Creating a green kitchen has become more than just a trend for homeowners. Some focus on making their kitchens energy efficient, while others concentrate on buying organic or natural products and materials for their space. No matter what you want to prioritize, there are tons of ways for you to achieve that green kitchen makeover.
But besides the traditional ways like using salvaged materials or recycling products, we’ve listed a few modern sustainable and green methods for your kitchen renovation. Check them out below.
Install water-efficient fixtures
One cool and cost-saving way to make your kitchen space more eco-friendly is by using low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads. They can help you reduce the amount of water used in your home without sacrificing performance like high water pressure. Such modern fixtures can save around half the gallons per minute than standard types.
And if you’re using less water, you obviously need less energy to heat it, allowing you to lower both your water and electricity bills. Low-flow fixtures are also available in various styles and colors, so you don’t need to worry about aesthetic quality.
Use VOC-free paints and finishes
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released when using products such as coatings, paints, or finishes can cause harmful short-term and long-term health problems. Studies suggest that some VOCs can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, respiratory distress, and even cancer.
So, when renovating your kitchen, use VOC-free paints to make sure you’ll be creating a healthier and safer space. Apart from reducing the allergy-causing toxins in your home, VOC-free paints are easier to clear, have less impact on air quality, lower odor, and perform well in covering and cleaning flaws.
Choose sustainable flooring options
Are you using sustainable flooring options for your kitchen? If not, it’s time to switch. For your green renovation, wood is the best choice to go for. Opt for those that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure they are harvested responsibly.
One of the best green options is engineered hardwood floor materials since they’re designed for stability and durability. Such type rarely suffers from warping even with humidity or temperature changes. There’s also linoleum flooring made from renewable and natural materials like recycled wood, tree resins, linseed oil, and cork dust. Besides being eco-friendly, this type is also durable, easy to repair and maintain, and quiet to walk on.
Choose green countertops
It might be true that quartz and granite are stunning materials for kitchen countertops. But if you want to create a more sustainable space, use renewable and recycled work surface materials. You can go with paper-based countertops that make a durable and heat- and scratch-resistant work surface. Yes, they are made from 100% recycled paper!
If you want a more luxurious recycled-content option, you can go with recycled glass countertops that are as durable and aesthetically pleasing as solid-stone surfaces. In addition, they are available in a myriad of styles and colors. Want to have more unique countertops? Install bamboo kitchen surfaces. These green countertops have become a trend for many modern sustainable homes today since they also make durable work surfaces.
Switch to energy-efficient lighting
If switching to energy-efficient appliances is quite costly for you, you can always start with choosing better lighting. Installing skylights is one of the best decisions you can make to let natural light and warmth into the space. But if this isn’t an option for you, you can switch your traditional incandescent to LED lights, which usually last about 20 times longer and are highly energy-efficient. Not only do you get to save money on electricity bills, but also from purchasing new bulbs every year or two.
Think local
Most homeowners are not aware that a kitchen renovation that requires a long-distance product or material transport can have an environmental impact. Instead of buying your materials or new appliances from a store that is hundreds of miles away from you, purchase from establishments within your city or town where you can also pick up the items yourself. This allows you to save money and support local businesses at the same time. Be sure to apply the “buy local” practice in other aspects of your life, like buying food or furniture.
Transforming your kitchen into a more sustainable and greener space may be a bit of an expense upfront, but it can actually help you save more money in the long run. And the biggest rewards? You and your family can live a healthier lifestyle with no hassle. Start planning for your green kitchen makeover today with this guide.
