7 BEST ECO-FRIENDLY SWITCHES IN KITCHEN ESSENTIALS, useful tips towards sustainable living

The center of any house is the kitchen. It's where we gather to feed ourselves and our families, but it also has the potential to negatively affect our ecosystem. Many people are seeking methods to lessen their impact on the environment as climate change continues to influence our lives—beginning with eco-friendly cooking in the kitchen!

The 21st-century kitchen is full of all kinds of great stuff for making incredible meals, but all that great stuff is a lot of…stuff, and it’s important to consider the impact certain kitchen items have on the earth. There are lots of ways to make a kitchen product more eco-friendly, whether that’s by designing a reusable version of a disposable item, getting rid of hazardous materials, or applying a more efficient manufacturing method. We have searched for several eco-friendly kitchen products and materials and chose the best seven switches we could make to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly kitchen.

1. SWITCH FROM PAPER TOWELS TO REUSABLE KITCHEN CLOTH

By switching out single-use paper towels with reusable cloths, you can start an eco-friendly kitchen makeover in one of the most straightforward and cheap ways possible. One of the best products of this kind if you ever decided to find one are those that are created from bleached or unbleached cotton, which is soft and absorbent.

Another type of similar kind is the Swedish dishcloths, which were created by a Swedish engineer in 1949 and are "superabsorbent." They are constructed of "100% naturally biodegradable cellulose or a combination of wood pulp and renewable cotton," dry rapidly, and can be washed. Users treat them exactly the same way as paper towels and say they reduced the amount of paper towels by at least 80%.

2. SWITCH FROM PAPER COFFEE FILTERS TO STAINLESS STEEL COFFEE MESH

You might want to consider strategies to reduce your use of paper coffee filters in addition to reducing the number of single-use to-go coffee cups. Some coffee machines are made as an alternative to conventional methods of brewing. The outcome is akin to paper filters, but without the waste, adding that the stainless steel mesh is quite fine (keeping the grinds out).

Or you might want to purchase a plunging type coffee brewing device called a coffee presser or French press. Anything goes as long as your purpose is to eliminate paper filters. Simple things like these are great ways coffee lovers can show their courage as invincible earth heroes.

3. SWITCH FROM PLASTIC TO BAMBOO COOKING UTENSILS

You want to have the best tools for the task whether you're cooking for just yourself or the entire family. You may be unaware of the distinction between environmentally friendly kitchenware and whatever is currently on sale, but it's still worthwhile to learn more. Modern plastics may not only be inferior to bamboo in terms of performance but also impose harm on our internal health. Additionally, by making the transition, you're picking a better alternative for your family as well as the environment. And because we all call this place home, we may as well look after it to ensure the highest quality of life.

The following are the top advantages of bamboo as an eco-friendly material:

A. By using bamboo as a material, uncertified timber that may cause deforestation can be avoided;

B. Bamboo is simple to grow, and there are vast sources available;

C. These utensils may be made from a single mature bamboo piece to a thousand times; and

D. From being biodegradable, ethically sourced, tree-free, plastic-free, and reusable, this product's sustainability is quite commendable.

I personally use a bamboo kitchen spatula when cooking. The picture above shows my spatula on a bamboo cutting board. Cutting boards made of bamboo, when properly cared for, not only appear more elegant when displayed on a kitchen counter than plastic ones, but they also last a lot longer. You could make this transition as simple as possible for you. You could do it one by one which does not hurt your budget. After you have completed a set of bamboo utensils, we are certain that your family and the environment will thank you.

4. SWITCH FROM ALUMINUM NON-STICK COOKWARE TO NON-TOXIC CERAMIC POTS

Globally, the aluminum sector releases millions of tons of greenhouse gases each year, according to experts, which is, to put it simply, a massive no-no for Mother Nature. Choose the multipurpose ceramic-coated cookware the next time you need to replace your pots and pans since they are devoid of harmful chemicals, poisonous metals, and nanoparticles. Ceramic clay pots are also great alternatives, if you may choose so.

5. SWITCH FROM PLASTIC TO GLASS FOOD CONTAINERS

Glass food storage containers not only offer safer food storage, but also a great view of what is within. Glass Ball jars can keep anything from seeds, flours, and nuts to soups, stews, and fresh berries, and they are affordable (can be bought by the dozen). They are also simple to clean. When using glass containers for frozen storage, make sure to choose freezer-safe models with wide mouths that are simple to remove for warming and provide enough space at the top for any liquids to expand.

