Expert Offers Tips for ‘Greening’ the Kitchen

There’s a color sweeping the nation…and it’s green! Many people are beginning to understand the impact, or carbon footprint, that their lifestyle choices make on the planet. As a result, they’re starting to seek ways to reduce their impact. One way they can do so is by turning their attention to their kitchens and tweaking what products they use in there.

“The good news is that [changes made in the way people use their kitchens and to what products are used there don’t] have to break the bank. People don’t have to do a 180º overnight. Making small changes here and there can add up to big results, over time,” says Chef Paul F. Magnant, dean of culinary at Stratford University, here.

Here are a few tips from Chef Magnant to help you start greening your kitchen:

Start with what you bring into the kitchen. Buy as much food that is locally produced as you can so that fuel isn’t wasted trucking it to you. And forgo the paper-or-plastic debate by sticking to reusable bags you take to the store.

Skip the disposables. Whether it’s for a picnic or a party, opt for utensils, dishes and bakeware that can be reused to save on resources. Invest in a set of cloth napkins, and turn old sheets, towels or clothing into rags for cleaning by cutting them into small pieces.

Keep it going. Stick a wicker basket in your kitchen to contain all of the items destined for recycling. Once the day is over or the basket is full, just take it to the larger bins to be sorted.
Recycling saves a lot of items from heading to landfills, and reduces the amount of garbage at your curb each week. You can also reuse your raw vegetable left-overs and scraps by setting up a composting system and using the collected matter in your garden.

Drink home water. Skip buying the bottles of water and invest in a water-filtration device for your kitchen. You’ll save a lot of money in the end and will avoid adding to the water-bottle problem our country faces.

Clean green. Save money by using natural cleaning supplies and keep unnecessary chemicals out of the environment at the same time. Take a spray bottle and put equal parts water and distilled vinegar in it; this can be used as an all-purpose cleaner for everything from counters to sinks.

Think big. When it’s time to buy new appliances, opt for ones that are energy-efficient by specifically looking for the ENERGY STAR endorsement. ENERGY STAR is a government-backed initiative that ensures you’re buying an energy-efficient product. Bigger isn’t always better, especially if you don’t need the extra room. Smaller appliances will shave money off your bill each year.
“Nobody is going to make all these changes overnight,” adds Magnant. “But making a couple each year will have your kitchen as green as can be before you know it. We what save, saves us!”

Pink Bank

Pink Bank kicked off its weekly Breast cancer awareness week on Saturday April 30 and will run through May 7th.

Check out Pink Banks website for all the details on retailer participating, the cause, and to donate. PinkBank.Org

Only One Home Event

This was the first year for the Home Event and we had a beautiful day and a nice turn out. Prizes range from a $500.00 gift card for Red Bank shopping to bundled packages from various retailers in Red Bank.

Martha Stewart Spring Decorating Ideas

Martha Stewart shows Middle Kingdom Home Accessories in her May 2011 issue. Town & Country is a dealer of Middle Kingdom Porcelian products. We have these mini-vases in stock in purple and white. Dont forget to connect with us on Facebook

Only One Red Bank Home Event

Only One Red Bank HOME Event, Saturday April 30, The Only One Red Bank HOME Event takes on a pinkish hue for the week as it kicks of Paint the Town Pink on Saturday, April 30th. This event is very similiar to our very successful Wedding Walk but will focus on Home related businesses in Red Bank.

Please join us for the first Only One Red Bank Home Event on Saturday, April 30th sponsored by Pauline Poyner and Kevin Murphy Realty . Registration will begin at 10am at the Monmouth Street Emporium, 27 Monmouth Street in Red Bank. Once registered, you will be given an Event map and business list along with instructions on how to qualify for the grand prize raffle. The grand prize drawing will be the same day at 3pm at Town and Country Kitchen and Bath located at 25 Bridge Avenue in Red Bank.

The following businesses will be participating in the Home Event:
http://www.redbankrivercenter.org/events_d.cfm?event_id=423

See Our Ad In April Issue NY Spaces!

Cabinetry and Interior Design Project