Ecoscraps

Most people who are interested in going green know that it’s better to eat local foods and grow your own fruits and vegetables. You probably already have reusable bags and you may even have a compost pile. There are other ways to go green, though. Check out these seven little-known ways to go organic in the kitchen:

1. Use smaller pots and pans.

Whenever you heat up water in a pot or fry food in a pan, it uses power to distribute the heat. If you use a smaller container, you won’t have use as much heat to cook your food. As an added bonus, smaller pots and pans also take less water to wash when dinner is over.

2. Choose organic drinks.

You may have already cut bottled water out of life, but what about beverages for special occasions? There are actually a number of wineries and beer manufacturers that make organic alcoholic drinks. They’re better for the environment, and you’ll be supporting a smaller business. If you can find a local bottler, even better.

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3. Check out the “country of origin” label.

A food that may be organic and sustainable in the United States isn’t necessarily organic and sustainable in other countries. Every country has its own rules. On top of that, shipping food from other countries takes a lot of fuel and contributes to global warming. If you can’t buy local, at least purchase items from the US.

4. Join an organic co-op.

Co-ops are member-shipped based groups that offer discounts to members. There are many co-ops that feature local and organic foods, and joining could mean that you can go green with your food for less money. Many co-ops have work requirements, so members all contribute. You can find co-ops online at Cooperative Grocer.

5. Learn to preserve your foods.

Purchasing organic fruits and vegetables and gardening yourself are great options, but to do that, you have to buy in season. What happens when you want a pear in the middle of winter? Learn preservation techniques like canning, pickling, making jelly, and drying fruits. That way, you can have organic foods during the entire year.

6. Talk to your grocer about getting more organic foods.

Don’t see the items you eat most available as organic options? Talk to your grocer or a manager at the chain where you shop. It might not cross your mind to ask, but some grocery stores will start carrying products, even if just one person asks for them.

7. Use organic table settings.

Organic cotton is easy to clean and great for the environment, so it’s perfect for a tablecloth. You can also choose organic bamboo placemats, organic fabric for napkins, and organic flowers for the centerpiece.

Allison Boyer is a freelance writer and covers topics such as ultrasound technician schools and medical careers, health care topics, and more

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