How To Go Green In Kitchen-Cabinet Trends/Recycled Product/Green Countertops Special Additions NJ

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The state of our planet and environment is something that is talked about wherever we go, filling many of our daily conversations. We have, as a country, started to see a movement to "go green" and look out for the future of our planet. It´s not too late to start concerning ourselves with the footprint that we will leave behind. The kitchen is a great place to begin our energy saving journey. If you are considering remodeling your kitchen in the near future, than some of these ideas might be helpful to you in your decision making process. As we all know, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home and can end up being a place where we spend most of our time. If you are into eco-friendly materials and have concern for our planet´s resources than a green kitchen design may be perfect for you.

• Energy Consumption

The kitchen is the most energy-intense room in our homes. Think about how many different appliances make up our kitchen, from the big – ranges, dishwashers, microwaves and refrigerators – to the small – can openers, mixers, blenders, and toasters. Oversized appliances that are energy-inefficient are the biggest problem in a traditional, conventional kitchen. If you are remodeling and purchasing new appliances, choose Energy Star-rated equipment so it will use as little energy as possible, or in the case of dishwashers, as little water as possible.

• Cabinetry and Flooring

When shopping for cabinets you should look for cabinet manufacturers that are practicing eco-friendly procedures. Using a local, trustworthy cabinet company and talking with a professional kitchen designer will help to insure that you are getting a green product. When looking at flooring you may want to consider hardwood floors, they are easier to stand on than tile or stone, have no grout to clean, and mop up easily with soap and water which is more beneficial to the environment. Other flooring options include bamboo and cork floors. Bamboo is a renewable resource that is fast-growing and can be selectively harvested annually. It is also harder than red oak and maple, thus making it an extremely durable surface as well. Cork flooring is also a renewable resource that is made from the bark of the cork oak, which gives good foot support and sound absorption.

• Recycling in the Kitchen

Cabinet manufacturers are now offering many different internal cabinetry elements, for example, pull out spice racks, bread boxes, cutting boards, etc. One of my favorite options is the cabinet recycling center. This cabinet pulls open and features 3 large containers that will host your cans, bottles, plastic, and paper recycling. The best part is it is all neatly concealed behind a beautiful cabinet door and is at your fingertips whenever needed. This will make recycling so much easier for the whole family to participate in. Another way to incorporate recycling into your kitchen remodel is to use recycled or renewable products. By asking your design professional and doing a little research online you can find out about recycled countertops, back splashes, sinks, etc. You will be amazed as to how many product options you can buy that are not only recycled, but also beautiful to look at.

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Article By: Dan Lombreglia – Dan@kitchenbathdesigns.com

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