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7 Steps to a Greener Kitchen

A greener kitchen is a healthier kitchen—and easier to achieve than you might think. Making just a few small changes can have a big impact on both you and the environment (8 Photos)

Teresa Lamb on Oct 30, 2009 at 5:48PM

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Use Greener Cleaners

Chemical-based cleaners can be harsh on both you and your wallet. Jennifer Roberts, author of Good Green Kitchens: The Ultimate Resource for Creating a Beautiful, Healthy, Eco-Friendly Kitchen (Gibbs Smith), suggests raiding your pantry for alternatives. Baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge is terrific for scouring; distilled white vinegar diluted with water (use equal parts of each) will make windows and mirrors sparkle. Inexpensive liquid Castile soap, found at most grocery stores, is a great all-purpose cleaner for sinks, counters and other surfaces. These nontoxic, environmentally friendly substitutes take care of messes for a whole lot less.