10 essential tools for the greener kitchen
Ranked #6,338 in Food & Cooking, #117,793 overall | Donates to Grameen Foundation
Make every day Earth Day with a greener kitchen
On this page you will find ten essential tools that make it a whole lot easier to go green in the kitchen.
Blue Avocado Starter Kit
Grocery Bag System
on Amazon.com
Every gadget and tool here helps reduce my family's overall carbon footprint. Put them to work for you too, and our collective carbon footprint reductions will become ever more meaningful.
There's no need to buy them all at once. Start slowly. Find what you need at thrift stores and on Freecycle or Craigslist. Buy new only when you can't get it any other way.
While you're checking out the list, take advantage of the opportunities to tell me and other readers about your favorite greener-living tips, gadgets and problem-solvers too.
Image courtesy
greenclipart.com
But we don't have to wait a whole year to celebrate Earth Day and contribute to a better world. Make every day Earth Day.
Countdown to Earth Day
Essential #1: The reusable shopping bag
Bring it all home in a bag you can use again and again
After 28 years, our very first reusable shopping bag remains a valued part of our collection. Tossed in the washer and dryer many times, it's faded and lumpy, but it still totes a lot of groceries. We put it to use lots of other ways too, like schlepping a blanket to the beach, or toting a hastily assembled picnic to the park after work.
Image: Our 28-year-old
reusable shopping bag
© L Kathryn Grace - All rights reserved
The reusable shopping bag has come a long way, Baby
Don't leave home without it
BlueAvocado Starter Kit Reusable Grocery Bag System, Kiwi/Wildflower
Amazon Price: $24.97 (as of 06/01/2012)
I love the Kiwi reusable shopping bag kits. They come in lots of pretty colors and designs, including purple, cherry red, and lively prints.
Keep your bags fresh & clean
Toss your reusable bags in the laundry with the kitchen towels now and then to keep them fresh, or if you have a heavy, dark canvas bag like mine, wash it with your jeans.
Green Tip: Shop the bulk aisle first
Almost any store that carries a wide selection of organic products also has a bulk foods aisle. Depending on the store, you can find everything from staples like sugar, flour, oats and rice to spices, teas, nuts and dried fruits. Bonus to shopping this aisle: Significant cash savings over packaged goods.
Essential #2: Safe, non-leaching glass and stainless steel storage containers
So what's the alternative? Fido jars are the best all-purpose storage containers I've found. We use them for almost everything, from soup to nuts--even granola. Why, I even store my cookie cutters in in one!
Set of 5 (Five) Bormioli Rocco Fido Glass Canning Jars - 5 Piece - .5, .75, 1, 1.5 and 2 Liters
Amazon Price: $55.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
This starter set includes several sizes, which come in handy for all kinds of food storage. Use them in the fridge for homemade yogurt, leftover soups and smoothies. I use some of mine in the in the freezer too, for storing chicken stock, apple sauce, whatever liquid and semi-liquids we need to freeze. I always leave half an inch or so for expansion and have not had a problem.
One day my sweetheart said to me, "The cupboards look so pretty with all the jars filled with beans and grains and pasta." It's true. They do! We use them for all our bulk items--sugar, sea salt, beans, rice, lentils, rolled oats, almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries and raisins, and much more.
Store homemade granola, crackers and cookies in Fido jars, too
A large Fido jar keeps them fresher than any canister I've tried
In this jar, my homemade granola will stay fresh to the last bite.
I once forgot a jar of cookies I'd made at Christmas time, tucked away in the dark recesses of a cupboard until June. When I opened the jar, the cookies were nearly as fresh as the day I made them! Fresher than any store bought cookie!
Sharon's favorite homemade granola
© L Kathryn Grace - All rights reserved
Curious about that granola recipe?
Here it is
Lunchbots Stainless Steel Food Storage Container
Lightweight, food safe and holds a lot
LunchBots Eco Stainless Steel Food Container, Green
Amazon Price: $14.50 (as of 06/01/2012)
It's so easy to pop leftovers into one of these bots, then grab and go in the morning. We love ours. They also come in several sizes, and in round and divided styles so you can carry a sandwich in one side, crudites or chips in the other.
No leach, lightweight Lunch Bots making storing & toting a breeze
Shown here, my Super Quick Potato Salad for Two, stored in 1 quart LunchBot, ready for a quick picnic after work.
Potato salad in LunchBot
© L Kathryn Grace - All rights reserved
Which do you prefer?
