Growers and Grocers

Shape magazine recently did a feature on going green in every area of your life, and one of the pieces focused on 8 Easy Ways to Make Your Kitchen Green.

1. Use a coffee maker that doesn’t require paper filters, and opt for loose tea leaves over tea bags.

2. Bring your own to-go mug to your favorite cafe.

3. Pack lunches in washable, food-safe containers.

4. Wrap sandwiches in biodegradable wax paper instead of in plastic sandwich bags.

5. Bring a canvas or mesh tote to the supermarket so you don’t have to use a plastic or paper bag. Keep one in the trunk of your car.

6. Wash more dishes by hand. When you do use the dishwasher, however, don’t prerinse (it’s not necessary with newer models), and run it only when full.

7. Grow your own organic herbs in pots on a windowsill.

8. Avoid harsh cleansers. Make a paste of baking soda and water to clean your refrigerator. Scrub copper pots with lemon juice and salt instead of with copper polish. Use a biodegradable dishwashing liquid (we like Method dish soap in cucumber, $5; methodhome.com and also available from Target stores). Use plain seltzer instead of detergent to remove tablecloth stains such as red wine.