Green Kitchen Design Ideas

You've finally made the decision to remodel your old kitchen and are looking for some great environmentally friendly ideas. Believe it or not there are tons of green kitchen design ideas that you can incorporate easily into your new kitchen. Here are just a few tips that might come in handy.

Recycle The Old

The first place to start going green with your kitchen remodeling is to recycle those old appliances and cabinets that you plan on removing from your kitchen to make room for you new appliances and cabinets. Instead of throwing out these items, take them to the salvation army or used furniture store. Not only will you be saving the environment by not throwing them away, but someone else will benefit from these items.

Paint

If you are planning on repainting your kitchen as part of your remodeling efforts then choose a paint that has low or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). These paints will not only be much friendlier to the environment but to your families health as well.

Cabinets

When choosing cabinets for your new kitchen go with real wood, straw board or wheat board. Cabinets that use pressed board are made with adhesives that are not ecological friendly and are not good for your health either. An alternative to all new cabinets would be to refurbish or to paint your existing cabinets to give them a new look. This will not only help the environment but could save you money as well.

Counter Tops

If you are planning on having new counter tops then consider recycled paper counter tops. These counter tops are constructed from wood pulp, from managed forests and recycled paper. They are so durable that items from this material have been used in the aerospace industry and to built skateboard ramps. They are heat, scratch and stain resistant and look great.

Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances

If you are adding windows to your new kitchen try to add windows that will make the most of the natural sunlight. This way you will be saving on electricity during the daylight hours and providing a sunny place to work as well.

Any new appliance should carry an energy star rating, helping to ensure that they run efficiently on as little energy as possible.

Recycling Station

When designing your new kitchen include an under the counter recycling station. This will make sorting of those paper products, glass bottles and other recyclable items easy and help to keep your kitchen from looking cluttered.

If you have a compost pile you are using, you might want to include an under the counter holder to scrape your compost materials to be carried out at the end of each day.

Green kitchen design does not have to mean spending a lot of extra money. It simply means, making wise choices and using as many environmentally friendly materials and products as possible. Refurbishing old cabinets and other materials whenever possible will not only help the environment but will save you money in the long run.

Best of all - green kitchen designs can help keep your kitchen clutter free and make you feel good that you are helping to heal the environment while providing a healthier atmosphere for your family.