| We're not talking about emerald, forest, lime, fern or | | | | countertop surfaces made from sustainable |
| olive - we're talking GREEN! Of late, the word green | | | | resources: Bamboo, cork, wheatboard and eucalyptus |
| has come to symbolize environmental protection and | | | | as well as recycled glass and concrete make beautiful |
| those products and procedures that are | | | | design statements in a kitchen. |
| environmentally friendly. In the construction and | | | | Another important element is a green kitchen is |
| remodeling industries, green building products and | | | | storage; special sorting spaces are created for |
| practices have become an industry of their own. A | | | | recyclables and compostables. Making space for this |
| green home can mean energy efficiency, ecological | | | | in the kitchen reduces your amount of household |
| benefits, health considerations and will provide | | | | waste and the compost can help you grow your |
| long-term cost savings, comfort, and safety. | | | | own organic herbs for cooking. Working with a |
| The kitchen alone is responsible for nearly half of a | | | | professional designer who is in tune with your desire |
| home's energy consumption. Remodeling your kitchen | | | | to create a green kitchen can be very helpful with |
| provides a perfect opportunity to improve your | | | | this space planning! A green kitchen also has |
| homes energy efficiency as well as make it a | | | | appliances which are rated for energy efficiency and |
| healthier place for your family and your environment. | | | | have water-saving features. Did you know you can |
| A green kitchen is an inherently brighter and well | | | | go even beyond "Energy Star?" Other things like |
| ventilated workspace thanks to the numerous | | | | induction cooktops, versus traditional electric radiant |
| operable windows that provide light as well as heat. | | | | or gas, waste less heat and takes less time. It's |
| Another way to create healthier air in your kitchen is | | | | rated at 90% energy efficient versus the traditional |
| to choose products with low VOC's (Volatile Organic | | | | 50-60%. Don't forget the high-efficiency water |
| Compounds.) VOC's diminish air quality and can be | | | | heater in your remodeling process as it affects the |
| hazardous to your family's health; many cabinet | | | | kitchen water supply along with the rest of the |
| manufacturers use a VOC called urea formaldehyde. | | | | house. |
| A special line of cabinetry, Nature's Collection by | | | | There is a lot to consider when remodeling your |
| Tedd Wood, has options for water-based and low | | | | home; add on top of that your desire to do it green |
| VOC finishes. This line is also the highest certified | | | | and you have even more to think about. Working |
| green line of cabinetry available anywhere; it has | | | | with a professional design/build firm may just be a |
| been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as | | | | sanity saver, and will also help keep you up to date |
| well as the Rainforest Alliance. Ensuring the safety of | | | | on the latest products and trends. |
| the forests is also possible by choosing flooring and | | | | |