Upcycling Ideas for the Kitchen
We are all responsible for being more eco-friendly as sustainability is becoming more and more important. So, we have put together some top tips to help you save energy in your kitchen and some unique upcycling ideas for you to try at home.
Upcycle and Reuse Jars and Tins
Wash out your old jars and tins and find a new purpose for them. This could be a new home for tea, coffee or sugar. Maybe even a decorative piece that you could fill with fairy lights to add some sparkle into the kitchen at night time! Don’t throw them away, get creative and see what you can make.
Vintage Spoon Hooks
If you are looking to add a touch of vintage to your kitchen, upcycling old spoons could be a great way. Using your own strength, bend the spoons into quirky shapes and nail them into the wall. A perfect space to hang tea towels and other kitchen items.
Upcycling Kitchen Plant Pots
Using old teacups, kettles or mugs, you can create an adorable plant pot for your kitchen! Fill them with compost and plant your favourite seeds, leave them in a sunny spot in your kitchen and watch them grow! This will be a lovely addition to the kitchen whilst adding a quirky element.
Upcycling Kitchen Muffin Tins
If your muffin tin is all baked out, don’t throw it away. Muffin tins have separate compartments that work well as kitchen cupboard organisers. Fill each compartment with your items and relax knowing they are all safely in one place together.
Upcycling Kitchen Table and Chairs
If you are looking for a new, fresh design for your kitchen, your first thought may be to get rid of your tables and chairs and replace them with shiny new ones. However, before you do, why not get a little imaginative? Buy some paint and upcycle old kitchen furniture. This is the perfect way to save money resulting in a beautifully unique kitchen.
As well as upcycling kitchen items, there are many ways you can help save energy in the kitchen. We have listed some of the tops ways to save energy below.
Use the Microwave
Use your microwave as much as possible. Out of all the cooking appliances in your kitchen, the microwave is the most energy-efficient. Where possible, opt for the microwave instead of the oven when reheating, this way you will be saving energy. Always remember to turn it off at the wall once you have finished cooking, this will save even more energy.
Keep the Oven Door Closed
Try and keep your oven door as clean as possible, this way you will be able to see the food cooking and won’t need to open it as often. Every time the oven door is opened, heat escapes which means the oven has to work even harder to get it back up to temperature- using more energy. Try and keep the door closed until the oven is ready to be turned off. Most ovens will be able to maintain their temperature for about 10 minutes after being turned off. So why not save that extra bit of energy and turn yours off slightly early without it affecting any of your cooking?
Batch Cooking to Save Energy
Batch cooking is not only a great way to save time and money, but it’s also a great way to save energy. You are already turning the oven on so why not cook a few meals at the same time instead of wasting the oven on one meal. This way you will have a batch of delicious food ready to enjoy over the next few days. Batch cooking really is a great way to be energy efficient.
Pots and Pans
Try and select the correct size pan for your cooking, remember if you’re only cooking small amounts, you do not need a big pan. Judge the sizing of your food and find the appropriate pan for it, the food will cook much quicker and therefore you will be saving lots of energy. Also, ensure the pan is on the correct size hob otherwise, heat will escape and waste energy.
Control Your Portions
To save even more energy, why not chop up your food items into smaller pieces, this way they will cook faster and won’t require as much energy. This simple change can have a big impact on the energy you are using in your home.
Overnight Defrosting
If you have something that needs to be defrosted, plan ahead and leave it in the fridge overnight. No need to waste energy using the microwave when it can be defrosted naturally.
Avoid Wasting Water
Whether you are filling up the kettle for a cuppa or boiling some vegetables. Try to be cautious with the amount of water you are using. The more water you put in the kettle; the more energy is required to heat it up. Try and be mindful and judge accordingly.
There are lots of ways to save energy in your kitchen and plenty of things you can do to upcycle your household objects. Not only will you be helping the environment, but also saving money in the long run. Try these simple ideas and see how you get on; you may even be inspired to upcycle other rooms in your home.
