How to Make Your Kitchen More Environmentally Friendly
26Apr '19
The pressure to be environmentally friendly is always increasing, especially when our detrimental impact on the planet is shown on the news nearly every day. So, what can we do to help?
If you are planning a renovation, or simply want to create a more environmentally friendly kitchen, follow our guide below.
Sustainable Flooring & Foundations
To create an environmentally friendly kitchen, you have to work from the ground up. Try to consider the sustainability of your foundations before you move on to anything else.
Sustainable flooring is an important factor to consider when you are designing a brand new kitchen. Using a material with a low carbon footprint and from a sustainable source can make a huge difference.
Cork kitchen flooring, for example, is not only environmentally friendly, it also has a wide range of benefits, including:
- Great insulation
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy to install and maintain
- Easy to refinish if you want to refresh your kitchen
- Biodegradable at the end of its life cycle.
Equally beneficial alternatives to cork are modern materials such as bamboo or ethically sourced timber.
Cabinets & Worktops
Your kitchen’s cabinets and worktops should be considered in line with your ethical design. One eco-friendly option for your units is birch plywood, which is made from thin sheets of wood that are stuck together for strength while minimising waste products. However, if you are going to use a timber source, always check that it is FSC certified.
Decor
Once you have installed your environmentally friendly foundations, you then need to add decor. This is when you can add features to your kitchen that truly reflect your personality.
An ideal way to add colour to your kitchen is with a vibrant or patterned glass splashback. This environmentally friendly feature allows the glass to reflect light and create some beautiful shades and tones.
Alternatively, if you are happy with your kitchen layout but want to give the room a refresh, why not paint your cabinets instead of replacing them? You can create a fashionable two-tone kitchen without creating waste.
Appliances
When choosing appliances for your kitchen, it’s important to ensure they are all energy efficient. Not only does this help the environment, but it can also help your bank account. With improved energy efficiency, you will be using less power and consequently paying less on your energy bills.
If you are looking for new appliances, check the grade on their EU Energy Label and see if it carries an Energy Savings Trust Recommended Certification Mark. This way you know that you are getting appliances with top of the range energy efficiency.
Another feature you could add to your kitchen to improve efficiency and sustainability is through a water saving faucet. Faucet aerators add air to the flow of water coming out of your taps and significantly reduce the gallons per minute flow. Install one of these to your new or existing tap and see your water bills drop!
Cooking
It’s not just about your kitchen, it’s also what you create in that space. Your diet can have a huge impact on the planet due to plastic packaging, waste and unsustainable land use for rearing livestock.
A flexitarian diet has been praised by many scientists as being the most environmentally friendly option. That means you should eat predominantly plant-based meals and cut meat from your diet for several days in the week, but not completely.
With a more conscious approach to food, you will be all set for your environmentally friendly kitchen!
Looking to start creating your environmentally friendly kitchen?
If you are looking to install an environmentally friendly kitchen with your next home renovation, our retailers will ensure your home has an efficient, sustainable space with timeless designs. Find your nearest Kbsa-approved retailer today!