A Modern Sustainable Kitchen Renovation
Sustainable living is a mindful practice intended to reduce your reliance on natural resources, reduce your carbon footprint, and reduce your environmental impact. It’s about being conscious of how our everyday actions affect the planet.
You can start living sustainably by making changes in your home, and your kitchen is a great place to start. As the heart of your living, the kitchen is where we cook, eat and socialize. It’s also where we use a lot of energy and water.
Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, here are some tips for building an eco-friendly kitchen in your Sarasota, FL home.
Color Your Walls With Eco-Friendly Paint
Are you tired of the struggle of paint shopping and selection? Or the waste produced by paint supplies after use? There are a lot of “green” products on the market, but not all are created equal.
When it comes to eco-friendly paint, look for products made with natural ingredients like clay, milk proteins, or citrus. These are solvent-free and have zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) levels.
Non-toxic paints formulated with zero VOCs, preservatives, and biocides are safer for both you and the environment. Also, look for GREENGUARD-certified colors to help reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure.
Making your kitchen eco-friendly doesn’t have to be difficult – just switch out your old paint for a new, environmentally-safe option!
Replace Your Old Windows
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) reports that windows are responsible for up to 30% of a home’s heat loss. Windows, doors, and skylights lose heat through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Eco-friendly windows help minimize the heat transfer between the inside of your home and the outdoors. Swapping your windows for Energy Star-certified windows can reduce household energy bills by 12% and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Not ready to install new windows? Try weatherstripping!
Invest In Eco-Friendly Countertops
Your kitchen countertops take a lot of abuse. They’re the perfect place to set hot pans, chop vegetables, and spill the occasional glass of red wine.
Recycled glass and reclaimed wood are both eco-friendly options that are beautiful and unique. These sustainable materials are maintenance-free, non-porous, and don’t require toxic sealants. Plus, they’ll last a long time without cracking or chipping. Quartz is an excellent option for eco-friendly countertops.
Pick Sustainable Flooring
Consider a flooring upgrade made from sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, linoleum, rubber, and even concrete. These materials are durable and environmentally friendly. Bamboo floors, for example, are as strong as hardwood but grow much faster. Recycled tiles and plywood are other options made from sustainable materials.
If you’re not ready to replace your flooring, try using green cleaning products and a microfiber mop to reduce the number of chemicals and water used to clean your floors.
Use Eco Lighting
Lighting is an integral part of any kitchen remodeling design. But did you know that traditional lightbulbs are bad for the environment? They contain mercury, a toxic substance that can leach into the ground and contaminate water supplies.
To create an eco-friendly kitchen, switch to LED lighting. LED bulbs use less energy and last much longer than traditional lightbulbs. They’re also free of toxic chemicals.
Installing solar panels reduces your carbon footprint and can be used to power your home, heat your water, and even cook your food!
Install Green Cabinets
Most cabinets are made from wood, which is a renewable resource. But many cabinet makers use unsustainable practices, like clear-cutting forests, to get the lumber used in manufacturing.
Choose green cabinet refacing made from sustainable materials like bamboo, FSC-certified wood, and reclaimed or recycled wood. They can also be installed using non-toxic glues and finishes.
Make Your Sarasota Kitchen “Green” Today!
At Gilbert Design Build, we believe building an eco-friendly kitchen in your Sarasota home doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Our kitchen remodeling design specialists will help you create a beautiful and sustainable kitchen that you’ll love for years to come. Get the joy of cooking in an eco-friendly kitchen!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to help you create your dream space.
