It's EASY being Green!

Whether your designing your new dream kitchen from scratch or  just updating your current one, "going green" doesn't have to be extremely expensive or consist of impossibly unattainable or unsustainable life changes.  Developing an Eco-friendly kitchen can be great way of taking little steps towards shrinking the huge footprint created and negative toll taken by the average home on the environment.  The online article from Better Homes & Gardens titled, "Eco-friendly Kitchen Ideas", list 21 easy steps you can take in becoming are more sustainable, earth friendly family and home.  Here are just a few...

• Use Low or NO VOC paints and stains when refinishing or repainting that do not pollute thru off-gassing
• Select building materials such as cabinets and flooring that do not contain toxins such as formaldehyde
• Add potted plants, greenery or even an herb garden to help contribute to indoor air quality by acting as a natural air filter and release oxygen.

• Select water saving faucets and fixture to help reduce water waste. (A water flow rate of 2.2 gallons of water per min. or under is suggested)

 

• Choose and install appliances that conserve energy and labeled with such certified agencies such as "Energy Star" that follow and meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the E.P.A.

 

 

• Use natural material such as wood, cork and linoleum that don't contribute to toxic off-gassing or have a large manufacturing foot print.