The peppers and broccoli don’t have to be the only things that are green in your kitchen.
There are plenty of ways to make your kitchen eco-friendly, and we’re here to help. The cost is low and the benefits are high, so let us show you how to create a sustainable kitchen that will make you feel good about protecting the environment and cutting energy costs.
Paint Me (Green or Anywhere in Between)
Transforming your kitchen into a sustainable hub starts on the walls. Color the space with low-or-no-volatile organic compounds (VOC) paint—that is, paint with little or no harmful carbon-containing compounds. The eco-friendly choice cancels out harmful chemicals that typically seep out long after regular paint is coated on. You’ll find your low-or-no VOC options sold at most major paint manufacturers.
Wood You Be Mine?
If we’re talking sustainability, then it’s all about bamboo. Bamboo grows quickly (like, three to four months quick) without fertilizers and pesticides (the earth says thank you). Provided that it’s cared for properly, the biodegradable wood makes for a durable base, making it a prime alternative to hardwood flooring. Go with bamboo and you’ll get the warmth and elegance of traditional wood with a material that’s simpler to install, better for the environment, and less harsh on the budget.
Scrub Up
Dishwasher or hand washer? Surprisingly, you end up using more water when scrubbing up by hand. Toss the dishes into the dishwasher; you can skip on the pre-wash too if you’re feeling particularly water-usage conscious. If you’re thinking of switching out the current dish washer for its energy-efficient alternative, look for features like a stainless steel interior, filtration system, or a condensation drying option.
Give It the Green Light
Light your kitchen the sustainable way with environmentally-friendly bulbs. Energy-saving incandescent bulbs, for example, can last up to three times longer than traditional bulbs. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), on the other hand, use about one-fourth the energy of a regular bulb. Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs convert electricity into light—and, while typically known for indicator and traffic lights, can make for a suitable energy-efficient, sustainable lighting source to shine into the kitchen.
How have you transformed your kitchen into a sustainable space? Tell us in the comments section!
