A kitchen makeover transforms the feel of your home and energizes you to cook and spend more time in the kitchen.

However, when renovating your kitchen, it’s important to focus not just on aesthetics but also the impact it’ll create on the environment.

Here’s a list of tips to help you create a more eco-friendly kitchen.


Find Eco-Friendly Materials

Before renovating your kitchen, carefully choose materials and make sure you know how those will affect the environment.

As much as possible, stick with sustainable materials. This includes using eco-friendly countertops (made from recycled paper, glass and other items), along with environmentally green sinks and faucets. Using recycled appliances (such as those found in a thrift store) can also help the environment.

Choose sustainable countertops, such as this one made from recycled paper. (DepositPhotos)

If you are unsure about the materials, ask for full disclosure. Stick with durable materials, too. Products that last are more likely to minimize future waste from replacement.


Build Sustainable Cabinets

In addition to choosing eco-friendly materials, consider using non-toxic, sustainable cabinets in your new kitchen.

Avoid using formaldehyde, which has cancer-causing properties and releases harmful gases into the air even after it dries.

Choose formaldehyde-free woods, recycled concrete, reclaimed wood or wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Before purchasing, or building cabinets, make sure the materials are non-toxic.

Consider taking inspiration from contemporary Amish furniture. Mostly made of wood, Amish kitchen furniture, is durable and sustainable.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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