Thinking of upgrading your kitchen and going green while at it? The upsides of green remodeling are undeniable — fresh aesthetics along with the “feel good” aspect of doing your part for the environment. Contrary to what many might believe, remodeling your kitchen sustainably doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. With a few strategic eco-friendly replacements, you can make your kitchen stylish and more energy-efficient while staying on budget. Here’s a checklist of ideas to try out.
1. Go for energy-efficient lighting options
It’s a good idea to start with the lighting while renovating your kitchen. Instead of incandescent lights, choose LED bulbs. Not only are they much more energy-efficient, but last a lot longer than standard lights. And that’s not all, LEDs come in a multitude of color options that add to the appeal of the kitchen space. So you can make your kitchen look modern, while also saving a lot on your energy bills.
2. Pick sustainable materials
Whether you’re thinking of replacing your kitchen countertops or cabinets, make sure you choose the right material. By doing some research on the environmental impact of the material you have selected, you’ll be able to determine the best sustainable option within your budget.
Bamboo and recycled timber are some of the choicest options as they can make your kitchen look classy and modern, while also reducing the environmental impact. Stainless steel is also a good choice for your home kitchen as it is fully recyclable. And being highly durable, it’s the perfect material no matter whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor stainless steel kitchen.
3. Use eco-friendly and non-toxic paints
Thinking of brightening your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint? Many paints contain chemicals known as VOCs or volatile organic compounds which release toxic vapors into your home. These vapors can cause a range of health issues such as dizziness, headaches, and even cancer. Therefore, make sure to strictly look for VOC-free paints. You can opt for natural paints instead. These have no harmful materials so won’t affect your health or the environment negatively.
4. Replace your old kitchen windows
Along with giving you a better outside view, a nice big window can instantly transform the look of your kitchen too. But did you know that upgrading your old windows can actually be good for the environment too? Yes, installing an eco-friendly window can help in reducing heat transfer between your home and the outdoors, thus saving energy and reducing your bills too.
5. Install sustainable flooring
Want to change the kitchen flooring as part of the renovation process? You’ll be glad to know that you have a lot of sustainable options like bamboo, cork, recycled tiles, and so on. And the best part is that these are available in stunning designs, so you don’t need to give up on style either.
These were some ideas you could use for your next kitchen renovation. Follow the above checklist for creating a modern and sustainable kitchen that looks great and is built responsibly.
