Create Kitchen Designs That Are Eco Friendly
With the idea of going green constantly growing in popularity, why not create eco-aware kitchen designs? Whether it is using sustainable floors, energy star rated appliances, or countertops made
from recycled materials, we all want to do our part in reducing our carbon footprint.
Here are a few of
the most popular eco-friendly materials that can be incorporated into your kitchen designs, so you can do your part to help improve the environment.
First, consider using bamboo. While the most commonly used floors in most kitchens are tile, vinyl or even
hardwood, bamboo is quickly growing in popularity as a sustainable alternative. While forests are being depleted
in an effort to meet the construction markets demand for hardwood, bamboo is an environmentally friendly
alternative. Bamboo grows so quickly that the amount that is harvested to make one floor is replaced
within a short amount of time. The same root system can supply a never ending supply of bamboo which eliminates
the need to re-plant trees.
Second, consider recyclable countertops for your new green kitchen. While granite may be one of the most popular materials used for
countertops in the kitchen, the use of recycled materials is quickly gaining ground. With the choice of glass,
end grain bamboo, paper or even aluminum, you can find a look that makes your kitchen unique, while being
environmentally friendly at the same time.
Glass counters are made up of recycled glass from a variety of
sources, most commonly bottles that would have normally ended up in the landfill.
End grain bamboo is
environmentally friendly because it is renewable. Think about using this material for your green kitchen.
Paper counters are made from consumer paper waste
that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Aluminum is also a popular product as it can
be used for both counters and sinks. These are made from aluminium cans and other domestic scrap and waste.
All are made from recycled materials that can be recycled yet again
once they reach the end of their usefulness.
Consider only energy efficient appliances. While they may not be made from renewable sources, they can
help you decrease your carbon footprint. Energy star appliances use much less energy than their unrated
counterparts, which makes them much more affordable to run - an essential in any green kitchen design.
Electric-induction cooktops have also found their way into many homes as an environmental alternative.
These cooktops heat your food by transferring the electromagnetic energy directly to the pan which allows
it to use half the energy of its less expensive electric counterparts.
Dishwashers are also joining the
ranks of energy efficient devices. Unless you have the free time to handwash after every family meal,
odds are your dishwasher is one of the most prized appliances in your kitchen. Many models now utilize
less water than handwashing. The one disadvantage is that the energy efficient appliances usually cost more than the
unrated ones, but their savings more than make up for the initial cost.
These are just a few of the popular environmentally friendly materials that you can use in your green kitchen designs.
Consider using sustainable products for your floors and recycled products for your counters and you will
be on your way to having a beautiful and unique kitchen, while helping to reduce your effect on the
environment at the same time.
Go to Eco Countertops for more about eco-friendly materials
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