There are so many options for creating eco-friendly kitchens, that you can easily get overwhelmed. Here you will find a few ideas for eco-friendly alternatives for your kitchen. Whether you are designing a new kitchen, remodeling or just shopping for a few upgrades, you can find an earth friendly choice.
Creating Eco-Friendly Kitchens
To begin your eco-friendly kitchen design, start from the floor and work your way up.
Earth Friendly Floors
There are a couple of flooring ideas that you may not have thought about before. They not only make for a beautiful floor, but they are made from sustainable products as well.
- Bamboo Flooring: Bamboo is a great flooring material with a gorgeous finish that will add elegance to your kitchen or anywhere else in your home. It is extremely durable and easy to care for: just mop with vinegar and water.
Because it grows so fast, bamboo is a perfect alternative to other hardwood floors without cutting down valuable trees that take years to replace. It is also easy to install. What more could you ask for?
- Cork Flooring: Cork is hypoallergenic as well as being mold and mildew resistant. It also is great for absorbing sound and is comfortable to stand on for long periods-like when you are cooking a large meal for that special occasion.
Cork flooring can be purchased in a wide range of colors and patterns. You can also feel good about using a renewable resource for your eco-kitchen floors.
- Reclaimed Wood: You already recycle papers and plastic, so why not use recycled wood in your home? Reclaimed wood is salvaged from old warehouses, factories and other buildings and then refinished to be just as beautiful (or even more so) as it was when it was new. Using reclaimed wood reduces the need to cut down more trees and is a wonderful option for an earth friendly home.
- Recycled Metal Tiles: When you want something unique for your kitchen, recycled metal tiles are the answer. Made from recycled aluminum or brass, these tiles are a bit pricey but may be just the thing to add a focal point to your kitchen design.
Many of these flooring options can be found at Eco-Friendly Flooring, Inc.
Eco Counters
- For an earth friendly counter or backsplash, consider using recycled glass tiles. Recycled from post-consumer glass, these tiles are super versatile and incredibly beautiful. Get as creative as you want; you are only limited by your imagination.
- Recycled paper really can make a lovely countertop. Resin treated paper is pressed and baked into thick sheets that make amazingly durable countertops that are stain, scratch and heat resistant
- Bamboo also is a great material for countertops. Formaldehyde free, safe for foods and easy care make this a perfect choice for a counter or island top.
Earth Friendly Cabinets
Using earth friendly veneers for your kitchen cabinets will help to cut down on the harvesting of exotic wood. It is also more affordable that other materials with the same high quality and beauty.
Consider also that cabinets can be recycled as well. Refinish what you have or look for used cabinets that are being replaced. You can dress them up with your own choice in hardware and environmentally safe paints.
Cabinets constructed from reclaimed wood and bamboo can also be purchased. These cabinets are sturdy and attractive for any type of decorating scheme.
Final Touches
As you plan your eco-friendly kitchen, don't forget the little things that can make a big impact. Using fluorescent lighting, for example, can reduce energy usage by up to 50 percent. Energy saving appliances are also important not only to save energy usage, but to save money on your energy bill as well.
Don't forget about using earth friendly cleaners in you kitchen and around the rest of your home. These cleaners are safe down the drain and in septic systems. As an added bonus, you prevent toxic chemicals from entering your home. Composting kitchen waste is another important feature in eco-friendly kitchens.
There are many things you can do to reduce your impact on the earth while safe-guarding your health and that of your family. Research other green living tips and see how much you can do to make a difference.
