Here’s Part 2 of my article “Going Green Without Seeing Red: Environmentally green kitchens.”

If you have less than $200 to spend, here are some ways to go green:

  • Paint is by far the least expensive way to change the look of any room, especially the kitchen.  So if you’re reading this right now and you’ve glanced over to the wallpaper on the walls, take heart.  It’s time for the paper to come down… really. Wallpaper had it’s time, and it actually can make the kitchen look smaller and cramped (especially plaid!)  Select a VOC (which stands for volatile organic compound)  paint. You will be amazed at the transformation in your kitchen.
  • For those of you on a tight budget, for less than $30,  you can invest in several cleaning products that contain no harmful chemicals or toxic vapors.  The ‘Simple Green’ or ‘Seventh Generation’ products can be purchased at your local grocery store or Wal-Mart or Target.  Why not start with a lavender dish detergent or citrus surface cleaner?  If you’d like to know more, check out Planet Green’s website.
  • Start eliminating plastic in your kitchen. When microwaving food in plastic, studies show toxins are released from the plastic into your food… yuk!  My readers know that I’m always talking about the change jar sitting on the counter that you can drop your loose change in at the end of the day.  Use that extra money to begin replacing your plastic with glass containers, like Corning ware.
  • Have  no money to spend?  Well, you still can begin!  Take cloth bags to the grocery store to purchase food items… stop bringing the plastic bags in to your house.  Some supermarkets offer paper bags, which are a better alternative.
  • Recycle…and I mean recycle!  Pay attention to what you are throwing in the garbage!  Most food products like cereal and pasta come in cardboard boxes. These need to be recycled, not thrown in the regular trash for pickup.  Check out this website for more ideas on how you can recycle and get the family involved.

Make a plan to go green.  Start today.  Taking steps like these can make a huge difference in your health, your home and the environment. And the best news is, you can start today.  Do you have ideas to share?  Email me, and five lucky winners will receive a sample of green cleaning products… C’mon and share going green without seeing red!

All best,
Ginger