Nothing quite beats the feeling of a newly renovated kitchen — if it’s designed with the environment kept in mind, then things get even better! Green kitchen remodeling has been around for quite some time, and if you’re yet to catch on, here are some ideas to keep up your sleeve when redesigning your kitchen.
1. Choosing Eco-Friendly Materials
When it comes to choosing materials, everything can be sustainable — countertops, backsplashes, flooring; the possibilities are quite literally endless. Choosing materials is probably the best part of it all, but it’s always a good idea to keep their environmental impact in mind.
You can choose from FSC-certified cabinets and eco-friendly sinks and faucets that can suit practically any style. A beautiful, well-thought-out kitchen is an amazing sight, but a sustainably sourced one is even better.
2. Water-Efficient Fixtures
Were you aware that by simply choosing the right, eco-friendly faucet, you could significantly reduce the amount of water used in your home? Low-flow faucets are capable of saving up to 30% of water wastage, all without giving up on that luxurious flow of water.
To think we could all save billions of gallons nationwide each year by retrofitting sink faucets with eco-friendly faucets is an amazing thought.
3. Energy-Efficient Lighting
There’s no denying that natural sunlight is the most efficient kind of lighting — and the most gorgeous too. If you’re able to, get your hands on some tubular daylighting systems, and as for bulbs, LED ones are always to your rescue.
Installing LEDs in your eco-friendly kitchen means it’ll be decades before you need to worry about bulb replacements. And all the while, you’ll be conserving valuable energy and saving on your utility bills.
4. Eco-Friendly Flooring
That’s right, there are even plenty of eco-friendly flooring options you can now choose from — including FSC-certified wood and reclaimed wooden planks. Recycled tiles, sustainable cork, and bamboo are some of the many eco-friendly flooring options you may want to consider. It’s nice knowing that whatever your pick is, you don’t have to settle for less when it comes to its beauty.
5. Sustainable Cabinets
No kitchen remodeling would be complete without cabinets, we all know how crucial they are when it comes to storing cutlery, dishes, pots and pans, and whatnot! Most conventional cabinets, such as those made from plywood, pressed wood, particle board, and medium-density fiberboard, are assembled with glues that contain formaldehyde — a known carcinogen.
Your new kitchen deserves better. You can choose cabinets with safer materials like formaldehyde-free wood, solid wood, recycled wood, reclaimed wood, FSC-certified wood, bamboo, or even recycled concrete.
6. VOC-Free Paints and Coatings
Did you know that ‘new paint smell’ isn’t something that should be coating the walls in your eco-friendly kitchen? Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals released as gasses from a variety of products, including household cleaners, new furnishings, and paints.
These deadly vapors continue to be released, long after the paint dries, causing both long and short-term health issues. Some of these include nausea, dizziness, respiratory diseases, and even cancer. Fortunately, it’s an easy problem to avoid: choose strictly VOC-free paints for your eco-friendly kitchen!
7. Energy-Efficient Windows
We all love a kitchen that makes a bold statement with beautiful, large windows. Dishes and a great view? What fun! If your sustainable kitchen remodel calls for a window replacement, choose high-quality, efficient windows that will help minimize heat transfer between the inside of your home and the outdoors.
8. Energy-Saving Appliances
No kitchen is complete with its necessary appliances: a fridge, microwave, oven, kettle, toaster, standing beater, dishwasher… the list is endless. If you’re opting for a green remodel, consider going for energy-efficient appliances.
You’ll not just be reducing your home’s energy demand, but also cutting power plant emissions. Plus, who doesn’t love the thought of seeing their electricity bill shrink?
9. Find an Eco-Friendly Contractor
These all are great ideas, and while you can always DIY them, finding someone to help you bring your vision to life is crucial. It’s always a good idea to be working with a professional who already knows the green options available, rather than filling somebody in along the way and hoping for the best.
You’ll save yourself both time and money by making sure you choose a contractor who speaks the language and knows all about the eco-friendly, non-toxic kitchen you’re looking for.
Also Read: What Are Some Popular Design Trends In Kitchen Renovations?
Sustainable Kitchens for Sustainable Futures
If you want to see a change in the world, it’s always best to start at home. Eco-friendly kitchen remodeling is always an exciting and rewarding experience.
For expert guidance and top-notch eco-friendly materials, consider partnering with DNA Kitchen & Bath. We specialize in green remodeling and can help you achieve the sustainable kitchen of your dreams.