6. SWITCH FROM SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS TO ECO BAGS FOR YOUR PRODUCE

There's a fair probability that a large portion of the plastic you believe you could be using comes from your monthly trip to the grocery store. Purchasing large quantities of fruits, vegetables, and other food typically requires ripping off several plastic bags on each trip, which can be harmful to the environment. Reusable produce bags, however, provide a simple and practical replacement for plastic ones if you're searching for a more environmentally friendly, long-lasting option. As far as we can, we can only use environmentally friendly bags and try to lessen environmental damage. In other words, eco-friendly bags are those made from a range of ecologically friendly materials including cotton, hemp, non-woven, RPET, biodegradable bioplastics, and recyclable paper. They are also generally more earth-friendly and emit less pollutants.

7. SWITCH FROM TRASH CAN TO COMPOST BIN (FOR FOOD SCRAPS ONLY)

Food scraps and other waste should be disposed of in a kitchen-top compost bin rather than the trash can, where they will decompose and leave your kitchen smelling bad. When the bin is full, dump it in your backyard compost pile (or, if permitted where you live, in your yard waste receptacle) and use it to supplement your vegetable garden!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Using eco-friendly kitchen supplies and utensils is unquestionably preferable to using single-use plastic ones. They have less waste, are more environmentally friendly, and are more sustainable. And we really hope that this post gives you more than enough options for a greener kitchen. All have already done so much harm to our world, therefore we need to start taking action as soon as we can if we want to save it for future generations. You are already making a difference in little ways by picking eco-friendly products over the standard plastic ones when you go shopping. And if we can start with ourselves, we'll be able to motivate other people to do the same.

Joey Castaneda

Architect

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DIRTY KITCHEN, IS THERE SUCH A THING? redefining architectural functions

 

A “dirty kitchen” is, as the name suggests, a kitchen that is left dirty or untidy most of the time. Now, this is not to say that food made in a “dirty kitchen” is dirty. This simply implies that the time-consuming and occasionally intricate operations involved in food preparation and cooking are carried out in a dirty kitchen.

A SECOND KITCHEN

Since they are referred regarded as second kitchens, dirty kitchens resemble sub-kitchens. Almost all of the houses, flats, properties, and condominiums people live in, as well as workplaces, are equipped with a primary kitchen. There aren't necessarily sub-kitchens in every large kitchen, though. Larger kitchen appliances that cannot be concealed in the main kitchen are typically housed there. In this sense, it is seen as a place to store cooking utensils that are rarely used; as a result, dirty kitchens promote cleanliness in the main kitchens.

A LITTLE HISTORY

The concept of a dirty kitchen or an ancillary workspace for the kitchen is certainly not new. In the 19th century, affluent Western residences frequently had butler's pantries, as they were known then, where silverware, china, serving ware, and other kitchen supplies were kept. Some Western culture calls it a Prep Kitchen or pantry.

WESTERN CONCEPT

Prep kitchens, often referred to as prep pantries, are extra rooms that are linked to the main kitchen and are used just for preparing meals. Prep kitchens are used to store food much like conventional pantries, but they also sometimes have a lot of counter space, shelves, and occasionally even equipment like dishwashers, stoves, coffee makers, microwaves, and other portables.

Prep kitchens are becoming more and more common in today's society. Although it does need a property with some extra room, this contemporary alternative to a butler's pantry is no longer only for the wealthy; it is now a preferred option for homeowners of all income levels who frequently party or simply want to keep their kitchens clutter-free.

ASIAN CONCEPT

In most Asian countries, dirty kitchens may be isolated from or next to the main home for purposes like fire safety, keeping the smoke and fuel smell out, and keeping charcoal dust and oil dirt out. In our family, we prefer to cook fish or anything similar outside the house in order to avoid foul odors from crawling into the interiors of the house.

The working tables in rural variants of the dirty kitchen are sometimes built of recycled materials, and clay ovens and burners are powered by firewood. That makes this concept somewhat connect to the subject related to sustainable living, which I plan to discuss more deeply in one of our future blog posts. So, it would be of great advantage to take avail of our free subscription to be always updated with our latest blogs.

EXTENDED KITCHEN CONCEPTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Since Filipinos are known for having sizable groups of family and friends at their homes, straightforward outdoor dirty kitchen concepts in the Philippines are likely to be suggested. The grilling apparatus, sometimes referred to as the "ihaw-ihaw," is the most widely used type of dirty kitchen among Filipinos. It is customary to set aside a sizable lot in front of or behind the home in order to host events or accommodate visitors.

