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Drinking water, cooking food, and generating electricity are essential activities in any home. But what happens when these three collide and your kitchen becomes the epicentre of sustainability? The average UK household uses around 2,900 kWh of electricity a year, with most appliances being left on standby when not in use.
For many, kitchens are considered the most important room of any house. It is where family and friends meet over meals or simply chat about their day. It's a central point for gatherings with loved ones. While it is crucial to make your kitchen look beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, it's even more essential that you create a sustainable one.
Introduction to Eco Friendly Kitchen
An eco friendly kitchen is a space for cooking, baking, and eating that promotes sustainable living. It uses natural materials as opposed to synthetic ones, which could be harmful to the environment. The main goal of an eco-friendly kitchen is to reduce waste while saving energy and water consumption.
The design usually contains a few key elements. There's usually an open floor plan to allow for natural light and airflow, countertops made of sustainable materials such as bamboo or cork, low-flow faucets and appliances, energy efficient lighting, and storage that utilizes vertical space.
Importance of Creating a Sustainable Kitchen Design
Imagine a completely self-sufficient kitchen - it doesn't need to use electricity or gas. There is no carbon footprint, and there's an abundance of fresh air flowing through the space. These are some of the benefits of having a sustainable kitchen design.
It's not only about the environment, though. A sustainable kitchen is healthier for you and your family. Toxic materials such as formaldehyde are often found in traditional kitchens. These harmful chemicals can cause respiratory problems and skin irritations.
In addition, sustainable kitchens cost less money to run and maintain since they use natural resources such as sunlight or rainwater instead of relying on a power grid. This means that you won't spend extra energy on electrical appliances or water heating.
What Type of Materials Are Used in a Sustainable Kitchen?
A green or sustainable kitchen is made of natural materials that come from the earth. This means that no harmful toxins are released into the environment when they're being manufactured or disposed of. If you're looking for some sustainable kitchen ideas, it's best to start with the materials you'll be using.
Bamboo and Cork
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These eco-friendly materials are both sustainable and renewable resources. Bamboo is known for its strength and durability, while cork has a more modern look that's easy to clean.
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Reclaimed Wood
Photo by Dominika Roseclay from Pexels
Reclaimed wood is also a popular choice among homeowners who want an eco-friendly kitchen design because it's eco-conscious and eco-friendly. Reclaimed wood comes from old buildings or trees that have been cut down and put back together to create new pieces of furniture or appliances for your home.
Concrete and Glass Countertops
Eco-friendly kitchen countertops can be made from concrete, glass, or recycled materials such as plastic bottles. Concrete is a popular choice because it's durable and can be customized in any colour or style. Glass countertops are sleek and easy to clean but can be expensive. Recycled plastic bottles can be made into colourful countertops that are eco-friendly and affordable.
While concrete is not a natural material, it can be made with fly ash, a by-product of coal-burning power plants. Fly ash is an eco-friendly material used to make concrete stronger and more durable.
Stone
Natural stone is another top choice for eco-friendly kitchen countertops, floors, and walls. Stone is durable and can be quarried without damaging the environment. It's also easy to clean and maintain.
Metal
There are a few different types of metal that can be used in eco-friendly kitchen designs. Stainless steel is a popular option because it's durable and doesn't corrode. It also contains chromium, which makes it resistant to rusting. Brass is another option. It's made of 85% recycled materials, and it doesn't corrode or tarnish over time.
Why Do Energy-Efficient Appliances Matter for a Greener Future?
Traditional appliances are one of the biggest energy drains in the home. They can use up to 50% of the home's energy, and that number will only increase in the foreseeable future. In order to have a sustainable kitchen, it's essential to use eco-friendly appliances.
While the initial cost of eco-friendly appliances may be more expensive, they save you money in the long run by using less energy. Many of these appliances are also designed to last longer than traditional models, so you won't need to replace them as often.
Energy-saving and eco-friendly appliances also reduce your carbon footprint and help preserve natural resources like water and electricity for future generations. You can find eco-friendly refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, stoves, microwaves, washing machines - even eco-toilets!
The Estimated Price Range of Building a Sustainable Kitchen
Sustainable kitchens are all the rage these days. But what does it actually cost to have one of your very own? According to recent surveys, the average price range for building a sustainable kitchen in the UK falls somewhere between £7,000 and £10,000. Of course, this price can vary depending on the size and complexity of your project.
Typically, eco-friendly appliances cost 15% more than those found in a traditional home. However, the added cost can make up for itself within just three years by saving you money on your energy bills. At the end of the day, it's important to remember that eco-friendly kitchens are about more than just the environment - they're about creating a healthier and more sustainable home for you and your family.
Examples of Eco Friendly Kitchen Designs
Convinced? If you're looking forward to building your eco-friendly kitchen, here are some examples of eco friendly design ideas that you can use as inspiration. Each one is unique and has a different style to fit any taste. Check them out!
Keep it Simple and Minimal
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You don't need fancy designs to have an eco-friendly home. Keep it simple and minimal with these eco-friendly tips:
Choose lighting that uses less energy, like CFL bulbs or LED lights
Opt for eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo cabinets and recycled countertops
Use natural light whenever possible by installing skylights or windows
Install a programmable thermostat to save energy on your heating and cooling bills
Add Some Plants
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Adding plants to your kitchen is a great way to make it more eco-friendly. Plants can help purify the air in your home and add some colour to an otherwise dull space.
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Add Some Green Surfaces
Green countertops are becoming increasingly popular because they're both beautiful and sustainable. You can use salvaged wood to create a countertop or buy one made out of recycled glass.
Go for a Rustic Look
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If you want a kitchen with a rustic look, try using reclaimed materials in your design. Reclaimed wood is popular because it's durable and has a beautiful natural patina. You can also use recycled metal to create an industrial look.
Choose Natural Materials
When choosing materials for your eco-friendly kitchen, try for natural materials whenever possible. They're durable, sustainable, and often beautiful. Some popular choices include bamboo, cork, stone, and wood.
In Conclusion
There are many ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly. By using some of these tips, you can create a sustainable space that's perfect for cooking up delicious (and eco-friendly) meals. You can have an eco-friendly kitchen without sacrificing style and comfort. With some careful planning, you can design a space that's both sustainable and beautiful!
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If you need further inspiration on decorating each room in your home sustainably, download our free Sustainable Home Guide here.
Thanks for reading!
Love,
Barbulianno x
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