Earth Day Series: ‘The New Green Kitchen’

Last week I attended a Webinar hosted by Jackie Newgent, Author of ‘Big Green Cookbook’. She shared tips from her new book, including her Top 10 tips for giving your Cooking a ‘Greenover‘:

#1: Select smart Skillets that are PFOA-free and recycled aluminum pans. She recommended Scanpans*: They are non-stick, you can sear, brown and deglaze in them and use any utensils you wish.

#2: Practice eco-cooking techniques such as, placing a lid on a pot and turning the burner off once the water is boiling. Ms. Newgent says this will boil the pasta and reduce energy use.

#3: Think at your sink. Meaning, reduce your water usage

#4: Take advantage of residual value: She suggests you can do some light baking or reheating in an oven after you turn it off, say after roasting an item.

#5: Love your small appliances as they use less energy. When is the last time you thought about using your toaster oven?

#6: Use Energy Star certified big appliances.

#7: Serve Earth-style meals by using fewer bowls and considering prepping and serving in one bowl. Less washing.

#8: Be waste friendly by composting.

#9: Green size-it: Make vegetables the main and largest component of your late and consume less meat.

#10: Enjoy Ecotarian Cuisine by enjoying a diet based on local, fresh, sustainable food and is more plant based. Local = less distance = less gasoline.

What are some tips you can share regarding ‘greening’ your cooking?
*Attendees are being sent a pan so I will test out these claims in my kitchen.