Now, if you also decide to change a little bit your daily routine and lifestyle and adopt a greener, more organic one, there are plenty of easy methods to start with which are both efficient and fun, without mentioning that they will help you cut out good bucks out of your monthly bills. When it comes to introducing this new and green lifestyle in the kitchen area, there are literally hundreds of ways to reduce waste and be more careful, so here are some of the most useful tips to go green at home:

• The golden rule of "reduce, reuse, recycle" is best applied in the kitchen area, since there are plenty of things you can reuse and recycle. If you by habit eat out of disposable dishes that you throw away after you finish eating, you might want to think again. Having a set of dishes is crucial to any kitchen, without mentioning that it is far more fashionable then plastic cans and plates. Opt for durable materials like crystal or glass, bamboo wood or any other type of wood, even resistant plastic, and make sure the ones you buy are safe for the microwaves and the fridge. Now, for the reducing part, you can start by leaving aside the dishwasher unless it's full of dirty dishes and do the job yourself. Also, turn off water when you clean dishes with detergents and, if it's a must to use the dishwasher, let the program run without the soaking function – it costs more energy and is not efficient by any means; instead, leave the dishes to self-dry over night.
• Opt for energy-efficient utilities. Especially the fridge should be energy efficient since it is the one consuming the most of the energy throughout the kitchen. Also, unless you're a chef in a restaurant, always opt for fridges with integrated deep-freezers since they will only use the energy once. In terms of other utilities, make sure you unplug them whenever you are done using them, since even if they are off, they will still consume energy – toasters, fryers, coffee makers – all of them off.
• You can especially go green and organic by making your own cleaning products without having to opt for the full of chemicals ones out on the market. Use ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and salt to wash, clean and renew your appliances throughout the kitchen.
• In terms of kitchen counters and furniture, always opt for the most durable ones, since it's a major investment in your home, unlikely to be changed within the following 5-10 years. Thus, I suggest using sustainable and green materials like cork and bamboo and make sure the cooking surface is durable and strong.
• Last, buy local foods as much as possible and encourage local farmers and producers to deliver you homemade and organic foods. Buying local will also support the local economy while reducing the fuel used to deliver the goods and using less harmful wrapping materials. If possible, try to grow your own fruits and vegetables in the garden or buy from neighbors if they do.