Meet the Exhibitors: A Greener Kitchen

You recycle, try to use less water, and take the bus whenever possible.  What's the next step in becoming more eco-conscious in your life?  How about greening your kitchen?  A Greener Kitchen, one of our exhibitors at the Eco-Chic Expo, promotes sustainability in the kitchen with a fabulous collection of environmentally friendly kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Lacey Lybecker, owner of A Greener Kitchen,about the "green" kitchen revolution.  Lacey shared with us some simple ideas to get you on your way to an eco-fabulous kitchen.


How did you get interested in greening up kitchens?

About 6 years ago, I discovered the wonders of cooking. I was fed up with the junk food habits I developed when I was in college,and started exploring whole foods and how to turn them into a creative meal. I quickly learned that you need to have the right tools to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Turning into a kitchen tools and gadgets geek, I started dreaming of owning my own kitchen store. The focus on green came naturally as my husband and I have become more eco-conscious in our own lives.

What are some simple things people can do to make their kitchen greener? 

We believe that being green doesn’t have to be all or nothing; every small step makes a difference. A great place to start is the heart of your home – the place where you cook and eat. A Greener Kitchen shares a few practical tips to you can use to start greening up your kitchen.

• BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) - Cut down on paper and plastic by toting your goods in an eco-chic reusable bag. Use them at the grocery, farmers market, drug store, and clothing store too!
• Compost Food Waste -Use a stylish bucket to collect food scraps; when full add to your backyard compost bin or city yard waste container.
• Eat Sustainably - Visit a farmers market to buy locally grown ingredients or test out that green thumb of yours and plant your own produce.
• Use Your Dishwasher - No need to feel guilty washing your dishes in the dishwasher. As long as you only wash full loads, you can use up to 37% less water than washing by hand.
• Pack Your Pantry Wisely - Buy goods in bulk; the less packaging the better! And stock your cabinets with tools, gadgets, and accessories made in an eco-friendly fashion.

If you could make one eco-friendly improvement to your kitchen today, what would it be and why?

I would love to incorporate an e-composter into my kitchen. We compost our food waste through the city's program, but it would be great to use for our soon-to-be-planted garden (another green improvement that I would call part of the kitchen!)

Thanks Lacey for all the great tips! We can't wait to learn more about greening our kitchens at the Eco-Chic Expo. A Greener Kitchen will be demonstrating how to naturally clean your bamboo cutting boards as well as showing us some cool new products for your kitchen.