The concept of green living has increasingly grown in popularity over the past few years, and while trends come and go, this one is likely here to stay – and for good reason! Making a few basic changes at home can help save money and energy, which is good for both you and the environment. From kitchen hoods that improve indoor air quality, to Low or No-VOC paint, here are six simple ways to go green in the kitchen.
Improve Air Quality With A Range Hood
Most homeowners spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and proper ventilation is a must. The best way to improve indoor air quality in the kitchen is through the use of a kitchen hood, especially one that vents to the outside.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place.” About 95 percent of the food we throw away ends up in landfills. But with a little planning and prep work, you can reduce your amount of wasted food.
Make a weekly grocery list with meals in mind, and stick to it. Check your refrigerator and pantry first, to see what you already have. Don’t buy more than you need, prepare perishables in a timely manner, and properly store your grocery items to maintain maximum freshness.
Don’t let leftovers sit around for too long. Instead, immediately freeze them, or repurpose items for a second meal later in the week. Recycle glass, plastic and cardboard packaging in a pullout waste container conveniently located in the kitchen, and consider composting food scraps as well.
Opt For Energy-Saving Appliances
When purchasing new appliances, like refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens, look for the Energy Star label. Most are 10 percent to 50 percent more efficient than standard models, which can help homeowners save money on energy bills.
Choose Your Countertops And Floors Wisely
When remodeling your kitchen, you’ll find a variety of flooring and countertop options made from natural, recycled materials, such as engineered stone, cork, bamboo, or linoleum. These options are durable, easy to clean, and come in a large selection of styles and colors.
Stick With LED Lighting
LED lighting is energy-efficient, and has a longer lifespan than incandescent or florescent bulbs. Save even more by installing dimmer switches, and motion sensors that automatically turn light on and off as needed.
Use Low or No-VOC Paint On Walls
Typical household paints are traditionally filled with potentially harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. When the paint dries, VOCs are released into the air, where they react with other elements to produce ozone. This can lead to air pollution and health issues, such as headaches, respiratory problems, and nausea. Thankfully, Low or No-VOC paint is now widely available at your local paint or hardware store.
Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen, home office, bar room, laundry room, or bath of your dreams with our 100% free room design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!