Go 'Green' in Your Kitchen and Help Rescue the Planet!

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.