Green Kitchen Renovations

Starting a green remodeling project isn't always simple when selecting products and appliances that can outlast and use less energy than products that perform the same and have a lower initial cost.

Fortunately recent trends and an expanding market is helping to lower costs, making it easier to have a green kitchen at a reasonable price.

Green Flooring

Bamboo Flooring

Unlike most hardwood floors, bamboo is not produced from a tree but an extremely fast growing grass.  Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth, it grows 1/3rd faster than the fastest growing trees and can be harvested every 3 to 5 years versus traditional hardwoods that are harvested every 40 to 50 years.

Bamboo flooring combines the inherent renewable characteristics of bamboo, with low emission glues and surface coatings.  This combination has created a new, and unique environmentally friendly flooring option.

Bamboo is a very durable natural flooring and is produces a harder surface than maple and oak flooring.  Bamboo also absorbs more finish below the surface than oak and its not as easy to scratch as oak or maple.  During the manufacturing process almost all of the bamboo shoot is utilized.  The material that is too small to make flooring planks is used for paper, chopsticks, and toothpicks.
Natural Linoleum

Natural linoleum is an all natural product that produces no harmful VOC's and is asthma and allergy friendly certified and also SMART certified as a sustainable product.  The natural bactericidal properties of natural linoleum prevent micro-organisms including Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus Aureus from multiplying by a process of continual oxidation of linseed oil.

Unlike carpeting, stains will not sink in, stain, and natural linoleum requires nothing more than a dust or damp mop every so often.  The anti-static properties will not only reduce the potential for electric shock, they also make the floor easier to clean, because dust and dirt will not adhear to it.

With such a large variety of color choices, you can design patterns by mixing colors, insets, and borders to create a totally unique living space.
Cork Flooring

Cork flooring has been used for years, however it has only recently been manufactured as consumer friendly tiles and planks with snapping lock joints.  The increased awareness of

environmental issues has led consumers to consider cork as a flooring option.

Cork provides natural thermal insulation and preserves energy and can cut heating bills in half, it is also hypoallergenic and antistatic so it is a great choice for allergy and asthma sufferers.  Cork also has the ability to absorb sound and is ideal for apartments with neighbors above and below.

Green Countertops

Recycled or sustainable materials, low-toxicity binders, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes are being used combining recycled paper, recycled glass, reclaimed fly ash, and cement to create a very durable countertop similar to limestone and soapstone.

Some manufacturing companies are creating a product that consists of renewable bamboo fiber, post-consumer recycled paper, and water-based resin glue, and another option is created with 85% recycled glass.

Green Cabinets

Similar to Energy Star, the Forest Stewardship Council has set standards that creates areas for sustainable forestry throughout different bio-geographic regions of the United States.  Cabinets created using formaldehyde-free glues and finishes with low volatile organic compounds and FSC certified lumber will produces little or no toxic fumes and provide a sustainable solution to an area of the kitchen you typically wouldn't imagine going green.

Cabinet boxes are also being manufactured with wheat board and straw board.  They are created with agricultural  waste left over from farmers' wheat crops.  They also feature formaldehyde-free binders, are durable and rated to exceed the standards set by the American National Standards Institute for the common cabinet box material, medium density particle boards.

Simple Ways to Convert your Green Kitchen

If you are in the process of planning a greener kitchen or if you can't decided to make the investment just yet, here are a few ideas to create a greener kitchen without major renovations or planning.

Adding energy efficient fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) that will use 50% to 90% less energy than similar incandescent are estimated to save $30 to $40 during their lifespan of 10,000 hours over similar conventional bulbs.

Installing an under the counter water purifier that cleans water of contaminants before it reaches your tap has about 10 times the filtering capacity of faucet mounted purifiers.  It will also remove odors and bad taste, heavy metals, bacteria, and pesticides.

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to convert your green kitchen.  You can simply use a recycling bin, convert an existing cabinet into a space to store your recepticle, or you can install a pull-out cabinet that will hold your bins and will keep the contents organized and out of sight.

Greener Appliances

Everyone knows that Energy Star appliances reduce energy consumption and cuts the cost on utilities but if you are on a tight budget after a recent kitchen upgrade, replacing your dishwasher and refrigerator should be the first appliances to be replaced.

Energy saving or quick wash cycle dishwashers operate for shorter periods of time, saving water and energy.  Dishwashers that include an air-dry option will dry dishes with circulation fans rather than energy draining heating elements.

A refrigerator with improved insulating techniques are estimated around 75% more energy efficient than older refrigerators.  A standard newer model will save you around $100 per year versus a model built around 20 years ago, adding an energy-star labeled model will save an additional $20 to $30 per year.  Models with the freezer on top also use 10% to 25% less energy than a similar sized side by side model.

Kitchen rehab projects and Kitchen Design, Construction and Remodeling Solutions. Our kitchen remodeling projects are priced desirably, and include labor, materials and permits. We can supply several written estimates based on different plans, designs and options. A comprehensive kitchen renovation and modernization doesn´t need to cost a small fortune or go beyond the means of most homeowners.

Dark grey slate tiles provide a contrast to the simple clean lines of the white cabinetry in this modern kitchen design. In addition to the hit of color, the large size and natural finish of these tiles bring much-needed texture to the space.

No two backsplashes need be alike. Kitchen backsplashes can be created from a variety of different materials. Marble, granite, ceramic tile, glass, stainless steel...the possibilities are endless. Find the Pictures - Kitchen Backsplash Ideas you are looking for. From high-end custom backsplashes to budget-friendly designs you can put together yourself, this gallery of kitchen backsplash photos is free for the viewing.

Earthgroup is now offering materials for your kitchen remodel that are environmentally friendly!

If you have a question about eco-friendly kitchen remodeling or would like to schedule your free in-home estimate, please call our office at: (773)  930-4533  email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or simply fill out an online estimate form for a free in-home consultation.