Plastic, glass or stainless steel
Essential #3: Small, airtight, reusable spice jars
For your bulk herbs
Glass Spice Storage Jar -Seal-Tight Stainless Lid - 75ml - 2.5 fl oz
Amazon Price: $1.96 (as of 06/01/2012)
They are lightweight, durable, and easy to refill in the bulk spice store. Tack on a removable label with the name of the spice and the tare, and you're all set. If you buy your spices at the same store, you can keep the PLU# on the label as well. The rubber seal is as air tight as you can get without a vacuum seal, and will keep your spices fresh.
Preserve the aromatic oils of your spices
Store dried spices and seeds in a dark cupboard to protect them from damaging light.
Fresh or dried?
Does it matter?
Some cooks I know use only fresh herbs. I use fresh every chance I get, but I don't always have just what I need on hand, so I keep a supply of dried herbs too. What do you say?
Fresh herbs or dried?
I use only fresh herbs in my culinary creations.
scarletrose says:
I would love to start using fresh herbs, I have only tried dried herbs so far.
TamaraKajari says:
Fresh as much as possible, but frozen in stead of dried. Frozen herbs are just as great as fresh.
wahrsein says:
herbs
skiesgreen says:
My garden us full of herbs so I use them fresh in everything,
Deadicated says:
For the most part, I try to use fresh; it's not always possible in the Bronx where I live (the pickings are limb).
bejeezers says:
Try to grow my own where possible.
Dried is fine, at least for some dishes
Tipi says:
Fresh is best but I don't cook that much these days and have dry on hand!
srsddn says:
It is not feasible to have fresh herbs all the year around. So dried may also be used.
Emmeke says:
I use dried herbs.
WordCustard says:
I'm happy with dried herbs because I don't always have fresh to hand.
SquidooMBA says:
dried
Moonbeam973 says:
I prefer fresh, but dried is better than none at all. I like to grow my own!
evaemilie says:
I use often dried herbs, and fresh when I can. Plan on growing a small herb garden this summer. Fresh herbs are great for salads and light summer dishes.
Essential #4: The kitchen scrap pail for composting food waste
Turn your food scraps to black gold!
Why compost? Consider this. Here in the U.S., we toss, uneaten, 1/4-1/2 of all the food we produce. According to CNN, it costs us $1 billion a year just to dispose of that waste. Then there's the methane gas that decaying food contributes to global warming. It literally traps 23 times as much heat in the atmosphere as the same quantity of CO2.
When we had a larger home I kept an old bucket under the sink for collecting kitchen scraps. Now that we live in a city apartment where cupboard and counter space are precious, I have to keep my compost bucket on my work table. A beautiful container is absolutely necessary.
simplehuman Compost Pail, Stainless Steel
Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
We have a white ceramic crock now, but if ever it breaks I'm getting this far more handsome--and larger--sleek, stainless steel one. I especially love how the lid hooks over the rim out of the way, and not taking up precious counter space when you're filling the container. See it in action in the short video that follows.
Essential #5: Containers for your recycling collection
These tall baskets were a gift from a friend
They're just about exactly the size of a tall Whole Foods paper bag and hold lots of items slated for the recyclers. Before our friend gifted us with these, we kept our recycling in a cardboard box. You can use crates, too, but I'm mighty partial to the stainless steel dual-compartment bin coming up next.
These tall handmade baskets hold all our recycling
© L Kathryn Grace - All rights reserved
This sleek 2-container, hands-free bin is even nicer
Use one side for recycling, the other for trash
simplehuman Rectangular Steel Bar Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Proof Brushed Stainless Steel, 55-Liter /14-1/2-Gallon
Amazon Price: $249.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
It's easy to keep your recycling organized with this sleek, high-volume 2-bin container. The whisper-quiet, extra strong foot bar won't break like plastic ones, if you've got heavy-footed teenagers in the house, and SimpleHuman guarantees it for ten years. What a bargain!
Essential #6: The highly versatile stainless steel wide-mouth thermos
One of my most-used, greener kitchen must-haves
Thermos Nissan 48-Ounce Wide Mouth Stainless-Steel Bottle
Amazon Price: $33.95 (as of 06/01/2012)
The wide mouth and extra large size of this thermos make it easy to ferment lentils, beans and grains, or to make oatmeal passively overnight. Use it to keep solids or liquids hot or cold. Bonus! Unlike many insulated wide-mouth containers, this one has a convenient pour spout for beverages.
Wake up to hot oatmeal, ready to eat tomorrow morning. Place 1/3 cup uncooked oats in a wide mouth thermos, pour 1 -1/4 C boiling water over, stir gently and cap. In the morning, you'll have hot, creamy oatmeal. Add milk, yogurt, fruit and nuts and enjoy!
Essential #7: The indispensable wide-mouth funnel
This one comes with a silicon strainer
Norpro Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Funnel with Silicone Strainer
Amazon Price: $9.21 (as of 06/01/2012)
Mine is just like this, only I got it years before they added the silicon strainer. No more messing with cheesecloth or juggling a strainer over the funnel! Plus, the strainer is removable, so you get two funnels in one.
