When designing your new kitchen there is a number of steps which can be taken to ensure your kitchen is sustainably sourced and eco friendly. Firstly there is the actual materials which your kitchen cupboards and sides will be constructed from. These should be from renewable sources such as bamboo. The finish which is applied to these materials is also important since it should not comprise VOC’s or volatile organic compounds which can harm your indoor air quality.
An overarching principle of sustainble design whether it is your kitchen, or elsewhere, is the use of local resources and materials as much as possible as this reduces the carbon footprint of your kitchen by reducing transport emissions. When looking to replace electrical appliances in your kitchen always try and get a model with a high energy efficiency rating.
Green food sources
It is not just the design and materials used in your kitchen but also the food you prepare when in there. Sourcing your food from local suppliers such as farmers markets, pick your own farms and other local producers is much greener and better for the environment than from supermarkets where the food is often farmed using intensive methods and transported huge distances, not to mention the chemicals used to keep it looking fresh.
Green cleaning products
Get rid of all your chemical based detergents you use for cleaning around the kitchen. Using alternative organic products (much more widely available these days) will not only be better for the environment but also your health. Scientists have proven that chemicals in detergents and sprays can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Next time you run out of washing powder try and look for a green or environmentally friendly product or one which can be used a low temperature.
