BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE KITCHEN

ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

When building or updating your kitchen, always try to opt for energy-efficient products, which will also lower utility costs in the long run.

LONG-LASTING COOKWARE

Quality is always more important than quantity when it comes to cookware. Some of the most prolific home cooks only use a few pots, pans and utensils to create their dishes. Invest in high-quality items as much as you can, and hand-wash them to extend their lives.

Tableware

Consider purchasing tableware from a local ceramicist, such as Molly Svoboda of Boda Clay (bodaclaystl.com), who offers several glazes and designs, including serving bowls, mugs and vases. It’s practical art made sustainably that is designed to last much longer than cheap dishware.

REMODEL? RECYCLE

Instead of demolishing old cabinetry, donate it to one of Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore locations or sell it on a resale site.

ESSENTIALS

Seek out shops such as Dharma + Dwell in Webster Groves (dharmaanddwell.com) which stocks a wide variety of kitchen essentials, including food storage, cleaning tools and plant-based alternatives to common kitchen plastics like trash bags.

HERBS

Find spots on your shelves to grow herbs indoors. You’ll benefit all year long, and it’ll add a li le natural freshness to your kitchen.

Natural Cleaning

Make your own simple cleaner solution at home using vinegar and baking soda, which is naturally be er for the environment and safe for surfaces. Don’t want to DIY? Dharma + Dwell has all-purpose cleaning powders and dish soap, along with a line of refillable glass and aluminum containers.

Sustainable Materials

Furnish your kitchen (or any space) with sustainable, natural materials: Think recycled woods, leather and metals. Head to vintage or secondhand stores before buying new to find unique, ecofriendly furnishings.