You have your eco-friendly countertops, cabinets, and backsplash all picked out and maybe even installed. Awesome, you are well on your way to a sustainable, green kitchen. Take some time to revel in your accomplishments and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
Now it is time to tackle even more of your kitchen. Starting with the sink. You have to wash dishes somewhere, am I right?
Sinks
There are some really cool, unique eco-friendly options when it comes to kitchen sinks. No need to sacrifice style for an environmentally sound choice. You can have your cake and eat it too (then wash the plate in your awesome sink!).
Whether you’re looking for an artisan, one of a kind sink or one from a major manufacturer, you should be able to find an eco-friendly kitchen sink that suits your style and needs.
Copper
Wow! These sinks look amazing! I am not generally one to go crazy over a functional object like a sink, but man, copper sinks make a statement. If you are looking for a unique focal point for your kitchen, a copper sink is it! As usual, we will look at the upsides and downsides as well as different manufacturers you could choose if you decide to go copper.
The Upside
- unique and stylish
- durable
- long lasting
- rust resistant
- antibacterial in nature
- natural patina will develop- making it even more charming
The Downside
- sensitive to harsh cleaning ingredients- simple soap and water is best for cleaning
- may be susceptible to scratches and dents, depending on the finish used
- expensive
Copper sinks are available to purchase at big box stores like Home Depot. However, you may wish to purchase your sink directly from the manufacturer especially given the price. You can then be certain that you are getting exactly what you want while ensuring that it is actually made from recycled copper. Here are a couple of manufacturers you may want to check out.
Premier Copper Products
Premier Copper Products uses a 99.7% pure “grade A” copper that has been reclaimed and recycled. Their sinks feature a naturally beautiful patina that also comprises antibacterial properties (don’t let that claim fool you, it is not unique to this particular company as all copper has antibacterial properties). As well, their packaging is recyclable and compostable.
They manufacture both apron and traditional style kitchen sinks with different patterns to choose from. Their traditional sinks come in a wide range of choice from single to double basin, as well as colors, textures, and finishes. There is no shortage of design elements to choose from so incorporating a copper sink into your kitchen should be a breeze.
Copper Sinks Online
Copper Sinks Online make handcrafted copper sinks from recycled and repurposed copper which may have otherwise ended up in a landfill.
The recycled materials are melted, purified and refined into high-grade copper, before being hammered in an open copper forge into one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
There are a ton of design choices when it comes to traditional and apron kitchen sinks. Finding one that is right for you should not be an issue.
No matter what brand you go with when choosing your copper sink, try to make sure they use recycled copper. Overall, copper makes a beautiful, durable, eye-catching sink that you will enjoy for years and years to come.
Stainless Steel
Yes, that classic stainless steel sink that you are probably using in your kitchen right now is eco-friendly! It is 100% recyclable at the end of its life, so you can feel good about choosing a traditional stainless steel sink to wash your dishes in.
Is stainless steel the right material for your kitchen sink? Let’s explore the upsides and downsides.
The upside
- corrosion and rust resistant
- pore-free- will not harbor harmful bacteria
- durable
- affordable
- stain resistant
- many design options available
- easily maintained
The Downside
- can scratch and dent
- prone to water spots
- limited color options
With that being said, there are some options that are more eco-friendly than others when choosing a stainless steel sink. You can, of course, buy a stainless steel sink from Home Depot or another big box store, which is recyclable at the end of its life.
However, another option is a sink made from recycled stainless steel. This is a great environmentally conscious option you might want to consider.
Just Sinks
They have a ton of selection of stainless steel sinks. No matter what style you are looking for, you are bound to find it at Just Sinks.
As a member of U.S. Green Building Council, Just Sinks uses 90% Recycled Product Content from manufacturing to product packaging, allowing them to be used in LEED projects.
Their manufacturing facility is also doing its part for the environment by recycling and reusing oil used for polishing work stations, as well as recycling metal sludge used in the polishing process, among other initiatives.
Elkay
Elkay is a family owned American company that started in the 1920’s. Their sinks are made in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council and can be used in LEED projects. As well, their sinks are made with 60% recycled material, in addition to being 100% recyclable at the end of their life.
faucets
Now that you have chosen an awesome eco-friendly sink for your kitchen, it’s time to choose an equally awesome faucet. An eco-friendly faucet is not only one that is made from recycled materials and recyclable at the end of its life, but also one that is water efficient.
How do you choose a water-efficient faucet?
It’s not that hard, luckily. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a WaterSense program that makes it a breeze to find water efficient faucets. Here is the gist of the program:
WaterSense-labeled products and services are certified to use at least 20 percent less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models.
Look for this symbol in stores like Home Depot to make shopping for water-efficient faucets much easier. Here are a couple of manufacturers that really hit the mark when it comes to eco-friendly faucets.