Essential #8: Removable labels
Surprised?
Reducing food waste is not only important for the environment, it saves us thousands of dollars a year. These peel-off labels make keeping track of your leftovers and bulk food items a breeze.
Post-it® Super Sticky Removable File Folder Labels, 0.6 x 3.4 Inches , White, 750 labels (2100-H)
Amazon Price: $11.49 (as of 06/01/2012)
Tip: Keep a scissors handy and trim the label to just the size you need. "Baked 12/19" uses only half a label, so after I've written my notation, I cut the label in half and save the rest for next time.
Label everything
Name, rank and serial number. Rather, name, date purchased or cooked, vegetarian, whatever will help you use it timely.
Soup going in the freezer? Mark the recipe name and date on a label, slap it on the jar or bowl lid and there's no guess work down the line when frost hides the contents.
Bulk foods in the pantry? Oats, rye flakes, basmati rice, quinoa--everything gets a label. The label tells me what it is and when I bought it. Half used jar of spaghetti sauce? You'll know how fresh it is.
Essential #9: Large capacity food processor
Prepare meals and wholesome baked treats fast at home
Do you find yourself throwing out lots of dead, limp, moldy produce because you don't have the time or energy to cook when you get home after a busy day? A food processor will change all that.
Cuisinart DFP-14BCN 14-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel
Amazon Price: $175.49 (as of 06/01/2012)
This stainless steel food processor is a beaut, and it's big enough (14 cups) to do just about anything you'd want to do in a home kitchen. The extra-large feed tube makes chopping and slicing so easy, and it comes with both a small and a large pusher. Includes slicing and shredding discs and one chopping blade, one dough blade.
Homemade hummus is a snap in the food processor
Use the chopping blade to puree canned or home cooked garbanzo beans, drizzle in olive oil, add your choice of flavorings--fresh squeezed lemon juice and a bit of zest, roasted red peppers, pesto, pitted Greek olives, whatever suits your fancy--salt to taste, and yum!
Homemade roasted red pepper hummus and crackers
© L Kathryn Grace - All rights reserved
Essential #10: The stock pot
The stock pot is one of the most versatile pots any kitchen can have, and it's especially useful in the greener kitchen. Green cooks who take lessons from their grandmothers and great grandmothers know that almost every part of an edible plant or animal is highly nutritious and useful.
Whether you're cooking for one or two or a family of eight, saving edible food scraps for vegetable stock is not only wise, it will save you money all year long. I freeze any leftover bits or pieces not suitable for a recipe in a 1-1/2 quart bowl. When it's full, I thaw it out and make vegetable stock or soup.
This is the stock pot that came with my Asta set many years ago
© L Kathryn Grace - All rights reserved
The mid-priced Calphalon stock pot is good value
In the short run, and long term
Mull cider or wine in your stock pot for a big family gathering, cook up a huge pile of potatoes and mash 'em right in the pot, steam a small pumpkin or large squash. It very likely will become one of your most-used kitchen tools.
Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 8-Quart Stock Pot with Cover
Amazon Price: $94.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
The wider footprint and shorter column of this stock pot make for easier braising and browning. No need to use a separate, more shallow pan for that step! The reviews on this pot are excellent.
Bonus option for ice cream lovers
Stop buying one-use tubs and make your own!
We love ice cream in our house so much that I knew we weren't going to give it up any time soon. What to do about all those non-recyclable, plastic-film-lined (Didn't know that? Many are!) one-use paper tubs? I had to find a way to replace them. I researched a lot of homemade ice cream makers and settled on the Cuisinart because it's so easy. The machine makes the ice cream in just 20 minutes. Plus, I know exactly what's in it. No GMOs, no unpronouncable additives. Just plain, wholesome, organic milk, cream, sugar, a pinch of salt, and whatever (also organic) flavorings and goodies I add.
It's so much fun! You do have to plan ahead a bit. It takes 5-7 minutes to stir up a batch. Then you chill it 1 hour, pop into the ice cream maker, and in 20 minutes, it's done! No more ice cream tubs in our garbage on their way to the landfill!
Fruity Nutty Caramel Crunch with my kitchen pet--the Cuisinart Ice Cream, Sorbet and Frozen Yogurt Maker
© L Kathryn Grace - All rights reserved
Like the looks of that caramel-laced ice cream?
Find the recipe for it and more of our homemade favorites here
Before you buy it new
See if you can find it used
Shop thrift stores
Craigslist or
Freecycle
How green is your kitchen?
Have you been on the sustainable path for awhile or just getting started?
What are you doing to lower your carbon footprint and reduce global warming?
