Design a Green Kitchen
January 6, 2011
•IADT Seattle, Interior Design
• 0 Comments
Most of the appliances in your kitchen use a lot of energy, making this room the least “green” in your house. However, there are several elements of your kitchen you can change to make it more environmentally friendly. In addition to helping the environment through your efforts, you may also find yourself saving a few dollars on your energy and water bills.
Appliances
One of the most obvious changes you can make to use less energy in your kitchen is purchasing energy-efficient appliances. Since appliances like your refrigerator, stove and dishwasher use the most energy of almost any appliance in your house, you’ll see the biggest difference in your energy costs by replacing them. Energy-efficient appliances can be expensive, but they will almost always save you money in the long run. Also, some states offer rebates to those who purchase energy-efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Star® sticker to help you find eco-friendly appliances.
Kitchen Faucet
A lot of water is wasted in the kitchen. A great way to cut down on this wasted resource is by installing an efficient faucet. Some faucets save water by restricting the water flow, while others shut off automatically after a certain amount of time or if nothing is directly below them. Faucets that automatically shut off when not being used not only save water, but they can save you the trouble of shutting off water when you have something in your hands.
Counters, Cabinets and Flooring
Counters, cabinets and flooring can all be made of eco-friendly material. Unlike options such as linoleum flooring, they do not emit toxins. You can find cabinets made of bamboo, flooring made of concrete and countertops made of recycled paper and glass. Not only are these options beautiful, but they also can actually save energy and simplify cleaning.
Cleaning Products
Most kitchen cleaners emit harmful toxins, since many of them are made from petroleum, a non-renewable source. Instead of buying kitchen cleaners from the store, you can find many natural cleaning options in your own home. Both vinegar and baking soda, for example, make wonderful cleaners when mixed with water. Baking soda also doubles as a great deodorizer.
Light Bulbs
Cut down on your energy bill with efficient fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs usually cost more than the traditional incandescent bulbs, but last eight times longer. Also, purchase bulbs with the lowest wattage you feel comfortable with to save cost. If you have the luxury of designing your kitchen, design it to allow the largest amount of natural light into the room to cut down on the need for bright lights.
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