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04.27.2023 | Homeowners

Eco-Friendly Kitchen Upgrades: Tips for a Greener Home

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Eco-friendly kitchen upgrades help reduce your carbon footprint and make the planet a healthier place for everyone. Not only are eco-friendly upgrades good for you and the earth, but they also add value to your home when it comes time to sell. Whether doing a complete reno or making some minor upgrades, sustainable choices are abundant.

As many people prioritize green living, making eco-friendly upgrades to your home can give you a competitive advantage if you are looking to sell.

What goes into an eco-friendly product?

Everything from production to packaging contributes to how environmentally friendly a product is. Materials that are natural and made from renewable resources are ideal. It’s also a good idea to look into the toxicity of the materials. Adhesives and finishes with a no VOCs (volatile organic chemicals) are what you’re looking for.

It’s also the ethics behind the material. Does the manufacturer sustainably source their products, use recycled products, or ensure no environmental damage?

The life cycle of a product also plays a role. Longer-lasting products are better for the environment. And those that can be repurposed, recycled or are biodegradable are kept out of landfills. The following are some tips to consider when making your home more eco-friendly.

1. Use eco-friendly paint

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and cost-effective upgrades you can make to a space. Choose paint with low VOC levels (volatile organic compounds) for an eco-friendly kitchen upgrade. Non-toxic paint is made from materials like clay, milk proteins, or citrus, which help reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure.

2. Update your windows

Using less energy to heat and cool your home lessens greenhouse emissions. Eco-friendly windows help minimize the heat transfer between the inside and outside, helping keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. As an additional benefit, eco-friendly windows can also lesson noise from outside, minimize damage from UV rays and reduce condensation.

3. Choose eco-friendly countertops

When choosing a countertop for your eco-friendly kitchen, look for sustainable materials that are maintenance-free, non-porous and don’t require toxic sealants. Good choices are recycled glass, reclaimed wood or quartz.

4. Sustainable flooring

If replacing your flooring is part of your kitchen reno, many eco-friendly options exist. Longevity is something to keep in mind here. Look for long-lasting materials that won’t need to be replaced often.

Bamboo is an excellent choice because it grows quickly and does not require re-harvesting. Cork is another good option (made from the bark of a cork tree). Removing the bark does not harm the tree, and there is no need to cut the tree down to harvest. Other eco-friendly options include recycled glass tiles or sustainable carpets.

5. Choose recycled materials whenever possible

Keeping things out of landfills is an essential aspect of eco-friendly kitchen upgrades. Make it a point to refurbish, repurpose and recycle items. Refresh rather than replace when possible. Look for products made from recycled materials, and donate any products that can be reused.

6. Reface cabinets rather than replace

Refacing cabinets rather than ripping out and replacing the existing ones leaves a much smaller footprint. This may not be an option if you are completely gutting and switching the layout. But, if you want to keep everything the way it is, consider refacing as an option. It eliminates material from landfills and can use less than a single tree’s worth of wood. It’s a sustainable option and will save you money!

7. Use energy-efficient lighting

Lighting accounts for about 15% of a home’s electricity usage. LED bulbs use 90% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. You can also reduce the amount of energy by using dimmers to help control the amount of light and opening the curtains to let the natural light shine in.

8. Invest in energy-efficient appliances

If replacing your appliances, look for the Energy Star symbol. These products have been tested to meet specifications for energy performance. They use less energy, are made from recycled and sustainable materials, and come from an ethical supply chain.

  • Induction cooktops reduce cooking time and use less energy. Transferring heat directly to the pan reduces the amount of heat released into the space, keeping your kitchen cooler.
  • Convection ovens use less energy than standard ovens. Using a fan to circulate the heated air continuously reduces cooking time.
  • A motion-sensing faucet can minimize water waste with an automatic shut-off.  
  • Eco-friendly refrigerators will reduce your energy usage.
  • Energy star dishwashers can save up to 3800 gallons of water over their lifetime.

Look to the future

A big part of sustainability is longevity. The more you have to re-do or replace, the less sustainable your renovation is. You are creating more waste and using more resources to manufacture replacements. Designing a timeless kitchen means you look to the future and anticipate needs. Trendy kitchens that are torn down and rebuilt every five years are not eco-friendly. Focus on a timeless design for the significant aspects of your kitchen and add trends in more minor ways.  

There are many ways to bring eco-friendly kitchen upgrades to your home. Whether you make minor changes or go for a full-scale reno, every little bit helps. Consider bringing in a green contractor if you want to go all in with a complete sustainable renovation. Getting an expert on your side skilled in green materials, processes, and products can help you make the environmentally friendly choices that lower your carbon footprint.

If you are looking to renovate your home or get it ready to sell, check out our post on 5 Home Renovations That Upgrade Your Homes Value.