Articles | Going Green in your Kitchen design

We live in times where going green is more than just a fad. If you are considering a remodelling of your project then, not only is your budget more than the deciding factor but so should your impact on the environment is. The advantage is often a reduction of your energy utility bill as most often than not the energy usage is reduced. So, not only can you make a vast difference in your power bill but also contribute to saving the environment.

So how can you reduce your carbon-footprint in your kitchen?

You need to be creative about it and do as much research about it. It might not have to be as "return to grassroots" as most green advocates make it sound.

If you are already using solar power for some or other reason, that's one improvement you have made. If you use only what you need to in terms of water and electricity then the strides made are even greater.

Lighting is as important as all the other electrical appliances. Natural lighting is always the best and you only use electricity when there is nothing to be had in terms of natural light. Switching to compact fluorescent lighting bulbs is also a good idea. This can reduce your utility bill by up to 75%.

The painting that you use should be low on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are found in most paints and they contain chemicals that are not good for the ozone layer and cause health problems for some people.

If you are going to use wooden cabinets in your kitchen, go for wood types whose trees are easy to replace. Oak and all those heavy trees that take years to grow are vanishing off the face of the earth because of human demand. If the though of bamboo makes you cringe and you already have cabinets that are made of these rich woods, the best thing to do is to remodel by reusing what you have than starting everything from scratch.

If you have been thinking of granite or marble countertop, you could forego buying the more expensive real thing to option for a concrete countertop that has been custom made to look like marble. You could go further and choose the type where recycled glass has been worked into the concrete.

Appliances like washing machines are another thing to consider as is the stove, refrigerator and any other appliance that uses electricity. If you are buying new appliance, buy energy efficient appliances. You should compare the energy ratings before and then choose one that will serve you, the overall design and contribute to the reduction of energy usage.