Green Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

• You can have a beautiful, healthy, functional kitchen & bath that are easy on the environment. For starters, consider simple things like upgrading to more efficient faucets and 1.6 gallon toilets. If you’re considering remodeling and the space you have just needs a facelift, consider cosmetic changes. Try reusing the existing cabinets and upgrading surfaces for a modern look. Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints.
• If a major remodeling project is required, donate the old cabinets, sinks, and fixtures to Habitat for Humanities, or another organization of your choice. Recycle wood debris locally. Old appliances can also be donated. New cabinets should be made locally. This saves packaging and shipping charges. Use rapidly renewable and certified woods, such as bamboo, or lyptus. Use materials that contain cork and soy for flooring.
• Buy energy-efficient appliances that reduce power consumption and water usage. Efficient washing machines use 5-7 gallons per cycle, instead of 40-45 gallons per cycle.
• Use toaster ovens instead of large ovens to cook quick items.
• A well-lit kitchen or bath is essential to a successful remodeling project. Adding switches and dimmers allows you to set the mood, and control what is on or off, decreasing power usage. Use CFL (compact florescent lamps) for lighting instead of incandescent lamps. Motion detectors in entry ways and hallways improve navigation when your hands are full. Night lights (7 watts) in bathrooms, on motion detectors, are great.
• Refrigerators should fit your lifestyle. They use a lot of energy. Big is not necessarily the best investment. Evaluate your needs and select what will work. Make sure the dishwasher and washing machines are full before starting. Use energy saving settings on appliances.
• On-demand hot water systems heat only what you need, eliminating the hot water heater, and they are efficient and available in electric and gas. Instant hot water dispensers save water.
• Countertops: Generally speaking, solid surface materials work best in contemporary kitchens. Solid surface materials like Corian are seamless when installed, durable, and can be repaired and refinished. Silestone is available in dynamic colors, is anti-microbial and has seams. Granite is available in a wide range of colors, has seams, and requires sealing and maintenance. There are paper-base, green countertops available as well.
• Going green has many shades and price ranges. Consider if you’re light green, dark green or not green at all.

This article was written by John Drew CR, CKBR.