As we learn more about the impact of human behavior on the earth, more and more homeowners are searching for eco-friendly alternatives to mass-produced building materials. Thankfully, there are lots of ways you can be more eco-conscious when designing your kitchen. Try these eight eco-friendly design options to consider as part of your kitchen designs.
1. Reclaimed and Re-used Materials
It’s no secret that our country generates a lot of waste. So. Much. Waste. While we love to keep our kitchen styles up to date, remodeling isn’t always eco-friendly. Thankfully, you can update your style while reducing your environmental footprint by using reclaimed and re-used materials. This works especially well for rustic kitchens. For example, rather than buying all new hardware, fixtures, and accessories, repurpose used cabinet pulls, wire mesh, and faucets. As long as everything is in good shape, these repurposed elements will only add to your kitchen’s rustic charm.
2. Refinished Cabinets
Rather than buying all new cabinets, consider refinishing your cabinets if they are in good condition. At Edgewood Cabinetry, we offer painting, staining, and refinishing services to help you refresh your kitchen. It’s a simple way to be more eco-friendly without giving up your style.
3. Sustainable Materials
Choosing sustainable materials is an easy way to incorporate eco-friendly design options into your kitchen. For instance, terrazzo and quartz are great choices for countertops because they’re easily recycled. Sustainably harvested wood and glass are also great choices for your kitchen. So, don’t forget to ask about using sustainable wood for your kitchen cabinets.
4. Save Water
Most homeowners use a lot of water in their kitchens. Whether you’re washing dishes or rinsing veggies, using water is part of the job. Plus, who doesn’t love a giant pot of pasta? Thankfully, it’s easy to be more eco-friendly with your water use. Just choose appliances and taps that are made to save water. They’re just as effective without being wasteful. Win!
5. Look for Low VOCs
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, create pollution that is harmful to both the environment and your health. Sadly, VOCs are often found in building materials, like composite wood and carpet. Instead, opt for materials like solid wood and granite. These have low or no VOCs. Additionally, choose paint or finishes that are low in VOCs. We can help you decide.
6. Eco-Friendly Flooring
The type of flooring you use in your kitchen has a big impact on how eco-friendly it is. For instance, synthetic materials, like vinyl, put a lot of pollution into the environment. Gross. Plus, they require a lot of intensive work that increases the carbon footprint of these materials. Thankfully, better options are available. Wood, bamboo, and cork are all excellent choices for floors. They look great, and they’re sustainable, too!
7. Look for Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient lights and appliances make a big difference in your electric bill. They’re also eco-friendly options for your kitchen. So, if you’re building a new kitchen, choose energy-efficient lights. Your fridge and stove should be energy-efficient, too. You can also replace things slowly, as they wear out. Remember, even changing one light is still a step in the right direction.
8. Eco-Friendly Cabinets
Your cabinets make up a large part of your kitchen. So, it’s important to choose eco-friendly ones. Cheap particleboard is full of chemicals. And stock cabinets from box stores are often shipped all over the world. That makes them pretty bad for the environment. So, try working with a local cabinet maker, like Edgewood Cabinetry.
Natural wood cabinets are a good choice. They’re even better if you use local wood. That way, it doesn’t travel as far. And that means, it uses fewer resources. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the wood is harvested sustainably, too.
At Edgewood Cabinetry, we have many ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly. For example, we’re happy to use reclaimed materials, as long as they’re in good shape. We can also help you refresh your existing cabinets. And we offer wood species that are native to our state, like oak and pine. If you’d like to learn more about eco-friendly cabinet options for your kitchen, contact us here. We’ll be in touch soon!
