Have you been asking yourself why your kitchen is so important?

Well, from the food we eat to the metal and materials that make our utensils, there is not one thing in our kitchen equipment that has not been extracted from the planet.

With this in mind, you might have already realized the importance of preserving the resources of Mother Earth when it comes to how you run your kitchen. When it comes to creating a sustainable kitchen, there are plenty of small swaps you can make to improve your space's green credentials. However, using less cling film and making sure your recycling is sorted properly only goes so far if sustainability hasn't been considered at the outset of your kitchen design. 

From home care products to recycling and even the type of kitchen flooring you choose, there are many ways to make an eco-friendly kitchen. You probably already do your best to recycle and compost stuff around your kitchen. Now you’re looking to start using eco-friendly kitchen products to make your home even more environmentally conscious.

Admittedly, this isn’t always easy. But with a few swaps here and there you can do it. With this in mind, we've pulled together our top ideas for ensuring your kitchen project is eco-friendly, from finding a green kitchen company to the latest smart tech that will reduce your home's energy consumption. 

GO GREEN WITH SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

One of the easiest ways to make a major statement in a kitchen or bathroom is by installing a stunning countertop that becomes the focal point of the room. But some of the most popular materials for countertops are not-so-eco-friendly and some come with a handful of health risks. Granite, for example, is a non-renewable resource and often has to travel long distances; plus, if not sealed properly, it can off-gas radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas (yikes). Porous surfaces, like concrete and some unsealed wood, can harbor bacteria.

If you’re building a new house or renovating a room or two, as an eco-conscious consumer, of course, you want everything to be as environmentally friendly as possible, from the heating to the lighting. Traditionally, kitchen and bathroom countertops are made from damaging materials such as plastic laminate, but luckily there are now plenty of eco-friendly countertops available. Fortunately, common countertop materials aren’t the only options for making a breathtaking statement! Plenty of eco-friendly, recycled, and nontoxic options are available, and they’re equally as gorgeous as their conventional counterparts—maybe even more so. You’re sure to find a sustainable countertop that catches your eye

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so you must keep this area clean. Use eco-friendly products to avoid harsh chemicals and protect our natural resources for future generations.

• Use baking soda as a gentle abrasive in tough spots like stains on counters or inside ovens; vinegar can be used to wipe down stainless steel because its acid reacts with metal surfaces quickly without any harmful effects; lemon juice works well when mixed with water at removing grease from stovetops and grates--and castile soap leaves dishes sparkling clean while neutralizing odors.

SUSTAINABLE KITCHEN CABINETS

In today's modern world, there are plenty of sustainable kitchen cabinets to choose from. What you want is simple: attractive cabinetry built from sustainable materials in a variety of styles and colors to choose from. The good news: your options are practically limitless. Sustainable kitchen cabinets are a great way to get the look you want without breaking your budget. Custom cabinet refacing could be a more cost-effective and sustainable way to update the look of kitchens without completely remodeling them. With cabinetry built with sustainable materials in your mind, it is important to consider what materials were used in its creation. While solid wood provides durability and a natural feel that is aesthetically pleasing, alternative materials such as wheatboard or plywood have nontoxic finishes to ensure safety as well.

ECO-FRIENDLY FLOORING

If you want durable and beautiful flooring made from natural, renewable resources, consider linoleum or cork, which are extremely resilient. Both are made from renewable resources that can be installed in your kitchen to match their color scheme with either patterned tiles or a more subtle hue. Linoleum is crafted from natural, renewable resources such as wood pulp with an outer layer of vinyl to make it resistant to scratches and spills. It is soft underfoot while also being tough enough for high-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms; it is perfect if you are looking for long-term durability without compromising on aesthetics. Cork panel floors give off the same warm feeling of wood but do not require constant maintenance as laminate does – they will resist scratches, water damage, and mold growth. You get all the benefits of natural materials at an affordable price.

• Eco-friendly flooring helps reduce indoor pollutant levels. In addition to the health benefits that eco-friendly flooring offers, there are many environmental concerns that they address. Not only do they add beauty to your home without the addition of harmful chemicals, but these floorings are also processed without harming the environment.

WATER SAVING FEATURES

When it comes to choosing kitchen fixtures for your home, many different choices will help you save money and reduce environmental impact. For example, opting for faucets with aerators that inject air bubbles into the water stream can deliver pressure similar to a standard fixture while using less volume of water. Recirculation pumps keep hot water at the tap and save hundreds of gallons per year by eliminating running cold or lukewarm taps until it heats up. Tankless heaters also take advantage of this system saving 10% to 20% less energy and conserving more water. Another idea is to install a water filter to reduce the number of plastic bottles you use for drinking water. Consider upgrading your sink faucets to touch-free and automatic shut-off for a more convenient, easy way of saving water. Be sure your plumbing fixtures have Water Sense labels as well to conserve water usage without sacrificing any of its quality.

