As we continue our Sizzlin’ Summer series with Bounce Energy, this week we’ve collected a few tips and tricks for the ultimate eco summer kitchen.
During the dog days of summer, nothing helps you cool off and stay hydrated better than fruits and veggies packed with H2O. Apples, apricots, beets, bell peppers, cherries, blackberries, and cantaloupe are just a few of the farm stand finds that are at their peak in late summer across the country.
Photo thanks to flickr user Xavier Encinas
A great way to make your time in the kitchen a little more green is to shop local. Exorbitant amounts of fuel are used to ship produce across the country, so it’s a huge help to the environment and a great way to support local farmers if you plan your meals around what’s in season around you. Check out this seasonal ingredient map from epicurious to search for seasonal foods by state.
Photo from local harvest.org
You can also search for farmers in your area at localharvest.org. An especially convenient option is to join a co-op, where a grab bag of seasonal produce from local farmers is delivered to your home on a weekly or monthly basis.
Photo thanks to oliveonblonde.com
Another way to go green in your kitchen is to use eco-friendly cleaning products. The harsh chemicals found in many cleaners can be very harmful to the environment. OliveonBlonde has a great list of DIY cleaning products and a good one to try is the Easy Surface Cleaner:
- Follow with a spritz of vinegar from a spray bottle
- Take a dance break while you hear the fizz
- Wipe clean with a damp wash cloth
If you can’t stand the heat in a sunny kitchen, stay cool with one of our kitchen friendly window coverings. Our Levolor Accordia 7/16″ Designer Double Cell Shade is insulating enough for even the most sun drenched kitchens and will help you save big on energy costs. The Bali Economy 2″ Fauxwood Blinds are perfect for a high humidity space like the kitchen because they resist warping under temperature and moisture changes.
Allow guests at a backyard to cool off with Peach Tea Punch, A New York Style Chopped Salad and Real Fruit Popsicles.
Keep your kitchen green and cool this summer!
Now’s the time to save some energy in your kitchen with our great Sizzlin’ Summer deals! For our Texan readers, Bounce Energy is offering new customers a $50 energy bill credit with the code ‘SizzlinSummer’ on your next electricity bill.
Use the promo code ‘SizzlinSummer‘ at Blinds.com for a $50 discount off of a purchase of $500 or more. Just right for UV blocking solar shades and insulating window shades that will keep your kitchen cool and energy efficient!
