Going Green in the Kitchen
When I first thought of writing this article, I figured it would be a nice thing to do for Earth Day and some helpful research on the topic in general. What I found was an abundance of information on eco-friendly living - both in the kitchen and out of it. I was astonished at how much energy our society expends each day and how there are so many quick fixes that can help remedy the situation.
Thinking "green" has become a buzzword in government politics and global media. And while thinking large-scale is important, sometime it's hard to start small. The kitchen is the center of energy usage in an average home - not to mention it's often a place where people congregate. In this modern era of "bigger is better" and everything is disposable, it's simple to take the easy way out. But it can also be easy to slow things down. Whether you're looking for more energy-efficient appliances or you want to use renewable resources in your home, these are simple ways to get started.
Resources If you're thinking about redecorating your kitchen, there are some renewable, eco-friendly resources you should be introduced to before making any decisions.
Bamboo This plant is actually a grass and has been a hot topic in decorating lately. Known for its strength and durability, it is also very lightweight in comparison. It grows at incredible speed, which makes it an excellent renewable resource, especially when it comes to replacing wood. Bamboo can grow up to two feet per day and can be harvested every four years, whereas an oak tree takes 120 years to mature! And while bamboo forests are the natural habitats for animals like the Giant Panda, bamboo harvested for building purposes is cultivated separately. You can use bamboo for flooring, countertops, furniture and other kitchen accessories.
Cork Harvested from the cork oak tree, this natural resource comes from the only tree whose bark regenerates after each harvest. The tree is unharmed, and the bark can be harvested again every nine years. Cork is very popular for its softness and resiliency. Made up of tiny, sealed air pockets, using cork for flooring is easier on the legs and back, especially somewhere like the kitchen where you're mostly on your feet. Cork also provides an excellent thermal insulator, perfect for keeping energy costs down. If you're considering installing cork flooring in the kitchen, make sure to use a proper sealant to waterproof the surface.
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Marmoleum Linoleum has gotten a bad rap as the cheap, poorly made, plasticky material that lines outdated kitchens around the country. Marmoleum is here to change that. Its name comes from the fact that it is marble-coated linoleum. But it's so much more than that. The folks at TreeHugger.com break down the marmoleum-making process beautifully. Using ingredients including cork, linseed oil and pine rosins, these sheets of 100% biodegradable flooring are made. Excellent for homes where allergies are a concern, marmoleum is easy to clean, very durable and comes in a myriad of fun colors and shapes. The ultimate choice for green homes, its life cycle is completely eco-friendly.
Recycled Glass Simply another way to reduce the amount waste on this planet, recycled glass has many purposes in your kitchen and home. Some artists and glass companies use recycled glass to make plates, bowls, cups and other kitchen necessities. But for decorating, one of the prettiest options is recycled glass tile. The multicolored options can be arranged in large tiles or tiny pieces for mosaics. Recycled glass is a beautiful option for a kitchen or bathroom and a simple way to add color.
Appliances Think about the number of appliances you have running in the kitchen on any given night. Microwave, toaster oven, refrigerator, freezer, stove, dishwasher. That's a whole lot of energy. If you haven't replaced your kitchen appliances in a while, many companies have changed their policies and the overall makeup of appliances to make them more energy efficient.
When shopping for new kitchen appliances, look for the Energy Star approval. Their symbol looks like this:
. Their website has a comprehensive list of home appliances that could qualify for the Energy Star seal and what they have to do to comply. According to their website, buying an Energy Star dishwasher will save you more than $30 a year since it uses less water than conventional dishwashers and uses 41 percent less energy. A new refrigerator or freezer with Energy Star approval uses 10 to 15 percent less energy than government requirements. This is 40 percent less energy than models from 2001.
The leader in energy-efficient appliances is GE, whose ecomagination standards weave through the entire company. Their refrigerators, freezers, washers and other appliances are Energy Star qualified. In fact, they won the 2006 Energy Star Award for sustained excellence. Take a look at some of their energy-efficient appliances here. Natural Home magazine also put together an extremely helpful piece about energy-efficient appliances and you can see the PDF here.
Before you buy, check out the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy and the Green Home Guide with advice and reviews from professionals and other Green Home aspirers.
Eating
No longer does Eating Green simply mean that you should eat all your spinach. With the help of organic grocery stores like Whole Foods and Wild Oats, eating organic and supporting local agriculture isn't as difficult as it used to be. If you are unfamiliar with the basics of Sustainable Agriculture and Eating Organic, Recipe4Living is an excellent resource.
Living a green lifestyle is about incorporating all aspects of your life into an eco-friendly, energy-efficient, good-to-the-earth way of life. And though it sounds like a mouthful and you may think it's more trouble than it's worth, just think of something as simple as a breath of fresh air. That breath of fresh air may be jeopardized if we don't take better care of this planet. And why not start with your kitchen?
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