• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Interior Idea

Discover the best source for inspiring interior design ideas!

  • Latest Posts
  • Posts by Category
    • Featured Homes
    • Rooms
      • Bathroom
      • Bedroom
      • Dining Room
      • Kitchen
      • Living Room
      • Office
      • Staircases
    • Colors
      • Black
      • Blue
      • Green
      • Grey
      • Orange
      • Purple
      • Red
      • White
      • Yellow
    • Children
    • Decor
    • Furniture
    • Holidays
    • Outside
    • Renovation
  • Contact Us
  • DMCA Policy

Lowering Your Carbon Footprint with Eco-Friendly Kitchens

May 31, 2018 By Admin

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Of all the rooms in your home, the one that is likely to have the most significant carbon footprint is your kitchen along with an adjoining utility room if you have one. There are, however, many green choices we can make to reduce your kitchen?s impact on the environment, ranging from using sustainable materials such as bamboo flooring and recycled worksurfaces, through to installing the latest generation of energy efficient appliances. Here are some of the options available to you.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy efficient appliances

There is a vast difference between modern energy efficient electrical appliances and those that we used to use not that many years ago. Not only do energy efficient appliances reduce your carbon footprint, but they will also save you a considerable amount of money in energy costs, especially when you consider that, on average, they account for almost a third of total electricity bills. Throughout Europe, the US, and many other parts of the world energy rating labels are mandatory on all kitchen appliances, so always buy the best rating your budget will allow.

Energy Guide Label
Energy Guide Label

Even with the most efficient appliances, there are still ways to reduce your carbon footprint even more. For instance, modern detergents mean you can wash your laundry at 86 F (30 C), always aim to wash a full load and consider hanging out your washing to dry rather than using the tumble drier. Another energy saving tip is to fill any gaps in your freezer to avoid wasting energy cooling air and never leave the door of your fridge or freezer open for any longer than is necessary.

Sustainable floors and countertops

Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is ideally suited for kitchens. Not only is it the most sustainable of all flooring materials, but it is also tough and water resistant; in fact, it is three times harder than hardwood and bamboo flooring can be installed under cabinets and islands. Not only is it sustainable, but it looks beautiful too. Bamboo also has other applications in the kitchen: some manufacturers offer bamboo kitchen cabinets; and bamboo chopping boards, steamers, and other kitchen tools are readily available.

Recycled Glass Countertop
Recycled Glass Countertop

Sustainable worksurfaces (countertops) are available in a range of alternative materials. Recycled glass is one option. Glass from recycled bottles is crushed and ground before mixing with solvent-free rosins, cast into panels, and finally polished. Fragments of the embedded glass have a distinctive appearance as they reflect the light. The surfaces are extremely hard wearing, hygienic and are impervious to water.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Eco-friendly cleaning

Many cleaning products are particularly harmful to the environment and potentially harmful to your health. Some of the worst common chemicals used in a wide range of commercial products include phthalates, used to impart fragrance; triclosan, used in dishwasher tablets but can encourage the growth of drug-resistant bacteria; butoxyethanol, used in many cleaning agents but is a known respiratory irritant.

While you will find many genuine eco-friendly cleaning products at your favorite store, it is always advisable to read the list of contents and where possible, select natural plant-derived cleaners. You can also use standard products such as vinegar and baking soda for some cleaning tasks.

Recycle, Recycle

Recycle, recycle

Recycling as much of your kitchen waste as possible really can make a difference. In the US 230 million tons of trash is produced every year and just over a third of it is recycled. We can do better. There are also considerable benefits in avoiding waste, including wasted food. In the US more than 30 million tons of food waste is produced annually, and nearly all of this ends up in landfills or is combusted impacting negatively on our carbon footprint.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Filed Under: Kitchen Tagged With: Appliances, Countertops, Eco-Friendly, Flooring

Previous Post: « Unique Interior Decor Ideas To Spruce Up Your Home
Next Post: Using Geometric Shapes in Interior (or Exterior) Design »

Primary Sidebar

Window air conditioner unit

How to Know the Cost of New HVAC System in Canoga Park?

Modern scandinavian home interior of living room with design retro furniture, tropical plant, window, decoration and elegant personal accessoreis in stylish home decor.

Decorate Your Home like a Professional with These Tips and Tricks

Modern retro concept of home interior with design grey sofa, cof

How to Set a Realistic Budget for Your Home Renovation

Open modern bathroom

Essential Storage Ideas For Your Australian Bathroom

Bench with decor in home interior

Why Should You Invest in Quality Farmhouse Decor?

Fancy outdoor landscaping with wooden benches

Liquid Limestone is Advantageous for its Durability, Versatility, and Affordability

Red and white apartment interior

1 Paint Choices To Make Your Space Look And Feel Luxurious

Laptop on desk for real estate business

Steps To Start Your Own Real Estate Business

Modern architecture

Architectural Visualization 101: Key Concepts

Minimalist elegant living room combined with a kitchen area

Organizing Your Life to Become Healthier and Happier

Stay Up to Date – No Spam Ever, We Promise!

Footer

Follow Along

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

About InteriorIdea.net

We’re more than meets the eye. Every day we provide motivation, inspiration and interior design ideas with the goal of inspiring the world.

Awards & Accolades

Interior Idea is honored to be featured in “Design Strategy” for the Renaissance Brand by Marriott international. This book was distributed in-house and to interior designers throughout the world.

Get in Touch

Are you passionate about interior design? We’d love your suggestions, feedback and ideas. Feel free to contact us here.

Copyright © 2023 · INTERIORIDEA.NET | Privacy Policy · Terms and Conditions · Sitemap