Ecofriendly Living Tips

Start an indoor herb garden: Since you're interested in gardening and live in an urban apartment, you can grow your own herbs indoors. This not only reduces the packaging waste associated with buying herbs from the store, but also provides you with fresh, organic ingredients for your cooking. Choose a sunny windowsill or invest in grow lights, and start with herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and mint. Cook with seasonal and local produce: As a cooking enthusiast, try to cook with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. This reduces the environmental impact of transporting produce long distances and supports local farmers. Visit farmers' markets and ask about their growing practices or join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Use energy-efficient cooking appliances: Upgrade your kitchen appliances to energy-efficient models, such as induction cooktops, convection ovens, or pressure cookers. These appliances consume less energy and can reduce your carbon footprint. When cooking, use lids on pots to retain heat and reduce cooking times. Compost your kitchen waste: Create a small compost bin for your apartment to recycle your kitchen waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can use a small, odor-free compost bin designed for indoor use or try vermicomposting with worms. The resulting compost can be used to nourish your indoor herb garden or shared with friends who have outdoor gardens. Reduce water waste: Be mindful of your water usage in the kitchen. When washing dishes, fill up the sink or use a basin instead of letting the water run continuously. Also, collect and repurpose the water used for rinsing fruits and vegetables or boiling pasta – it can be used to water your indoor plants. Install a low-flow faucet aerator to further reduce water consumption.