How to Design a Green Kitchen (Eco Friendly Ideas!)

Member

By GreenMomma
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (15 Ratings)

Going green and eco-friendly is the newest trend in kitchens and other areas of the home. Here's what you can do to incorporate green ideas in your kitchen step by step.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Step 1

Countertops:

Recycled glass is an excellent idea for anyone looking for a conversation piece. These beautiful kitchen countertops come in a variety of color and are quite durable. For more information, check out Vetrazzo. You'll love their in depth video explaining how recycling stop lights makes a limited edition red countertop or how Corona beer bottles are sometimes used to make their countertops.

Another eco-friendly idea is Silestone's brand of engineered stone. Silestone is certified by Greenguard and US Green Building Council.
Step 2

Flooring:

Bamboo is a wonderful choice for those looking to create a green kitchen. Bamboo is sturdy and solid so its perfect for flooring. However, what makes it green is that bamboo is a rapidly renewing natural resource.
Step 3

Lighting:

Sky lights help eliminate the use of electricity on sunny days. Even cooler than standard the sky light is the sun tunnel sky light that brings light into the room using small tunnels and mirrors.

An addition that makes any sun tunnel sky light even cooler is the solar powered LED attachment. This attachment will give you light when the sun goes down.
Step 4

Appliances:

Energy Star appliances use less energy than their counterpart appliances. They may cost a little more upfront but the savings over time and the tax incentives really make up the cost difference and will save you money in the long run. The best part about buying these energy efficient appliances is that you'll never notice you are using less energy, they work just as well, if not better than their counterparts!
Step 5

Windows:

Putting in energy saving windows can really make a difference in how much energy you use and save you big bucks when it comes to your heating and cooling bills.

Consider putting garden windows in your home to grow your own organic herbs year round. Creative indoor gardeners are even growing their own fruits and vegetables in these windows. Talk about going local!