Aldo Zilli's top eco tips

Being environmentally responsible needn’t be dull or taxing.  Simply changing your daily routine slightly can result in you doing your bit for the environment and reducing your carbon footprint.

One of the UK’s best-loved and environmentally friendly chefs, Aldo Zilli, reveals a selection of his easy and simple tips to being green in the kitchen.

Cooking connoisseur…
“Cover a boiling pot or pan so that it boils in half the time. Turning the heat off just before you finish cooking so the residual heat can finish the job. Easy!”

Sink your waste…
“Approximately 20% of all household waste comes from food and with my restaurants creating hundreds of meals a week, I’m very conscious of what we’re throwing away which could be recycled.

“I’m a big fan of InSinkErator food waste disposers, which grind food waste – even chicken bones! – into small particles which are then flushed away down the sink into the drain and on to the local waste management treatment system. From there, it can be turned into either a soil conditioner or a biogas extracted for use as energy.”

Waste not. Want not…
“Freezing food leftovers is an easy way to green as they use less energy to reheat. Also, add more raw vegetables to your meals as they require no cooking at all – healthy using less energy!”

Clever cooking…
“Your cooking gadgets can be eco friendly too - using a tiered steamer requires a fraction of the electricity of different pans. Cooking with a wok cuts down on cooking time and slow cookers use a minimal amount of energy whilst creating a delicious warming meal – resulting in tasty and environmentally-responsible cooking!”

Green queen…
“Recycling is key to a green lifestyle as it saves energy in the manufacturing process and reduces the amount left in landfill sites, therefore protecting the environment. Teaching the next generation to be green is key to making a difference. Make recycling fun for your kids by asking them to guess which recycling bin items belong in.”

Let there be (green) light…
“Another hugely effective yet simple tip is to use energy saving light bulbs – especially in rooms such as your kitchen and lounge, which you use most frequently. Choosing energy-efficient bulbs could save you up to £10 a year per bulb on your bill! Also - when buying new appliances, be energy-savvy and always check out their energy efficiency rating.”

Cutting your carbon...
“As many people know, I’m VERY passionate about healthy eating and when doing my own food shopping I try to buy loose fruit and vegetables from local shops which not only reduces the amount of packaging used but also cuts down on your carbon footprint whilst getting your five a day.”