Kitchen remodeling is one of the hottest areas of home improvement. Whether trying to increase the resale value of your home, or if you just want a kitchen that wows the neighbors, there are plenty of environmentally-friendly renovation ideas that not only look great, but can save energy and money at the same time.
Green Countertops
In most homes, the countertop is the centerpiece of the kitchen. While materials like granite and quartz provide beautiful work surfaces, there are several recycled and renewable options that can give your remodel a unique look, and be a great showpiece for a green kitchen.
- Recycled Paper Countertops: Believe it or not, you can have a kitchen countertop made out of paper! Paper-based countertops use up to 100% recycled paper that has been heated and pressed with a resin that forms it into an incredibly durable surface. Companies like PaperStone even use petroleum-free resins. The surface is scratch and heat resistant, comes in various colors, and since the color goes all the way through the material, it can be handled just like wood; so it can be cut and shaped to fit custom areas. The paper material can also be used for furniture, trim, and partitions.
- Recycled Glass Countertops: Glass countertops come in a myriad of colors and styles, and many are available that use 100% recycled glass. The Glass is usually set in a concrete and epoxy mixture, making them as durable as any traditional solid-stone countertop. Because of the color and style options available, it is a great recycled-content alternative to the granite or quartz that are typically used in kitchen renovation, and just as attractive.
- Bamboo Countertops: Bamboo is a uniquely renewable green resource; not only does it grow incredibly fast, but unlike trees, which are destroyed in the harvesting process, Bamboo is harvested in a way where the grass can keep right on growing. Hard and durable, Bamboo has been used for years in flooring, but is now becoming more popular for countertops, as well. Totally Bamboo is the leading manufacturer of Bamboo countertops.
Composting in the Kitchen
As efficient as they may be, not everyone wants a bucket of worms under the kitchen counter in an effort to be green and compost their leftover food. There are a few at-home composting options that can help get rid of those left-over kitchen scraps, but the most intriguing and user-friendly green option for composting in the modern kitchen is the Nature Mill. About the size of a small trash-can, you just throw your left-over food scraps in the top, close the lid, and let it do the rest; the Nature Mill adds heat and aeration, and every few weeks you have a bin full of compost in the bottom of the unit that you can use for flowers and plants. While it does use energy, it also greatly reduces the amount of garbage that goes out on the curb – up to 120 lbs a month, according to the manufacturer’s website. Plus, the Nature Mill incorporates a filter to eliminate odors, and is stylish enough to either sit out in the kitchen, or it can even be mounted on a sliding shelf in a cabinet.
Recycled Glass Tile Backsplash
Just like recycled glass is used in countertops, it is also a wonderful renovation option for tiling and backsplashes. In fact, recycled glass tile is an even better green application for the material, since the glass tiles do not require the use of concrete and epoxy, like countertops do. There are multiple suppliers, and recycled glass tiles are available in an extensive number of colors and sizes. Good looking and economical, recycled glass is an easy option for owners doing a kitchen remodel, especially when using modern-styled cabinets and appliances. If a more traditional look is needed for a renovation, recycled ceramic tiles are readily available, as well.
Energy Star Rated Appliances
The single most effective green decision that can be made in any kitchen renovation is replacing old appliances with new Energy Star rated appliances. The Energy Star program is sponsored by the EPA and the Department of Energy, and it challenges manufacturers to explore new technologies to make appliances more energy efficient. According to the Energy Star website, an Energy Star rated dishwasher uses less water and at least 41% less energy than the current minimum federal consumption standards, and an Energy Star rated refrigerator uses 40% less energy than a similar unit built in 2001. Not only does that mean less energy usage, but it also leads to savings on monthly power bills.
As an added bonus, installing Energy Star rated appliances may qualify for state and Federal tax rebates or credits. Start here for more information and a list of Energy Star rated appliances.
With today’s technology, making green choices for your renovation is not only good for the environment, but it can also reduce your monthly expenses and, using the ideas above, you can end up with a great looking green kitchen!
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