Kitchen Renovations: Green, Healthy, and Good-Looking
By AJ FanterRefacingCabinet.com Columnist
Choosing to make your renovation project "green" doesn't mean sacrificing your sense of style. In fact, according to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) there are many things you and your renovation professional can do together to make your kitchen renovation project more eco-friendly. Here's what you can do to ensure a stylish, ecologically sound kitchen renovation.
Sustainable Resources Equal Green Renovations
If you know what materials to choose, your kitchen renovation can be both green and fashionable. For example, rapidly renewable flooring such as bamboo or cork are durable, attractive, and sustainable. While cork takes nine years to regenerate, because it is harvested without damage to the tree, it ensures overall forest health. Bamboo, on the other hand, is not only stronger than maple, it can grow as much as two feet a day, making it an excellent environmentally conscious choice for renovation projects. What's more, bamboo needn't only be used for flooring. Some suppliers are now manufacturing nontoxic, formaldehyde-free countertops out of bamboo which presents many new and interesting design possibilities.
Energy Saving Renovation Choices
Depending upon the size of your renovation project, you may want to consider installing more energy efficient doors, windows, and appliances. When shopping for windows and doors select from those that are IEEE rated for the area where you live. And, when it comes to dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances make sure they are EnergyStar rated. By making energy efficient choices you'll not only be saving energy, you'll be saving yourself money in the long run.
VOC Free Renovations
Another way to keep your kitchen renovation green is by requesting formaldehyde-free paints and finishes. In addition, request any materials used in your renovation have the lowest documented VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and that the dissipation is as fast as possible.
As you can see an eco-friendly renovation doesn't mean sacrificing style, it's simply a matter of working with your renovation promotion to make smart, sustainable choices.
Sources
Green Tips: A Basic Guide for Residential Designers
About The Author
AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, Nevada.
