|
You’re ready to remodel your kitchen and transform it into the kitchen of your dreams. You know this is a big undertaking and you want to do it right. After all, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home – a gathering place for friends and family. Remodeling your kitchen is no small task and there are many important considerations, but the end result is worth the commitment – especially if you make wise choices along the way. Remodeling products should be designed to fit your needs with style and efficiency. Whether you prefer a country kitchen, modern décor, the Tuscan look, or other great designs, the end result should be what's speaks to you. Here are some great ideas for remodeling your kitchen the "green" way.
Remodeling your current house is "greener" than buying or building even the most energy efficient new house. Re-thinking the outline and use of your present house and revising the layout without expanding the footprint of the house is one of the greenest ways to upgrade your home.
Refacing cabinets and refinishing floors, instead of replacing them, can be both budget- and eco-friendly. Even if you choose to replace something you may be able to use it elsewhere. For example, cabinets can be repurposed as storage in the garage. You can also donate cabinets in good condition to charity. Depending on local laws, some of the debris generated from your kitchen remodel may be recyclable – it’s worth it to check. Also consider buying some used items, like cabinet hardware. Many cabinet makers are now offering green options that use wood from certified forests and low VOC adhesives. Some of these cabinets can be quite expensive, but there are less expensive choices at places like Ikea and some of the major home retailers.
Most major manufacturers now make Energy Star appliances and you can compare their efficiency side-by-side in the store. It’s also important to get rid of appliances with care. If your area doesn’t accept them for recycling, try donating those in decent condition, giving them to friends, or using a special hauler who will recycle them for you. Some energy companies give rebates for recycling your old appliances.
Much of the hidden environmental impact in a renovation is from the long distances that the products we buy travel to get to our doorstep. Using local stone for a countertop or regionally-made tile for a floor can be a smart decision. Unfortunately, that sometimes limits design choices so you need to weigh those factors as well.
|
