Wondering how you can make your kitchen less wasteful on the environment? There are plenty of different ways to achieve this, whether you’re aiming for major changes and upgrades or simple ones that won’t break the bank. Minimizing wasteful products, using sustainable materials, and making the effort to recycle and compost at home are just a few basic ways to get started. To help you ‘green up’ your home, here are a few of the best ideas to keep in mind when planning an eco-friendly kitchen.
Install Sustainable Flooring
Starting from the ground up, consider the type of flooring that will be installed throughout your home and kitchen. There are many different options today that are far less harmful to your health and the welfare of the environment. Materials like cork and linoleum are popular choices since they're non-toxic and durable. Linoleum is comprised of biodegradable materials such as linseed oil, cork dust, and pine resin which are all-natural and can last up to 40 years!
Cork is also a very sustainable material and is non-toxic. It’s also a better eco-friendly option in comparison to other natural woods, like oak, since cork trees regenerate every 9 years as opposed to every 30 years. So when contemplating what floor to place down in your kitchen, give some serious thought to cork or linoleum, which are better for the environment and your health since they won’t emit harmful toxins.
Upgrade To Energy Efficient Appliances
Did you know that your electrical appliances account for approximately 30% of what ends up on your monthly energy bill? With all of the appliances that get used on a daily basis in the kitchen, it’s no surprise that it’s where we tend to use and waste the most amount of energy. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can help to reduce your energy consumption substantially over the long term. And since the demand for these appliances has surged in recent years, the cost has dropped greatly in comparison to when they first emerged on the market.
Energy-efficient appliances also benefit the environment by reducing the exploitation of natural resources and the pollution emitted from oil, gas and coal. So when shopping around for new appliances for the kitchen, always look for the ENERGY STAR label. If your budget is limited, then just consider upgrading some of the major energy hogs, like the refrigerator and dishwasher.
Switch To Water-Saving Faucets
Wasting water is something we are all guilty of. But there are ways to help combat this bad habit too. A water-saving faucet can save approximately 700 gallons of water annually with a flow-rate of 1.5 gallons per minute in comparison with 2.5 gallons from a standard faucet. By making the switch, you can lower your flow rate and your water consumption without even having to think about it.
Refinish & Refurbish Rather Than Replace
Think your cupboards look dated and old? Instead of ripping them down and adding them to a landfill, consider saving time, money and the environment by giving them a facelift instead. As more homeowners search for ways to curb their monthly costs, refurbishing older items is becoming more popular than ever. Plus, it’s a great DIY project!
When you’re ready to get on board with an eco-friendly kitchen design, take note of these key areas that can transform your kitchen into something beautiful for both you and the environment.