I'd love to hear about your favorite green steps
Share your green tips and next steps, a stumbling block you can't get around or a solution that worked for you right here. Scan the most recent comments for tips and creative problem-solving ideas. See a sticky problem from another reader? Tell 'em how you solved it.
-
-
Tipi
Apr 23, 2012 @ 11:41 am | delete
- I think the earth must just love you Kathryn...you care for it wo well and with such a pleasant spirit! First of all...a bag that is still in use after 28 years is amazing, I had to study that picture. Your merry heart in caring for the earth shines here, I enjoyed the black box of your love mentioning the beauty of all your glass storage jars in the cabinet and your product reviews are so inviting..."I'm might partial to the stainless steel dual compartment bin below" made me smile...and I'm smiling right now! Congratulation on a very well deserved Best of Squidoo - Earth Day 2012 honors!
-
-
-
WordCustard
Apr 22, 2012 @ 5:26 am | delete
- Some excellent Earth-friendly ideas here for the kitchen. I recycle and bit by bit I'm becoming greener. Besides, eco products such as canvas bags are more stylish than a lot of the alternatives. :)
-
-
-
Steve_Kaye
Apr 21, 2012 @ 10:40 pm | delete
- I'm working to inspire respect for nature. I do this by giving talks featuring photos of nature's incredible beauty and by publishing articles on Squidoo. At home, we practice a small footprint lifestyle. It's both easy and economical.
-
-
-
Aquavel
Apr 21, 2012 @ 9:32 pm | delete
- Beautiful and informative lens!
-
-
-
SquidooMBA
Apr 21, 2012 @ 9:18 pm | delete
- I drive a Prius.
-
-
-
evaemilie
Apr 21, 2012 @ 3:40 pm | delete
- Great and informative read! I must try that yoghurt (my husband often time mention I should make yoghurt myself).
We also love ice cream - especially the little one ;) but we don't eat much because it quite expensive to buy good quality (with a short understandable ingredients list!). Guess it does make sense to have an ice cream machine ...
-
-
-
DarleneN
Apr 21, 2012 @ 10:39 am | delete
- I enjoy walking to the library and the bank! Saves a little gas. Plus I recycyle newspaper and cardboard, glass, and plastics.
-
-
-
diamid
Apr 21, 2012 @ 4:20 am | delete
- Interesting tips, useful lens. I'm paying so much more attention to wasted space.
-
-
-
skiesgreen
Apr 21, 2012 @ 1:52 am | delete
- Lovely ideas and great lens, Featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012 and also on Earthday and what is wrong with our planet earth. Hugs
-
-
-
cynthia-ann-leighton Apr 21, 2012 @ 1:39 am | delete
- Reuse... pass on hand-me-downs, walk, bicycle,... grow.. compost... solar individual outdoor lights, solar water, solar electric, solar lighted house number!
-
- Load More
Copyright Notice
Important
All text and images on this lens, with the exception of advertisements, product images and Squidoo-generated images and text, unless otherwise noted, are copyright L Kathryn Grace, all rights reserved. To request permission to use any of my images or content, contact me. About Kathryn Grace
graceonline
Interested in sustainability and social justice?
Follow me on Twitter
New to Squidoo?
Join the fun!
Squidoo is fun, and addicting. You're an expert on something. Got a hankering to talk about it? Make a lens! In the process, down the road, you just might make some money doing it. If you'd like to give it a whirl, start making your own lens right here.The stars are mine; otherwise, the logo is Squidoo's
This lens supports the Grameen Foundation
Ending poverty, building local businesses, feeding hungry children
by Graceonline
Every day I try to make my ecological footprint a little smaller. This page shares some of my favorite footprint-shrinking steps in the kitchen. I hop... more »
- 45 featured lenses
- Winner of 23 trophies!
- Top lens » Tender, flaky, delicious whole wheat pie crust
- This lens »
Won purple star
Explore related pages
- Easy homemade yogurt in a thermos Easy homemade yogurt in a thermos
- Kick your paper towel habit! Kick your paper towel habit!
- Sharon's favorite Almond Maple Granola Recipe with cranberries and raisins Sharon's favorite Almond Maple Granola Recipe with cranberries and raisins
- 6 ways to make Ice Cream in the Cherry Red Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker 6 ways to make Ice Cream in the Cherry Red Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
- Super quick potato salad for two Super quick potato salad for two
- Nine ways to green your picnic Nine ways to green your picnic
Rebild the Dream
by Van Jones
Rebuild the Dream
Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
Van Jones is a long-time personal hero who has a unique perspective on growing a green economy. Check out his latest book, and get an inside peek to life in the White House while you're at it.
Make every day Earth Day
More ways to green your life
