9 Ways to Go Green in the Kitchen

By Jen Usher

Slide 5 of 10

Recycle Food Scraps

Throwing food into the trash wastes a valuable resource. Turn your coffee grounds, banana peels, and eggshells into a rich soil conditioner for houseplants, lawn, and garden by composting them. Keep a small bucket or crock (white-enamel retro trash can, World Market, $14.99) near your prep area to collect waste, then add the contents to a backyard compost bin. If you're a serious gardener, compost indoors with an odor-free system, such as the NatureMill Automatic Composter (naturemill.com, $400). To learn more, visit epa.gov/compost.