Eco-friendly kitchenware

BAMBOO

Kitchen supplies made from bamboo have become a hot commodity because bamboo is an extremely renewable and self-sustaining resource. Bamboo is a grass that grows at least two feet per day – sometimes more – and it never has to be replanted. Kitchen items typically made of wood, such as cutting boards, salad bowls, serving utensils and even disposable plates and utensils are now being made out of the eco-friendly bamboo. As a bonus, bamboo is a hard wood – harder than maple – so it is a perfect material for cutting boards. Visit EcoWise, Branch, 3r Living and Our Green House for chic and eco-friendly bamboo cutting boards, dishware, utensils and other environmentally-conscious kitchen items.

GLASS

You likely already have a set of wine glasses, glass cookware and other glass kitchen wares. You will be happy to know that glass is eco-friendly because it contains no lead and is recyclable (just make sure when purchasing dishware, it has a "lead-free" label). However, if you are in the market for some new glassware, check out the companies that make "new" glassware out of recycled glass. Green Glass and Econscious use recycled wine bottles to create fabulous "green" glasses and vases.

RECYCLABLE AND BIO-COMPOSTABLE

Plastic plates, utensils and cups are some of the most environmentally-unfriendly kitchen items. Instead of tossing your plates and utensils after a single use, purchase plastic-ware that is heavier and can be washed and reused.

Ecowise sells a line of plastic plates and utensils made from recycled materials that can also be recycled. These recyclable plastics are durable and sturdy enough to be washed and reused, which saves both the environment and your money. In addition, Ecowise has a line of biodegradable and compostable plates, cups, bowls, utensils and take-away containers that are made from non-GMO starch and biodegradable fillers. The packaging is biodegradable as well. This is an eco-friendly line of kitchenware you can eat on with a good eco-conscience.

TABLE LINENS

Tablecloths and napkins made of cotton, paper and vinyl can contain pesticides, and other toxins as well as contribute to the cutting down of trees. Purchase "green" tablecloths made of hemp, organic linens, organic, undyed cotton, and humane silk. Rawganique, Native Organic, Organic Avenue, Aurora Silk and Kushtush have beautifully-crafted eco-friendly tablecloths and napkins for any occasion.

REUSABLE SUPPLIES

If possible, use washable, reusable kitchen supplies in place of throwaway plastic items. For example, instead of toting a store-bought water bottle, buy a reusable plastic water bottle such as one from Nalgene. Use cloth dishtowels and napkins instead of paper towels and paper napkins. Brew your coffee in cloth coffee filters, like the eco-friendly coffee filters from GreenFeet, which can be washed and reused. These coffee filters even help absorb some of the acid in coffee, meaning you get to drink a better-tasting cup.

For the kid in you, bring out your old Barbie or Lone Ranger lunchbox for your daily lunch instead of using brown paper bags. Or for an updated – yet whimsical – adult lunch box, LunchBoxes makes fun lunchboxes for adults (and children). These environmentally-healthy lunchboxes are even lead-free.

You do not have to turn tree hugger to be green. Help the environment even just a little by making eco-conscious decisions when you purchase items for your kitchen and you will be doing our earth a world of good.

For more info on green living visit:

Environmentally-conscious living

Ten ways to green your home and family

Throw an eco-friendly dinner party

Go green at the office to reduce your carbon footprint