Having an eco-friendly or green kitchen comes with benefits. Not only does it require minimal maintenance, but it also increases efficiency and reduces operational costs. You also enjoy improved air quality in your kitchen, as you avoid using toxic chemicals.
A 2021 research revealed that 70% of UK homebuyers want their home to be environmentally-friendly. Creating a green kitchen can increase your home’s value should you ever decide to sell it. Would you like to embark on an eco-friendly kitchen remodel? If your answer is yes, here’s how to achieve it.
Work with an eco-friendly contractor
The first step is to hire a contractor to handle your remodelling project. Although you could opt for conventional contractors, you’d have to brief them constantly regarding your environmental preferences – which could be time-consuming and tedious. It’s far more efficient to consult professionals with an eco-friendly background, as they’re already knowledgeable about the most sustainable materials and designs available. Moreover, they can provide the necessary tools, equipment and skilled sub-contractors to complete your project successfully.
When choosing your contractor, you want to look into their portfolio of past projects to determine whether they can deliver on your dream kitchen. Likewise, ensure that they are licensed, insured and have the needed certifications. If you want to confirm their credibility, read their available online reviews on third-party sites for a more objective, independent analysis.
Invest in sustainable materials
Irrespective of how eco-friendly your kitchen design is, you could entirely defeat the purpose if you use the wrong materials. Therefore, it’s essential to invest in sustainable materials for the best results. For instance, certain timbers are natural and renewable, making it perfect for your kitchen cabinetry. Moreover, they can be repaired and repainted, unlike vinyl and laminate. You could also make use formaldehyde-free plywood and bamboo to reap the same benefits.
For your kitchen counter-tops, you could invest in Sintered stone countertops and recycled glass as they are attractive, durable and can withstand hours of cooking and cutting. In addition, you want to avoid paints with high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and utilise eco-friendly options with ingredients such as clay, balsam, milk proteins and citrus.
Leverage energy-efficient lighting
Lighting plays an important role in your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. For instance, directional lighting should be the primary light source in your kitchen and will set the tone for your kitchen while helping you with your cooking and other tasks. Additionally, accent lighting highlights the most beautiful features in your kitchen, while your task lighting offers extra visibility. It’s prudent to make use of energy-efficient lighting options to help you use less energy and decrease your utility bills. You’ll find it helpful to replace your incandescent bulbs with LED and CFL options. You could increase natural lighting by using bright colours, reflective surfaces and polished floors. You could also install skylights for the optimum results.
Consider your water consumption
Another eco-aware activity to consider is water consumption. For instance, you could replace your traditional taps with low-flow options to help prevent water waste. You may also want to install an energy-efficient dishwasher as they require less water for washing and rinsing your plates. If you don’t have a large household, you could opt for a slimline dishwasher to further enhance sustainability.
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