Green Kitchen Design Tips
The “green movement” has made us all very much aware of our role when it comes to preserving the environment. Whatever your motivation, thinking green when it comes to kitchen design and remodeling is a good place to start. The kitchen is the most frequently remodeled room in the home, and it's the most important room in most home buyer's minds. Thankfully there are more options for making your kitchen a “green kitchen” than ever before.
Today, green kitchen design can be eco-friendly without sacrificing style and luxury. There are a number of really good reasons for making your kitchen a “green kitchen.” Some people feel a real concern for the environment but others are forced to look in this direction because they have allergies and chemical sensitivities. The rest of us are probably more motivated by the bottom line, which means that you want to lower your electricity and water consumption costs.
You spend a lot of time in your kitchen and you are probably very much aware that you use/waste more energy in the kitchen than any place in the house. Energy consumption, bad lighting and bad ventilation are all environmental problems.
Too much energy is being used because of poor appliance choices. Over consumption of water, chemical sensitivities from products containing formaldehyde, and over-use of electricity due to the poor use of natural lighting and ventilation problems are just a few of the drains on our natural resources.
Besides health issues, what does going green mean to you? It boils down to money doesn’t it? Money can be saved upfront by buying smaller appliances, buying less stuff, and buying salvaged materials. Operating maintenance costs are decreased by using energy efficient refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and microwaves. Natural daylight and ventilation are also huge considerations when you make plans for a green kitchen remodeling job.
Think about a sky light and create windows that will let in natural daylight and free air. Designing your kitchen with natural lighting will cut down on the need to use electricity. Creating a place for recyclable storage, and using small efficient dishwashers, ovens, and freezers are all part of that plan.
Floors and cabinets that use non-toxic materials, are long lasting, or are made using recycled or sustainable products result in a healthier and more affordable product. Terms such as bamboo, wheatboard, or sustainable wood are becoming quite common these days. And did you know that concrete was a “green” product?
When I think of concrete I think of airplane hangers or sidewalks, but it seems that concrete is now considered a smart green kitchen product. Concrete does not give off harmful fumes and has many different applications. Concrete has been comes a designer product and comes in different pattern and color options. Counter tops can be green as well if they are made from recycled glass or cast concrete.
Energy efficient appliances are getting to be the norm. When you start shopping you will notice Energy Star stickers on most new products. Energy efficient lighting can also cut down on your utility bills. Switching to CFL light bulbs is something that everyone can do to save energy and cut down on carbon dioxide emissions. Thankfully the prices have come down and the quality has gone up in the last few years.
Don’t let all of these options overwhelm you to the point of throwing up your hands. Make reasonable choices and just keep in mind that you are trying to create a healthier environment for yourself as well as save money in the long run.
Further
reading: The New Ecological Home: A Complete Guide to Green Building Options 
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