3 Materials to use in your kitchen to promote eco-friendliness. Consider these environmentally responsible

alternatives and help save our planet's resources...

Top 3 Materials to Use In Your Kitchen For Environmentally Friendliness

With the idea of going green constantly growing in popularity, the need for eco-friendly kitchen materials

is ever increasing. Whether it is sustainable floors, energy star rated appliances, or counter tops made

from recycled materials, we all want to do our part to cut down on our carbon footprint. Here are a few of

the most popular eco-friendly materials that can make your

kitchen more eco-friendly so you can do your part to help improve the environment.

First, consider using bamboo. While the most commonly used floors in most kitchens are tile, vinyl or even

hardwood, bamboo is quickly growing in popularity as sustainable alternatives. While forests are being depleted

in an effort to meet the construction markets demand for hardwood, bamboo is an environmentally friendly

alternative. Bamboo grows so quickly that the amount that is harvested to make one floor is quickly replaced

within a short amount of time. The same root system can supply a never ending supply of bamboo which eliminates

the need to re-plant trees.

Second, consider recyclable countertops. While granite may be one of the most popular materials used for

countertops in the kitchen, the use of recycled materials is quickly gaining ground. With the choice of glass,

end grain bamboo, paper or even aluminum you can find a look that makes your kitchen unique while being

environmentally friendly at the same time. Glass counters are made up of recycled glass from a variety of

sources, most commonly bottles that would have normally ended up in the landfill. End grain bamboo is

environmentally friendly because it is renewable. Paper counters are made from consumer paper waste

that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Aluminum is also a popular product as it can

be used for both counters and sinks. All are made from recycled materials that can be recycled yet again

once they reach the end of their usefulness.

Lastly, consider only energy savvy appliances. While they may not be made from renewable sources, they can

help you decrease your carbon footprint. Energy star appliances use much less energy than their unrated

counterparts, which makes them much more affordable to run. But this savings is not without a cost.

Electric-induction cooktops have also found their way into many homes as an environmental alternative.

These cooktops heat your food by transferring the electromagnetic energy directly to the pan which allows

it to use half the energy of its less expensive electric counterparts. Dishwashers are also joining the

realm of being energy savvy. Unless you have the free time to wash every dish by hand that your family uses,

odds are your dishwasher is one of the most prized appliances in your kitchen. Models now exist that utilize

less water than handwashing. The only downside is the energy efficient appliances usually cost more than the

unrated counterparts, but their savings more than make up for the initial cost.

These are just a few of the popular environmentally friendly materials that you can use in your kitchen.

Consider using sustainable products for your floors and recycled products for your counters and you will

be on your way to having the most unique kitchen on the block while helping to reduce your effects on the

environment at the same time.