When moving from traditional cleaning to green cleaning, it’s helpful to isolate each room and figure out ways to make them more environmentally friendly. The kitchen is a great room to start with because there are a lot of changes to be made! From the utensils to the cookware to what is used to clean the counters, everyone’s kitchen can use a green makeover.

Utensils: Whenever possible avoid the use of plastic utensils. Plastics can release harmful molecules, especially when heated, not to mention the energy wasted in the manufacture of these products. Instead, use stainless steel or wood. In fact, it’s been proven that wooden cutting boards have natural antibacterial properties.

Cookware: Time to toss the aluminum and non-stick cookware in favor of more healthful options like glass, cast iron, stainless steel or enamel pieces. Aluminum has been linked to health problems like Alzheimer’s and cancer. Cookware is only one of the ways aluminum is consumed and usually in very small amounts, but cooking acidic foods like citrus or tomatoes the pots and pans tend to break down faster raising the aluminum intake.

Cleaning: Far too many chemicals are used in the kitchen. Instead of costly and harmful cleaners, try investing in green cleaners from your local health food store or make your own. Ingredients like Borax, vinegar, and baking soda do an excellent job at cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, while keeping your family safe. Look into the use of essential oils in homemade cleaning products too. Many have antibacterial properties to aid in cleaning. Research oils well before using – some are harmful to pets, children and pregnant women.

Storage: Instead of buying plastic containers, reuse old containers from food products. You can reuse the pickle jar, sour cream container or butter tubs a few times before sending them to the recycling bin or using them for uses outside the kitchen. It cuts cost and it gives new life to a product. Remember, plastics can break down and release dangerous chemicals so don’t keep the containers for too long and never reheat food in the containers!