Kitchen makeovers remain one of the most popular renovation projects among homeowners. Since you’re upgrading your kitchen anyway, why not make it eco-friendlier? Not only will you save money, but you can also save the planet, too.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project in Atlanta, the following are excellent starting points.
Energy Star-rated Appliances
Your kitchen has some of the biggest appliances in your home, so it’s also one of the biggest consumers of electricity. To cut down on your power bill, consider swapping out older appliances with newer, more energy-efficient ones. Luckily, Energy Star certification makes it easy to find appliances that fit this bill. This energy rating system was developed together with the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) so you can get the best bang for your buck energy-wise.
LED Lights
Proper lighting is vital when you’re cooking in the evening. That said, incandescent light bulbs consume considerably more power than other lighting options. Today, LED bulbs are the leading choice for eco-friendly lights. They consume a fraction of the energy that standard bulbs do, saving you hundreds of dollars over the course of their lifetime. While it’s true that they cost quite a bit more upfront, their benefits are well worth the additional money.
Low-Flow Faucets
Did you know that faucets release up to eight liters of water per minute? In reality, however, you often don’t need anywhere near that amount of water when you’re washing your hands or cleaning a few dishes. A great way to reduce your consumption is to install low-flow faucets, which output around 30% less water than standard faucets. It’s a simple tweak, but one that can help the country save thousands, if not millions, of gallons of water each year.
Sustainable Materials
Carbon footprint isn’t determined just by how much energy something consumes—it also takes into account how a product or material was sourced, packaged, and transported. When picking out materials for your countertop or cabinets, make sure to review their provenance too. Where does it originate? How did it get to your home? Is the material sustainable? In short, be more mindful of what you buy and choose options that are kinder to the environment.
Non-VOC Wood
Cabinetry and shelves are vital parts of any kitchen as they provide you with storage space. However, you should also pay attention to the kind of wood they use. Many utilize plywood, which is composed of several layers of wood adhered with glue. Unfortunately, this adhesive usually comes with formaldehyde, a noxious chemical that’s released into the air. Not only can this substance damage the environment, but it can also harm your health since it’s a known carcinogen. The best course of action is to ask your contractor for viable alternatives to plywood.
The change you want to see in the world can and should start at home. By implementing the above-mentioned kitchen upgrades, you can have a modern kitchen that’s both a pleasure to use and a friend to the environment.
Sources:
Here’s how to go green and create the energy-efficient, eco-friendly space you and the planet deserve, Grundig.com
A 9-Step Checklist For An Eco-Friendly Kitchen Remodel, Elemental.Green
