Eco kitchens: how they can save you money
Eco-friendly kitchen options that'll help keep bills down
Good Housekeeping magazine gives you the best eco advice for kitchens - follow these simple guidelines and your bank balance could be quite a bit healthier...
Look for the label
When you shop for new appliances, look for the European Union (EU) energy label, which gives an estimate of annual energy consumption, and the Energy Saving Trust's Energy Saving Recommended logo. Remember, too, that when an appliance is switched on, it consumes energy - even if it's in standby mode.
The dishwasher
Most new dishwashers can use less than 18 litres of water to wash 12 or more place settings, so many of us could save water by using one of these, especially if we'd otherwise wash up under a running tap. But don't put it on until you have a full load and do use an economy or quick-wash programme for lightly soiled items. Don't pre-rinse dishes, either - it can waste gallons of heated water every day.
The fridge and freezer
Models with A+ and A++ ratings on their EU energy labels can use around 30% less energy than older or lower-rated fridges and freezers. If your fridge has exposed coils at the back and can be pulled out easily, clean the coils with a soft brush or your vacuum cleaner's dusting brush attachment every few months. Do this and the motor won't have to run as long or as often, which will prolong the life of the appliance. If your freezer isn't frost-free, remember to defrost it regularly as this will help it run more efficiently.
The oven
Think twice before turning on the oven. For small meals, a microwave will usually use less energy and it's a more efficient way to reheat food. If you have a double oven, conserve energy by using the smaller cavity for weekday dishes, saving the larger oven for entertaining or when you want to cook a roast dinner.
The Great British cuppa
Only boil what you need. It's estimated most people heat up twice as much water as they need every time they have a cup of tea. Tests in the Good Housekeeping Institute show that boiling the minimum amount for a hot drink halves the average boiling time of a full kettle, saving just under £30 a year in electricity costs. Coffee drinkers don't need their water quite as hot, so they can make a further saving by resisting the urge to reboil the kettle for a second cup - GHI tests show a metal-sided kettle keeps water above 90°C for more than a quarter of an hour.
Install a water filter tap
If you don't like tap water, a filtered water tap will radically reduce the number of plastic water bottles going into the recycling bin.
A greener shade of paint
Doing up your kitchen and want to use environmentally friendly paint? Choose a brand such as earthborn natural paints (www.earthbornpaints.co.uk), which displays the EU Eco-label. Other suppliers include Ecolibrium (www.ecolibriumpaints.com), Eco Paints (www.ecopaints.co.uk) and Farrow & Ball (www.farrow-ball.com).
Sustainable wood
If you want a wooden work surface or floor, look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council; 01686 413 916; www.fsc-uk.org) logo. If the logo isn't visible, ask sales staff about the source of the timber. B&Q, Focus and Homebase are committed to selling sustainable wood.
Recycled kitchens
Re-using units that someone else is replacing means you save money and the units don't end up as landfill. Kitchensynch (020 7195 2235; www.kitchensynch.co.uk) and The Used Kitchen Company (020 8349 1943; www.theusedkitchencompany.com) sell second-hand luxury kitchens from private owners. For example, a kitchen that costs in excess of £70,000 to install first-time round might sell for £10,000-£15,000. But a word of caution: our experts advise that it's vital to view the kitchen in person before committing.
Recycle, recycle, recycle...
Most DIY and home stores stock recycling bins that make it easy to separate different kinds of household waste. And many local councils provide compost bins free of charge - contact them for information.
Find out more...
Big Green Switch Ways you can cut down on your carbon footprint - look for the Around The Home section (www.biggreenswitch.co.uk). Energy Saving Trust Information on saving energy and energy-saving products and appliances, plus a home improvement section (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk).
Find out where to take past-their-best or broken kettles, toasters and the like by calling 0845 331 3131 or visit www.recyclenow.com
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