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Making eco-friendly choices is important for protecting the planet and creating a healthier environment for future generations. If you’re starting a kitchen remodeling project, you might be wondering how you can keep the process environmentally conscious. The following design ideas will reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to your home’s energy efficiency. 

How to Create an Environmentally Friendly Kitchen

1. Choose Sustainable Materials

Use sustainable materials such as cork for kitchen flooring. It’s hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and mold- and mildew-resistant, making it an ideal material for high-traffic kitchens. Cork also requires little maintenance. Other environmentally friendly flooring options include bamboo and reclaimed hardwood.

You should also pick countertop materials that have little to no impact on the environment, such as quartz. This choice causes less environmental stress than granite, but choose an option that doesn’t require a chemical finish. Reclaimed materials like recycled glass can also work well for kitchen surfaces. 

2. Choose Appliances With the Energy Star® Label

kitchen remodelingInvest in stainless steel appliances featuring the Energy Star® label to reduce monthly energy outputs and related costs. Look for those labeled “Most Efficient” to save even more energy and money.

Also, consider adding aerator faucets and showerheads to your product list. These features add air bubbles to water so that you use less of the precious resource without compromising pressure. 

3. Add a Skylight

Consider adding a skylight to your kitchen. This feature adds significant natural light to the space, reducing reliance on artificial light sources and lowering energy costs. An open skylight can also allow rising heat to escape and minimize HVAC usage.

If you don’t want light flooding the room all the time, add a retractable shade. The feature is quite versatile and can be an attractive selling point if you ever put the property on the market.

 

Discuss eco-friendly kitchen remodeling ideas with the contractors at Milano Dezign and Build. Call (973) 980-5335 to start your kitchen remodeling project, or visit the website for inspiration.

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