The other day I saw a picture of a kitchen with bamboo cabinetry. It reminded me that creating a "green" home applies to the kitchen as well. The majority of design budgets are spent in kitchens and bathrooms. I would much rather invest the money in sustainable products that are energy efficient and don't deplete the environment of natural resources.
Creating a sustainable kitchen includes...
- Bamboo or Reclaimed Wood Cabinetry: The kitchen cabinetry makes up a good portion of the kitchen design. It is hard to think about how many trees were sacrificed to manufacture the cabinets.
- Low VOC Paint: When selecting a paint for the kitchen walls, make sure to look for Low or Zero VOC paints. A great source for eco-friendly paint is Portola Paints.
- Energy Efficient Light Bulbs: Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Energy Efficient Appliances: Things to look for when shopping for appliances are the energy star rating (refrigerator), energy factor rating (dishwasher), and an energy-efficient range hood. Check out the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) website for information on energy efficient appliances and appropriate ratings.
- Recycled Countertops: Recycled countertops could be either recycled glass or sustainable wood. I have seen both reclaimed wood planks or butcher block countertops made from sustainable wood.
Image: Positively Beauty