As a sustainability expert with ASN Bank, we've partnered with Merel Philippart, founder of MAKUS—the public winner of the 2018 ASN Bank World Award—to share proven strategies for greening your kitchen. Beyond solar panels and shorter showers, small changes here can significantly cut your environmental impact. Discover these practical tips below.
Merel advises: 'When moving into a new home, it's tempting to overhaul the kitchen. But consider targeted updates first. Dislike the color? Opt for eco-friendly paints available today. Unsure about cabinets or countertops? Replace only those elements. Need a full replacement? Check second-hand options first. For new builds, seek out manufacturers prioritizing sustainability.'
Induction cooktops offer the most energy-efficient cooking method, and their popularity is rising for good reason. Unlike traditional stoves, induction heats the pan directly—not the surface—so the hob auto-shuts off without a pot, preventing wasted energy.
Ready to put these into action? Start with your ingredients and habits. Here are expert-recommended ways to reduce your kitchen's footprint:
Turn off the oven early. For 20 minutes at 200°C, switch it off a few minutes before done—saving substantial energy. Batch oven tasks: remove one dish, slide in the next.
Use lids on pots. This traps heat, cutting cooking time and energy loss.
Front-load short-shelf-life items in your fridge. Place leftovers upfront to use them promptly and curb food waste.
Short on cooking time? Freeze extras—studies show this slashes food waste by 47%. Thaw overnight in the fridge, not the microwave.
Prefer delivery? Choose services with plastic-free, reusable packaging options.
