People are paying more attention to how their lives impact the environment. From carbon footprint tracking to making eco-friendly transport choices, we’re moving steadily toward a more sustainable future. That’s not just good for the planet, but great for future generations.
This mindfulness of the environment extends into our homes too. When designing a new beautiful kitchen, there’s always space to consider making it as eco-friendly as possible.
That doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style. Gone are the ugly eco-friendly materials of the past. Here to stay are stunning sustainable materials that don’t damage your aesthetic.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Energy Consumption
A major long-term factor between your kitchen and the environment is how much energy you consume and in what way. Energy efficiency is, arguably, one of the best ways that individuals can affect their impact on the environment.
When designing a new kitchen, that typically means paying attention to the structure of the room (the foundations and insulation around it), the materials that you use (and the energy it takes to create them), and the appliances that you’ll use within it.
It’s the latter option that you have the most control over, and suppliers now display efficiency ratings clearly in an accessible way. If you’re really shopping around, you might find that you need to use a kw to amps converter if you spot an electrical measurement you’re not familiar with.
Eco-Friendly Materials
No more ugly recycled/upcycled materials of the past. The modern market now has plenty of options for your base units, your trims, your decor, and your work surfaces. Materials that are recycled look just as stunning as their newly created counterparts.
You’ll find more suppliers offering sustainable wood alternatives that previously were less well-known. Options such as cork, bamboo, and even recycled glass are being used as countertops in kitchens with beautiful designs. Reclaimed wood is an excellent choice when you’re fitting flooring and cabinets.
Some people opt for wood that has been reclaimed from specific sources, such as scaffolding boards or old doors. These pieces make for a great aesthetic and look chic.
Waste Reduction
Once you’re in your new kitchen, the fight to reduce waste and save the environment doesn’t stop. At this point, you’re able to weave certain eco-friendly activities into your daily life. Composting is a great way to support your garden and massively reduce food waste. Recycle your food scraps, reduce odor from your bin, and grow vibrant plants! What’s not to love?
You should also aim to make the process of recycling as easy as possible within your kitchen design. Make recycling second nature for your whole family by creating a dedicated space for recycling bins.
Waste Reduction
Bringing Nature Inside
Where possible, maximize the amount of natural light in your kitchen. This will reduce the amount of energy you spend on artificial lighting, saving you money
It’s not just light you should be bringing in, decorate your space with some indoor plants to improve your air quality and add a verdant touch to the room. If you’re a keen cook, you might even consider a small herb garden. They don’t require much space and are a tasty way to bring life into your cooking.
Key Takeaways
There are lots of eco-friendly decisions that you can make along the way when designing a new kitchen, but that’s not where your sustainable lifestyle ends. Continue the practice in your daily life as you enjoy the new space, share your values with loved ones, and together we can help our planet to heal.
- If you’ve got the ability and budget, start with the actual structure of your home. This will have the biggest impact on your energy usage.
- Eco-friendly doesn’t mean unappealing. There are some stunning environmentally-conscious options out there.
- Plants, herbs, and flowers are a great way to bring the outside in and improve the ambiance of your kitchen.
