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Remodeling? Try An Eco-friendly KitchenIt's quite refreshing how many people are interesting in using environmentally friendly products these days, even when they're taking on luxurious home improvement projects such as remodeling the kitchen. Fortunately, you be capable of now get "green" materials without paying any more than you would for other high-end materials. Unfortunately, you be capable of' always find these eco-friendly countertops, cabinets, and floors at your local home improvement store. Specialty stores (those that emphasize green living) are your friend here, but since they're smaller, they won't always have all the options. It's a good idea to research online and decide what kind of flooring, countertops, appliances, etc. you feel like before you even look for a buyer. That's where this article is capable of help. We'll look at a few areas where you be capable of make environmentally friendly choices when remodeling the kitchen. In the end, your new kitchen will look as good as anybody else's on the block (maybe better). Countertops There are lots of eco-friendly options for kitchen countertops. Concrete is low-maintenance and easy to mold into whatever shape and thickness you feel like. Natural stone such as granite, though a somewhat limited resource, doesn't give off harmful vapors that man-made materials are capable of. Countertops made from recycled materials are increasingly popular. You be capable of find everything from paper to glass to ceramic (how would you like a handsome Terrazzo countertop made from old toilets, sinks, and tubs that would otherwise be cluttering up landfills?). Eco-friendly Flooring Bamboo is becoming very popular in the flooring arena, both in the kitchen and other rooms of the house. Since it's a grass, it grows much more quickly than trees, so it's an easily replenished resource. If you prefer hardwood flooring, consider wood harvested from sustainable forests. You be capable of also get hardwoods made from salvaged or reclaimed wood (such as from old buildings that were torn down). These natural materials are often more eco-friendly than man-made compounds. Kitchen Appliances Make sure to choose Energy Star appliances when you're shopping for your new oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator. They may be more luxurious than traditional models, but these appliances use 10-50% less energy and water so you will save money in the long run. You don't have to give up style for energy efficiency; you are capable of get stainless steel and other high-end finishes in Energy Star-rated models. Cook tops Is there such thing as an environmentally friendly cook top? of course. The new induction units on the market use electricity to produce a magnetic field that causes molecular movement, which heats pans instead of burners. This method of heating uses less energy than gas and electric stoves, and induction cook tops are safer too (no require to worry about a child touching a hot burner). Cabinets Choosing cabinets that are functional and handsome is a big part of a kitchen remodel, since they take up a large portion of the room. When you're looking for eco-friendly options, choose the same sorts of materials you would with flooring. Bamboo and reclaimed wood are handsome choices. If you require less luxurious cabinets, you are capable of get fiberboard or particleboard, but make sure to find cabinets that don't contain urea formaldehyde, which is as unpleasant as it sounds; it's not something you feel like in a healthy kitchen. Paints and Finishes Kitchen remodeling isn't just about countertops, cabinets, and shiny stainless steel appliances. Think about the paints you'll use on the walls and the finishes you'll use on cabinets and countertops too. You should choose paints and finishes with Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) ratings. (Many conventional materials have high Voss, and these compounds produce potentially harmful gases when they're applied. These be capable of be troublesome for those with allergies or chemical sensitivities, and they diminish the indoor air quality for all. Windows Most kitchens will have at least one window. You be capable of help save energy by installing Energy Star-qualified windows (in the rest of the house as well as the kitchen). Remember Recycling The eco-friendly homeowner will make recycling a part of his or her life. You be capable of make separating jars, bottles, and be capable offs easy by building a recycling center into your kitchen. When choosing the cabinets you feel like to install, consider adding one with a slide out unit that holds a traditional garbage receptacle and be capable of or be capable offs for recycling too. |
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