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March 17, 2010  |  Login
Your Green Kitchen Remodel: 10 Essential Projects
By Eric Corey Freed
 

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Unfortunately, older homes have small, utilitarian kitchens not designed for socializing.

Consider these green features in your kitchen remodel:

  • Built-in recycling center: Set aside space for recycling and composting bins to encourage their use.
  • Energy Star dishwasher and refrigerator: These two appliances consume more energy than any other. Find the most energy-efficient models available.
  • Flow reducer: Save water without sacrificing water pressure with an inexpensive flow reducer.
  • Formaldehyde-free materials: Most cabinetry is made with cheap plywood held together with formaldehyde. Select formaldehyde-free wood instead.
  • FSC-certified trim: Choose sustainably harvested wood that is stamped from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

  • Low-VOC interior paint: Stay healthy with low- or no-VOC paints.
  • Range vented outside: Carry the cooking fumes outside to keep the air fresh.
  • Recycled-content tile: Gorgeous choices in tile are available with recycled metals, glass, and ceramics.
  • Sustainable flooring: Cork and linoleum are durable and comfortable flooring choices for your kitchen.
  • Upgraded insulation: While remodeling your kitchen, insulate the existing walls.
Because most of the energy in the home is consumed in the kitchen, these energy-saving suggestions will significantly reduce your monthly utility bills.

A Checklist For Remodeling Your Kitchen

Finish materials (see Other Home Finishes):
  • Use low-/no-VOC paint.
  • Use low-/no-VOC adhesives.
  • Use low-/no-VOC sealers.
  • Use formaldehyde-free cabinetry.
  • Use FSC-certified wood.
  • Use finger-jointed trim, where small pieces of wood are joined together to form a long length of trim.
  • Replace vinyl with rapidly renewable flooring, like cork or linoleum.
  • Use recycled-content glass or ceramic tiles.
  • Vent range hood to outside.

Framing (see Wood Framing):

  • Salvage materials from demolition.
  • Use engineered lumber.
  • Use FSC-certified wood for framing.
  ....read more
 
 

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