The main idea is to set aside some time to think about the features you want your second kitchen to include. A grilling zone, a minibar or tea/coffee station with a snack corner, a storage space, or perhaps a combination of two or all of these characteristics, might be added to the dirty kitchen working area per se. You may now start the process of arranging your present kitchen if you have decided to create the second kitchen of your dreams. It's time to concentrate on the second kitchen as soon as you've finished arranging your primary kitchen and planning your ideal new dirty kitchen.

GRILLING ZONE: It's a great idea to use your extra space as a grilling area. Despite the development of gas and electric stoves, cooking with charcoal is still popular in the Philippines, especially on special occasions. The fact that oil and gas prices are now rising as a result of global events is another piece of information that may be helpful in making this decision. Consequently, occasionally cooking with charcoal might result in significant financial savings. In addition, grilled food is frequently seen as healthier than fried meals.

BARISTA STATION: Because you have a grilling area, you may want to add a minibar. If you prefer beer or tequila over coffee, a tiny bar could be perfect for you. The following reasons make an outdoor dirty kitchen converted into a mini bar the perfect setting for you and your guests: first, it is right outside your house, which is very convenient because you do not need to go inside the house and create a mess; second, the drinks and snacks are right beside you, inside the dirty kitchen; and third, you can be as relaxed as you want because staying at home is more comfortable than going out for a drink.

EXTRA STORAGE: It is a simple and wise decision to turn your messy kitchen into more storage space. An additional room would be quite helpful in a kitchen that has a lot of culinary utensils, some of which are overly large and others of which are only used sometimes or on special occasions. Therefore, having a second storage space is beneficial for keeping groceries, ingredients, condiments, and spices, especially if you frequently purchase in large quantities. On top of that, if you have kids running about the kitchen while you are preparing meals by slicing and mincing items, using dirty kitchens as extra storage areas may be extremely useful as room separators.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Because a popular proverb holds that "the route to a man's heart is through his stomach," kitchens are often referred to as the "heart of the home." Therefore, we always want to keep the main kitchen clean and tidy at all times. Dirty kitchens are appealing to people who party regularly in modern times because they keep the "mess" out of the main kitchen.

Anyone who hosts frequently understands that, regardless of what you do, visitors will eventually gather in the kitchen at some time, even in homes with closed-off floor plans. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the house! Therefore, having a dedicated area where you can conveniently prepare food and beverages while keeping the kitchen tidy is a desirable alternative.

Joey Castaneda

Architect

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KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2025

"Nothing is more important than ever to feel relaxed at home after a long day at work and be connected in the kitchen. That feeling would always give us the urge to think about placing our kitchen at the top of the list, whenever we plan for any upgrade or renovation in the house. Yet given the constant introduction of new equipment, design concepts, and finishes, you might be wondering which kitchen design trends will endure. So, what's worth investing in? And what are the items should you discard?" - Joey Castaneda, Architect

My involvement in food manufacturing projects earlier in my architectural career motivated me to compile these kitchen design trends. Aside from the design of huge food processing plants, I was also involved in the design of model kitchens for food outlets located in some shopping malls and other commercial establishments to promote a food based franchise business.

In my observation, the momentum started by recent trends, which included a focus on storage, accents with a natural theme, and modernized technology in fixtures, appliances, and lighting, is continuing up to last year. The simple luxury of organic style is complemented by recent kitchen designs, while improved utility is the primary objective of updates and renovations. With these seven kitchen design trends, you can make your kitchen function the way you want it to while also adding flair and substance that will last for years.

Here are seven kitchen design trends you may adapt for your homes this year:

1. Smart Kitchen

Appliances are becoming smarter nowadays. Technology advancements are no longer just for sound systems and media rooms; they are also making significant strides in the kitchen. The integrated smart-technology alternatives and systems that support end users' lifestyles have been revolutionary and appear to develop daily. Today, you may find technology incorporated into the majority of kitchen appliances and equipment. Same thing also applies with kitchen components from basic touch-closing cabinets to smart faucets that can be operated by your smart phones. The luxury kitchen design trend is truly moving toward smart kitchens. Experts point out that most clients are spending more time at home; they want their kitchens to simplify their day-to-day activities. You might be worrying this option is expensive and belongs to the elites. The good news is that, not anymore. As technology advances, older versions are still in the market and eventually become more affordable. Keep searching and you will find one that might suit your budget.

