Wouldn’t it be great if you could design your newly remodeled kitchen in such a way that it was more environmentally friendly?
Actually, you can – and it’s pretty simple, too.
With the addition of some energy efficient lighting and use of materials that have been sustainably generated, among other things, you can have your dream kitchen, while reducing you carbon footprint and helping to preserve the planet.
To find out more about remodeling your kitchen in an ecofriendly way, explore the ideas outlined below with your chosen remodeling contractor:
Reclaim and recycle
Nothing could be simpler than recycling furniture and other items you may already have had in the home, to create new ones that fit the style and design of your new kitchen. Helping to lower waste and protect natural resources, you could even buy items from a local reclamation center or thrift store, and give them another, more ecofriendly home!
Not only does this approach give you a more sustainable kitchen, but it guarantees uniqueness, and a kitchen that won’t look anything like anyone else’s; what a win-win!
Choose a timeless look
When choosing the design of your new kitchen, try to opt for looks that are stylish, but which won’t go out of fashion in a matter of months. This simple decision can mean that instead of you wanting to update the design in a year’s time when your kitchen is no longer on trend, and having to buy all new materials, fixtures, and fittings, you can continue to enjoy your timeless kitchen for the foreseeable future.
Materials that are environmentally friendly
It’s easier than you might think to find ecological materials to remodel your kitchen with, such as FSC-certified plywood or wood that can work wonderfully for cabinetry, or materials that have been recycled, such as MDF (medium density fiberboard) or MFC (melamine faced chipboard.
Select products that are sourced locally
Carefully consider where the items you buy when remodeling your kitchen come from, and find out whether you could reduce transportation usage and your environmental impact, by buying the same things from suppliers nearby, who are supplied by the local community. This is not only great for your kitchen and the environment, but is great for small businesses who might be counting on your trade to help them stay afloat.
Fixtures that are water-saving
Arguably one of the most effective ideas for an ecofriendly kitchen, is the use of water-saving fixtures. Simply choose from a number of stylishly designed reduced-flow faucets, and watch as your water consumption drops significantly.
Adding houseplants
Helping to purify the air and promote a sense of calm and wellbeing, houseplants can look incredible in the right space, and the kitchen is the ideal spot for them.
Using paints and finishes that are eco-friendly
Not replacing your existing cabinetry when remodeling your kitchen is a great way of promoting sustainability, but you may still want to paint or stain it. And, while this is a great idea, you should be mindful of the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and microplastics that these products may contain, before doing so. These can harm both the environment, and the quality of air inside your home, so look for paints and finishes that are ecofriendly.
Energy saving lights and appliances
Reducing the amount of energy your kitchen consumes each day is easily done with energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and you should look out for those that are Energy star-rated.
These are just a few of the many different ways you can make your kitchen a more ecofriendly one when remodeling, and to discuss them in more detail or to find other energy-saving ideas, talk to a local construction company with plenty of remodeling experience.