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.
There's no better way to go ec0-chic than incorporating natural elements and philosophies into a space, whether at home or away from home. Eco-Chic Expo is thrilled to welcome two local design firms that specialize in creating unique, sustainable spaces. 
Beyond their beautiful prints and presents for every member of the family, what makes 