Another related factor is the energy efficiency of the equipment. Due to the increasing energy cost nowadays, this matter has been given the most attention whenever homeowners plan to do kitchen makeovers or extensions. However, this usually falls under the functional category, rather than aesthetical. Moreover, kitchen equipment manufacturers nowadays go with the design trend too, and even fashionable to the extent of blending, if not exactly matching, with specific color themes.

Just like automobiles, kitchen appliances nowadays are getting eco-friendly. But further than that, buyers nowadays are considering more factors such as ESG or Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance. This goes along with the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. These must be new to your ears, but I believe there are some few enthusiasts who are already aware and conscious about these factors when buying products. Nevertheless, I am not an energy person, though I have concern with environment, but these are not my expertise, so I would not go any deeper into the subject matter. My main goal is to provide you with some useful design pointers, hoping the items I have compiled would somehow bring about valuable thoughts on your decision making whenever you think about a kitchen make-over or incorporating some of them, if not all, in building your new homes. Well, you may want to apply these ideas in other parts of the house too. Why not?

2. Natural Wood Tones

There is no doubt that natural wood is still a material of choice for most clients and home experts. Wood helps to provide organic vibes and natural accent to the kitchen by connecting it to the outside environment. However, the trend does not actually allow the material to dominate the arena. To maintain a contemporary touch, wooden surfaces blend along with granite working countertops.

3. Glass Cabinet Doors

We just could not hide the fact that we always lusted for the elegance of glass in every part of the house, office or building facades. Have you noticed lately that not only the dining or terraces are equipped with glass doors? Wooden or plain kitchen cabinets nowadays are being combined with a couple of glass doors, mostly frosted type, regardless of function, whether decorative or storage.

4. Mirror Splash Backs

My earlier career dictates the now called traditional design trend when we used to specify the same materials for the countertop and the wall. However, you yourselves would notice some new kitchens today with separate material for the horizontal and vertical surface. And to take note, glasses or mirrors are now the higher end choice for the wall which adds elegance and extended kitchen appearance. To add a few, it also adds extra mirror function for the end user, some would enjoy such ambiance while working in the kitchen, or simply just pouring out drink or having a quick snack. Of course, this type of idea should be categorized into the personalized option. They still could go for other materials or colors of their choice, depending on their personality, as long as it is compatible without compromising designer’s recommendations. Some would consider the cost of the material, which is somewhat practical for both sides.

5. Bold Lighting

Kitchens nowadays are drastically stealing the entertainment limelight at home and becoming an instant rock star, a title traditionally owned by the living or dining rooms. Of course, in every entertainment event, the star of the show always earns the brightest and most sophisticated lighting. That is why from the dim lighting trend during my younger days, pendant lighting is the best choice today.                                                                                                                                                                 

This revolution was brought about by the recent lifestyle trend which turns cooking as a good way to entertain guests, where homeowners are able to show-off their talents, rather than sitting down in the living room watching TV. Of course, the role of the designers is to adjust with such lifestyle change in order to stay in tune. To create interest, interior designers usually play with the size of the lighting fixtures, up to the extent of recommending industrial-style options, that breaks up the lines and create vibrant silhouettes. This works well with clients who don’t just think about a facelift, but also considering a slight expansion of the kitchen area.

6. Stand out Taps

Another design trend that is becoming more popular these days is the use of stand-out taps. The increasing demand makes manufacturers produce a selection of finishes such as silver, brass and the standard chrome. But the black and white ones are eventually becoming the mainstream in the market. New kitchens without stand out taps couldn’t really represent the title “new kitchen” at all. So whether you do the purchasing yourself or your contractor does it for you, make sure you add one in your shopping cart.

7. Kitchen Plants

Another way of bringing the outside in is putting plants on the vacant spaces or shelves in kitchens, dining and even the living area. Besides filtering the air naturally and enhancing our mood, house plants are not just a trend considering its long-lasting popularity. Not to mention its never-ending blend with wooden finishes or furniture pieces.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Considering all the above-mentioned design trends, there is one characteristic of modern kitchen that applies to all. It's none other than a "minimalist kitchen." Our cover photo above and the picture below represent as a good examples.

Planning a renovation or not, I would greatly advise that you always love your kitchen. Remember that this is a space that brings the whole family together and at the same time will help you entertain guests. If ever you want to push through with the plan, whether you decide to go with the trend or just your heart, have fun with it. Make sure it addresses your needs, and keep in mind that even though remodeling process might be so tedious and occasionally exhausting, it will be worth it in the end.

Joey Castaneda

Architect/Artist

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