Sustainable living is becoming more popular as people seek to reduce their carbon footprint and look for ways to reuse materials in every aspect of their lives. While sustainability can be found almost anywhere, you may be surprised that it has even found its way into home restoration. If you are ready to remodel your kitchen and want to use recycled materials and reduce waste, there are many different options open to you.
First Steps
Before you begin sustainable kitchen remodeling, you should consider what types of materials you would like to reuse and how they will best fit into your new kitchen design. Start by sitting down and making a list of your goals.
For example, if you want to recycle your old wood cabinets, do you already have plans for the wood, such as making new shelving for your spices or woodcut boards to hold your larger kitchen utensils? Having both short and long-term goals will give you a clearer vision of what you want to accomplish when using recycled materials.
Saving Energy in Your Sustainable Kitchen
If you want to practice sustainability by making changes in your new kitchen, one area where it can have a big impact is in the lighting. Make better use of natural lighting by installing double glazed windows, which let in plenty of sun but do not let heat escape. As a result, you use less electricity and your heating and electric bills may come down. In addition to this, stripping around windows creates drafts and lets in cold air.
Seven to 12 percent of a home’s heat loss occurs around windows and doors, according to Black Hills Energy, and these leaks often prompt homeowners to turn up their furnace to keep comfy. This causes the furnaces to work harder and often leads to unnecessary furnace repairs. If it is within your budget, consider using solar power to generate hot water and decrease the amount of artificial light you use. If not, then look into smart energy light bulbs that save energy and last longer than regular bulbs.
Use Reclaimed Wood for Flooring
If you want to practice sustainability as you remodel your kitchen, then make reclaimed wood a part of the plan. This wood comes from demolished wood structures and old buildings. Reclaimed wood can create unique flooring for your kitchen while you reduce CO2 emissions.
Let your contractor know about your wish to use reclaimed wood so that the company can assist you in finding viable lumber, as wood that comes from outside the United States may be treated with chemicals and will not be suitable.
Install Recycled Countertops
If recycling is high on your list of priorities, then consider new developments in recycled kitchen countertops. Materials such as glass, paper, porcelain, and even cashew shells are being recycled to create countertop surfaces. Most of the materials come from consumer recycling, and many of the surfaces are Cradle to Cradle certified, which means they have been made in the most sustainable manner possible.
If your contractor recommends that your new countertops be sealed, be sure to let the employees know that you are practicing sustainability and have them recommend sealants that are not harmful to the environment.
Making It All Come Together
When it comes to creating a sustainable kitchen, proper planning and working with a contractor that shares your vision and values are vital. Take the time to sketch out a few possible designs and write down ideas for the areas you would most like to concentrate on and why.
While you may not be able to use all of your ideas, even using a few that reduce trash, save energy, and reduce pollutant-causing emissions will help you do your part as you enjoy your new sustainable kitchen.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
