Waste And Recycling – Future Proof Your Kitchen Design -

Waste and recycling is going to be an integral part in future kitchen designs. In today’s world, where environmental sustainability is at the forefront of our minds, future-proofing our kitchens is not just about functionality and aesthetics. Everything we toss in the bin impacts our environment and economy.

The way we manage waste is changing in Australia and around the world. It’s all about protecting our environment and creating economic resources. Committing to responsible waste management and incorporating systems into our kitchen designs will help create more sustainable, eco-friendly homes.

Why Is Waste Recyling Important?

Waste recycling plays a pivitol role in reducing our carbon footprints and preserving our planets resources. Landfills are becoming increasingly crowded, so recycling is no longer an option; but a necessity.

By recycling waste materials such as glass, plastic, metal and paper, you can contribute to a substantial reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Not only that, but recycling also reduces demand for raw materials. This in turn helps conserve natural resources such as forests and minerals.

What Is FOGO?

FOGO is a government food and organics collection service created to divert waste from landfill and increase production of compost.

Research shows that many households throughout Australia are good food and garden recyclers. However, currently food waste makes up to 50 per cent of what goes into our red bins. This food waste generates methane gas when disposed of in landfill. Methane gas is a strong greenhouse gas 24 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Less methane production in our landfills means we are reducing our environmental impact. Managing our waste is an easy way to keep food waste out of landfill, which has both environmental and financial benefits.

By 2030 it will be compulsory for councils in NSW to have a Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service to all households. This will mean that food waste such as meat, bones, bread, vegetables, tea leaves, eggshells, dairy and coffee grinds can be placed in the organics green lid bin along with the garden waste. The bin will then be collected weekly and taken to be composted. Composting the food waste will not only reduce greenhouse gases but will also save money and help to improve the soil of farms, parks, gardens and sports fields.

Click this link if you would like to read more information on this. Or this link for City of Parramatta council FOGO details.

Waste And Recycling At Home

We can all do our bit to reduce food waste that’s generated at home. It’s not just about choosing the right bin, it’s about changing the way we think about waste. Here are a few simple suggestions you can follow to help do your part:

Menu Planning
Create a menu for the week or month then write up a shopping list of what you’ll need. Not only will this prevent unnecessary purchases that end up in the bin, but will also save you time, money and avoid those last-minute unhealthy food choices.

Don’t Throw Away Leftovers
Eat leftovers from the day before. Or pop them in the freezer for a quick, healthy meal another day.

Food Storage!
Storing food correctly will make it last longer. For example: keep perishables off the fridge door, store produce in the crisper, push dairy towards the back and keep raw meat on bottom shelf.

Choose Sustainable Materials

If renovating or building from scratch, ensure you’re selecting from eco-friendly and sustainable cabinetry, countertops and flooring options. Choosing sustainable materials will reduce the demand for virgin resources and help to conserve our natural habitats.

It’s also important to keep eco-friendly options in mind when selecting your paint and other finishes for your kitchen. Choosing low VOC (volatile organic compounds) products will help keep your family safe from harmful chemicals as well reduce nasty omissions into the environment.

Community Gardens

These are fast becoming more and more popular. They’re places where people come together to learn and grow foods that their families eat. They can be found across Australia in cities, country towns, public parks and other places. Check out your local community garden and make the most of what’s of offer.

Waste And Recycling Kitchen Solution Ideas

Whether you have kids or not, worm farms can be interesting and fun to have at home. You can find kits to purchase to or look up how to make one. Toss in most food items such veggie scraps, eggshells, breads and pasta. There’s plenty of information accessible online on the do’s and don’ts of keeping a worm farm.

Alternatively, you could install a 3-compartment pull-out waste bin into your kitchen cabinetry. Also known as integrated bins, these models are installed behind a cabinetry door-front to create a seamless and uninterrupted kitchen design.

Usually installed with three sized compartments. One compartment allocated for general waste, one for food waste and one for recyclables. Use the smallest compartment for your food waste to help prevent unpleasant odours. Line your food bin with a compostable bag or newspaper. Throw in all your daily food scraps, coffee grounds, paper towels etc. Once full transfer to FOGO bin ready for collection day.

Alternatively, integrate a composting system into your kitchen design by adding a designated space for a compost bin. Create a worm farm in your garden to help compost all your organic waste. This helps to divert the organic waste from landfills and will in turn enrich your gardens fertility and soil.

Other Benefits Of Having An Integrated Bin In Your Kitchen:

Maintains better hygiene
Easy to use
Clean and clutter free kitchen
Keeps unpleasant odours at bay

Click here for possible integrated solution for your kitchen. This particular one has a removable odour-eliminating top for the food waste compartment.

Separating our waste during the disposal process will go along way in lowering economical and environmental impact. Not only will it help preserve our environment, but will also provide numerous health benefits, help to reduce your carbon footprint and also save you money on energy bills.

Let’s all get on board!!