Green Kitchen Design - Things To Know
I think I'll throw out some random and useful information about designing green kitchens. These are not in any particular order, but are categorized for easy reference to get one started thinking about incorporating green kitchen design, and overall green principles.
My goal is to keep it simple! Here's why. At this point, (nearly) none of my clients, nor potential clients, are asking questions about designing a green kitchen. They are very busy people, that I know. For many, there is not much time left, with active jobs and families, to become aware of, and accumulate (quickly/easily understandable) knowledge on this issue and how it relates to the kitchen they are thinking about remodeling. Of course, it is important that the "big picture" of sustainable design has a chance to go hand in hand with one's own plans to remodel the kitchen. That's where I come in! Let's take a look at some of these principles which can be easily implemented toward designing green kitchens.
Appliances
So easy. Two words: Energy Star. Household products are awarded Energy status when they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. It's making a difference..."Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2006 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million cars — all while saving $14 billion on their utility bills." Quite impressive.
Reducing consumption of our natural resources, thus, conserving water AND energy, merits understanding and knowledge of this issue, even for those who live in areas where the water supply is not an issue...yet. Why conserve water?
Two handy products in the kitchen to help conserve water are: a foot pedal to prevent water from running needlessly and hands-free sensor faucets, also, to use water only when it's needed. Water savings are significant with these products.
Lighting Tips - Take a look, and also take a good look at this great article from Treehugger on How to Green Your Lighting. And, here's a great chart to tell you exactly what to look for, as you transition your lighting from incandescent watts to flourescent lighting. Start with one light and see the difference. Flourescents are not as disappointing as they used to be. LED lights are what you want to look for, for under cabinet lighting.
Ways To Save Energy In The Kitchen
I think that's enough to get you going in the right direction! Tell me what you know, or what you've learned, I'd love to hear.
Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 07:33AM
Reader Comments (7)
This is totally unrelated but I'm bounding all over trying to figure this out and thought maybe you could tell me easily. I'm about to order cabinet pulls for my kitchen, and the ones I want come in a 3.5 inch and 3 inch size. Is one of those standard? (Measurements are center to center)
THANK YOU!
It's hard to say what's standard anymore. If you want to see if you have ample choices in each size, google "3 1/2" pulls" and "3" pulls" and see what you come up with, that should do it for you.
Oh, I found one I like:
http://www.hickoryhardware.com/sellsheets/Studio.pdf
I'm just deciding between the two!
Hi Susan,
Wonderful tips. Perfect snippet of facts. The one thing I have yet to love, is LED lighting for under cabinet use. I have tried it once before as under cabinet task lighting. I wasn't happy with the level of lighting for a "task light". It was more of an accent glow. Maybe if you have more resources you can share as they become available you can pass them on here.
Good job with the Week of Green Design Tips!
Laurie, I sure will pass them on as I find ones that I like. Thanks for the comment!
Great ideas here - I was wondering if you knew anything about composters? I've heard of one that you can install in your kitchen that produces pellets for easy distribution in the garden - any insights into who might make this? Thanks!
Sal, sorry, this is something I am not familiar with. If I find further information on it, I'll let you know. It sounds very efficient, and I'm a gardener, so I'll be on the look out.