How to Design an Eco-Friendly Kitchen
As our carbon footprint continues to grow, designing an eco-friendly kitchen is becoming more and more important.
The EPA estimates that we spend an average of 90% of our time indoors, where the concentration of pollutants can be 10-100 times greater than being outdoors. Much of these pollutants come from our kitchens through cooking fumes and the gases emitted from our paints, cabinets, countertops, and flooring.
According to Eco-Friendly Habits:
● 48% of US consumers are ready to change their consumption habits to save the environment.
● $26 trillion could be saved by 2030 if we start living sustainable lifestyles.
● The average home consumes 29% of global energy, leading to 21% of CO2 emissions. Much of this energy comes from our kitchens.
To improve your health, better care for our planet, and circumvent irreversible harm, here are a few ways to create a more eco-friendly kitchen:
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Countertops
Products like quartz and Corian countertops are more sustainable than granite and are very low maintenance. They don’t require any toxic sealants and can last a lifetime if you care properly for them. Quartz is considered “virtually indestructible.”
For extra credit, look into pental quartz. It’s made up of 90%-93% quartz, and the rest consists of recycled materials and high-quality binding agents. It’s nonporous, incredibly versatile, and comes in various slab sizes, colors, and thickness.
EPA Energy Star Appliances
When you’re hunting for new appliances, check to see if the EPA's Energy Star program approved them. Some of these appliances may cost a little more, but you’ll make up for it in energy savings. For an appliance to receive an energy star, they must use 10%-50% less energy and water than their standard models.
Look for the energy star the next time you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or coffee maker.
Energy-Efficient Lighting and Fixtures
Eco-friendly kitchen cabinets or recycled glass countertops are trending right now, and they’re way more stylish than you’d expect. Check out some of these glass countertops on Pinterest or these kitchen cabinets on HGTV.
You’d never know that these materials were recycled, and they make great conversation starters.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops transfer heat directly to the pan, saving both energy and cooking time. Since induction cooktops also reduce the amount of heat released in your kitchen, which helps keep your kitchen cooler. This is great news for cooks who have to use multiple appliances simultaneously.
Convection Ovens
Convection ovens use about 20% less energy than their counterparts. These ovens have a fan that continuously circulates the heated air, helping maintain the temperature you desire. Cook time is also reduced this way, allowing you to save money and energy while making your meals faster.
Other Strategies for a More Eco-Friendly Kitchen
We listed just a few ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly. Here are a few more worth looking into:
● Replace conventional faucets
● Use stainless steel, glass, or ceramic cookware
● Use eco-friendly paint
● Compost and recycle
● Use green cleaning products
● Remove items that contain common toxins, like cans, aluminum foil, and non-stick pans
● Add plants
Contact us for more tips for having an eco-friendly kitchen design.