They say that the kitchen is the heart of your home, that’s why it shouldn’t be missed when you’re renovating! And going for the green route can become your next goal for your kitchen.
But what makes a kitchen green?
And I’m not just talking about the colour!
If you’re doing kitchen renovations, here are some ideas to make your kitchen more eco-friendly!
Consider your kitchen’s floors
Did you know that you can create a green kitchen from the ceiling to the floors?
Yes— after all, traditional kitchen flooring materials like vinyl and tiles have a negative impact on the environment!
So, why not go for sustainable materials such as reclaimed timber flooring or bamboo?
When you use these materials, you can have a more sustainable kitchen. Plus, it can give your kitchen a rustic feel!
Opt for energy-efficient kitchen appliances
There’s no doubt that electrical appliances make your food preparation and cooking easier, but it can also make your home harmful to the environment!
Why?
It’s because appliances like the oven and refrigerator use up electricity. And the more you use it, the more energy your home will consume, leaving you with higher bills!
So, if you’re going for a more green kitchen, you should choose appliances that are energy-efficient. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label on it to ensure it meets energy efficiency standards.
And the best part? Energy-efficient appliances can help you save on your electricity bill in the long run!
Change your lightbulbs
Lighting is an essential part of any household, and it’s important that you choose bulbs that can help in saving the environment.
You can swap your traditional incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs. These lighting options consume less energy, reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills. Plus, LED and CFL bulbs have a longer lifespan compared to traditional ones, so you won’t need to change bulbs frequently!
Create recycling and composting stations
Living a sustainable life doesn’t require you to take huge leaps. In fact, you can take small steps in creating your home more eco-friendly!
And you can start with recycling and composting.
You should designate areas in your kitchen dedicated to recycling waste and composting kitchen scraps. This way, you can reduce the waste going to landfills and decrease your carbon footprint.
Through composting, your food scraps can become nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Recycling also transforms your trash into something new and useful at home!
Install efficient water fixtures
Did you know that water conservation is a huge part of sustainable living? After all, water is a precious resource, and water scarcity is an environmental issue that we need to address!
So, why not use your water efficiently?
You can install low-flow faucets and aerators to reduce your home’s water consumption. You can also consider using a water filtration system for your drinking water. This way, you won’t need to buy bottled water anymore, conserving water and reducing your plastic waste!
Use low-VOC paint and finishes
Your kitchen renovation isn’t complete without paint. After all, colour adds brightness to your home, making it more interesting and inviting!
However, did you know that paint can pose harmful effects to both your health and the environment?
It’s because conventional paints release harmful chemicals into the air. This pollutes your home’s indoor air quality and may cause you to have health issues!
So, when it comes to painting and finishing your kitchen, you should choose low- or zero-VOC paints and finishes. This way, you can ensure your family’s health and the environment’
Don’t forget about your backsplash
Your kitchen backsplash isn’t there for only aesthetics, it protects your walls and cabinets from getting ruined.
So, when you’re choosing a kitchen backsplash, why not opt for sustainable materials like reclaimed wood or recycled glass tiles?
After all, these materials ensure a green kitchen. Plus, they look stunning, adding to the overall appeal of your kitchen!
Consider natural ventilation
It’s undeniable that ventilation goes hand-in-hand with lighting. This is why you should also carefully think about how you can keep your home ventilated!
When you’re creating a green kitchen, you should incorporate natural ventilation options. For example, you can install skylights into your kitchen for both ventilation and lighting. You can also place windows strategically, or install ventilation hoods with air purification systems.
This way, you can improve your home’s indoor air quality and reduce your need for artificial cooling!
Use sustainable materials for your cabinets and countertops
For a kitchen, cabinets and countertops are essential. After all, it’s where you store everything you need in the kitchen, from dinnerware to kitchenware to even ingredients!
So, when choosing cabinetry and countertops, why not use sustainable materials such as timber and wood? And when choosing the timber and wood for your cabinets and countertops, you should choose those that are responsibly sourced, such as FSC-certified wood.
Not only will it provide your kitchen with a warm and inviting atmosphere, but wood and timer cabinets and countertops can reduce your reliance on non-renewable materials like marble!
Upcycle!
There’s one thing you should remember when living sustainably— don’t underestimate old materials! You can upcycle them and transform these ‘trash’ into something new!
For example, you can use salvaged wood and old barn doors into your kitchen’s new tables and chairs! You can also use them for your décor, adding character and history into your kitchen space!
When you upcycle, you can reduce your need for new resources and give your kitchen a unique, personalised touch!
Use eco-friendly cookware and utensils
When creating your green kitchen, you shouldn’t forget about your cookware and utensils! After all, you’ll use them all the time!
So, you should choose cookware that are made of stronger materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic. These cookware have longer lifespans, lessening your environmental impact compared to using non-stick alternatives. You can also use utensils that are made from sustainable materials such as bamboo.
By using these cookware and utensils, you can add the finishing touch for your eco-friendly kitchen!
Kitchen renovations breathe a new life in your home. And when you’re going green, it’s important that you take steps, even little ones! With these simple ways, you can have a green kitchen that’ll help you save the environment!
Image Credit: Rune Enstad | Unsplash.com
