Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash
The average American spends over a thousand bucks for a single replacement and up to $19,000 and above for a full kitchen remodel. Around 48% of the total cost is spent on cabinetry and kitchen appliances per NKBA study. Kitchens are important parts of the house and renovating them using durable and eco-friendly products and fittings ensure that they will last for a long time and retain their beauty. When renovating or upgrading your kitchens, it’s not only vital t
hat you consider sturdy materials but also sustainable products that are environmentally-friendly.
Natural or Recycled Materials in Floors, Walls and Cabinetry
Natural materials for walls, beams and floors are ideal. Opt for low-VOC emitting wood for cabinetry and ensure that the materials you purchase are free from formaldehyde which can seep into food that is stored. Bamboo and engineered boards are ethically-sourced as well as resin made from natural polymers. These give a polished look to concrete without using tons of water and chemicals while reclaimed hardwood, terrazzo tiles, antique bricks and stones are robust.
Heavy-duty and Quality Appliances
Home appliances are indispensable in the kitchen. After all, they are responsible for doing a lot of household work. For example, dishwashers are workhorses washing and sanitizing your dishes. A high-quality dishwasher can get the job done of cleaning better than handwashing. It uses less soap, water and energy saving you time and money not to mention doing the earth a favor. From a smart fridge that tells you when food is about to go bad to kitchen gadgets that save you time cutting and slicing and crockpots that you can control, upgrading to durable and functional appliances that are eco-friendly is an important part of a kitchen renovation.
Sinks and Counter Tops
The International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) estimates that the recycled content of steel is 60%. When choosing stainless sinks in retrofitting a kitchen, you’re getting a recycled product that reduces your carbon footprint. Plus, steel is 100% recyclable. They typically last 15 to 30 years. To complement your sinks, get a low-flow faucet aerator that cuts water consumption in half. A hot water dispenser that heats only water when needed also reduces energy use. For countertops, there are many options to choose from if you’re building sustainable and robust work areas. Consider, Teragren which is bamboo-based or Paperstone & Richlite which are paper recycled countertops. You can also use repurposed logs, recycled glass and natural linoleum as materials.
Durable and Eco-Friendly Lighting
When it comes to eco-friendly lighting, LEDs lead the way. Nowadays, they have become cheaper making them affordable. According to the Department of Energy, LED lights last 3-25 times longer and consume 25-80% less power than traditional incandescents without sacrificing powerful illumination. They are non-toxic and may be disposed of in traditional landfills. In addition, there are many styles that you can use to dress up or down a kitchen or set the right mood.
Whether you’re renovating, upgrading or repurposing your kitchen, there are many ways you can do to make it environmentally-friendly, safe and long-lasting without sacrificing its aesthetics. With clever planning, you can have that functional and beautiful kitchen that will last you for years saving you the trouble of redoing it every so often.
