT – enter promo code GHLIVE40 or click here for the discount to be applied automatically.
Taking place on 23rd June, Good Housekeeping cookery director, Meike Beck will be chairing a discussion between nutritionist and culinary expert Anita Bean, sustainability commentator, chef Melissa Hemsley, and Good Housekeeping’s consumer affairs director and Getting Greener columnist, Emilie Martin. Ask them your burning questions and discover what you can do – and serve – at home to help save the earth.
Tickets typically costs £70 (but use the 40 per cent discount and pay just £42 per ticket). The ticket also includes a signed copy of Melissa's book Eat Green, which is all about planet-friendly eating.
Participants will also be able to relax in the elegant setting of Carlton House Terrace, beautifully scented by Zoflora. They will leave the event with a special 100th anniversary goody bag.
Good Housekeeping Live in partnership with Dyson, is a three-day festival of events (23-25 June 2022) to celebrate our 100th anniversary. We're delighted to offer you the opportunity to join the Good Housekeeping team for a packed programme featuring some of our favourite stars, experts and authors, and encompassing live talks, masterclasses and cookery demonstrations. Other guests include Kate Garraway, Fern Britton, Angela Hartnett and Kelly Hoppen.
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