• Saving water protects the water supply which also protects the balance of life on earth. The overuse of water can directly or indirectly alter the habitat of fish, as well as numerous other life forms. Reducing our use of water also helps to reduce pollution and conserve fuel resources.

RECYCLING

Think about recycled materials, the possibilities for eco-friendly kitchen decorating are endless with reusing and recycling. We know that recycling materials are key for getting them out of landfills and minimizing the amount we have to deal with. Glass or metal items can be used as storage vessels or utensils. Reusable beeswax wraps are a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to plastic wraps. Beeswax is renewable and can be reused indefinitely whereas the production of plastics for food storage usually ends up in landfills or oceans where it takes decades to decompose. Refurbish old pieces to create a one-of-a-kind piece or reuse an item in another way. One of the best ways you can create eco-friendly designs in your kitchen, for example, is by making use of reclaimed wood furniture or even old wine barrels as table bases with a custom wooden top. From the products that are made out of quartz slabs, to the glass tiles made with recycled "ingredients," there are several ways you can go green in your kitchen. Think about using these resources when it comes time for design and decor decisions - not only will this help save our environment but also create an artful style piece for your home as well. Many companies have taken this commitment seriously by dedicating lines and brands to eco-conscious consumers because it uses less energy than manufacturing virgin materials. Reusable grocery totes are a great way to reduce the number of plastic bags in your home and ensure that you're not contributing to unnecessary waste. These types of reusable shopping totes come with their advantages, including being made from natural materials like cotton or hemp which means they can be easily washed between trips to the store for quick storage when on the go. You could also purchase fabric inserts so that these cloth containers don't leak if tipped over.

• Did you know recycling can cut carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change? If we were to fully recycle the 20 million tons of household recyclables that are thrown in the trash, we would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 96 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. We’d achieve the same effect as taking more than 20 million cars off U.S. highways – all from recycling!

IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

One of the important things to consider is the quality of air circulating in your home. Since we spend most of our time in the house, making sure that it is clean and healthy should be priority number one. One simple way to improve your home's overall air quality would be by installing a range hood in your kitchen or living room. Smoke lingers around cooking areas for long periods after using them; this will not only make food taste bad but also cause harmful substances like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide to enter your respiratory system through inhalation if left unchecked. Closed-off walls and windows can be a problem for ventilation. This device ensures that your kitchen stays well-ventilated by providing air in all directions so you do not have to worry about heat sources such as ovens or stoves.

With today's homes being built more energy efficient, proper ventilation becomes even more necessary. Ideally located within kitchens or near major sources of heat/smoke emission such as ovens or fireplaces; vents can also have charcoal filters installed inside them while exhaust fans pull smoke out through windows.

• Improved air quality aids children’s lung function and development. 09 Healthy indoor air reduces asthma and allergy triggers. 10 Improving air quality has benefits not only for our health but for our planet in reducing climate change.

ADD SOME LIVING PLANTS TO YOUR SPACE

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of their home; it is where family and friends gather to cook and share meals. The lack of greenery in kitchens can leave them feeling sterile and uninviting. Homeowners and designers alike have turned to add greenery around the perimeter of their kitchens with great success. Not only will they bring greenery into your space, but they'll also help purify the air inside of your home and lend an organic touch to any room in need of some life. Chemical air fresheners can expose you to toxins and allergens. To avoid this, our favorite options include simmering spices or aromatic plant oils on the stove, dropping a slice of lemon down the food waste disposer, or using houseplants to purify indoor air. When you bring a plant home, it brings life and happiness into your house. There are so many benefits to having plants in the kitchen. Plants can help lower stress levels at home while also improving sleep quality and fighting colds. They have been shown to improve focus as well as the general well-being of people who have them around their homes. From green walls that provide natural air purification by removing carbon dioxide from the air while at the same time giving off oxygen, to plants on your countertops that can help reduce stress levels, there are advantages for everyone, and you'll be able to enjoy fresh air without having to go outside.

Designing a sustainable kitchen is not just about the appliances you install; you want it to be timeless and comfortable for years. When planning your new kitchen design make sure that everything in their suits your needs now as well as what might need changing 20 or 30 years down the road. You also don't need any major work done on the house during this time frame so anyone can use your space without feeling awkward or uncomfortable.

"The benefits of going green are endless and doing just a few eco-friendly design elements in your new kitchen can make all the difference - for the planet, your wallet, and even your health."