Moen
Moen is a huge company. You probably have a Moen faucet somewhere in your house right now. That is one of the reasons why it is so amazing that they have a sustainability mindset and have numerous recycling and reusing initiatives in place, including:
- recycling nearly 82% of waste from the manufacturing process
- recycling almost 20% of all water used in the manufacturing process
- using some recycled materials in most of their products
- recycling more than 13 million pounds of metal, 6.5 million pounds of cardboard and 3.8 million pounds of solid waste
- converting office practices to include only recycled paper and soy-based inks for copies
Along with these environmentally conscious practices, Moen is also a partner with the EPA, United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
With a huge selection of faucet styles to choose from, finding the perfect match for your kitchen should be pretty easy.
Delta
Delta boasts reducing the flow rate of their faucet from 2.2 to 1.5-1.8 gpm (depending on the model). To put those numbers into perspective, the decrease will result in water savings of up to 18-32% respectively. If you think you need more flow than 1.5 gpm, no problem, there is a toggle button to switch to the normal 2.2 gpm when necessary.
As well as manufacturing water-efficient faucets, Delta is a WaterSense partner, having won manufacturer partner of the year twice.
Hardware
Unique and original cabinet door pulls and handles are a great way to add a little bit of je ne sais quoi into your kitchen.
Add a pop of color with recycled glass and clay door knobs from Paloma Pottery. These colorful door knobs will certainly be an eye-catching feature in your kitchen.
If you are wanting a more traditional look, but still unique and one of a kind, try uncommon goods, they make drawer pulls out of sea stone and stainless steel. The sea stone is hand gathered by employees and manufactured into beautiful objects, including drawer pulls. Uncommon goods have a focus on sustainability and is a member of B Corp, which is an independent third-party organization focusing on sustainability practices of participating companies. Give these cabinet knobs a try and uncommon goods will donate $1 to a charity of your choice. It’s win-win for everyone!
lighting
This is definitely one area that should not be overlooked when designing your eco-friendly kitchen. The right lighting can make or break the whole atmosphere of your kitchen (or any room for that matter). The kitchen is generally a multi-use space, being used for prepping food, cooking, eating, and often times a gathering area and workspace of sorts for you and your family. With that being said, there are a few different types of lighting to consider when designing your kitchen or if you desire more light in your current kitchen.
Ambient kitchen lighting
This is the overall base layer in the kitchen. It generally shines from the ceiling, be it recessed, track or other types of fixture. Ambient lighting essentially lights up where your feet hit the floor.
Recessed lighting is a great way to light up a kitchen. It can be placed in a grid or line pattern to provide the most light. However, if it does not work for you, track lighting is a great option. Just make sure the fixtures spread a wide beam of light and do not focus on one particular area. This will ensure your kitchen is lit evenly with minimal glare.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is a very important, yet overlooked type of lighting for your kitchen. It lights up your workspace, AKA your countertops. It is most likely going to be under-cabinet lighting.
Task lighting is important to get right in your kitchen because you are using sharp objects to prepare delicious food and the more light the better to ensure safety. A shadow cast down in the wrong spot could spell disaster to your fingers! Don’t fret if under-cabinet lighting is not an option for you, wall sconces can work great as well.
Accent Lighting
This type of lighting is more design based than functional. It’s the area where you get to have a little fun with your lighting fixture without worrying too much about how well it lights an area.
Accent lighting is typically found above your kitchen island, table, and/or sink. It’s your chance to add a real conversation piece to your kitchen.
Take a look at Ylighting for inspiration and to get your creative juices flowing! Have some fun choosing a unique statement piece for your kitchen.
Lightbulbs
Now that you have an idea of what type of lighting fixtures should go into your kitchen, it’s time to choose the right bulbs to go in them.
You want to be using high-efficiency light bulbs that have earned an ENERGY STAR rating. It is easy to get overwhelmed in the light bulb aisle at Walmart or Home Depot. The number of bulbs seems to multiply every time you are in need of replacing them. To avoid picking out the cheapest bulb in the aisle because there is too much choice and it’s the path of least resistance, try keeping this in mind.
- choose halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s), or light-emitting diodes (LED’s) over traditional incandescents
- they use 25-80% less energy than traditional incandescents
- they last 3-25 times longer
Yes, energy-efficient light bulbs will cost more up front but you will reap the savings on your energy bill as well as having the convenience of not subjecting yourself to the dreaded light bulb aisle or the hassle of changing your light bulb as often since they last a long time.
General Green Lighting Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing lighting fixtures and light bulbs for your kitchen.
- Use a dimmer switch when possible. Using different intensities of light throughout the day can save you energy and money.
- LED’s are the most efficient light bulb. Choose these whenever possible over all other light bulbs.
- Make sure you are using ENERGY STAR certified products. These are guaranteed to be energy efficient, last longer and save you money in the long run.
Eco-friendly Kitchen Options: Sink, Lighting, Appliances – Clarify Green
You have your eco-friendly countertops, cabinets, and backsplash all picked out and maybe even installed. Awesome, you are well on your way to a sustainable, green kitchen. Take some time to revel in your accomplishments and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
Now it is time to tackle even more of your kitchen. Starting with the sink. You have to wash dishes somewhere, am I right?
Sinks
There are some really cool, unique eco-friendly options when it comes to kitchen sinks. No need to sacrifice style for an environmentally sound choice. You can have your cake and eat it too (then wash the plate in your awesome sink!).
Whether you’re looking for an artisan, one of a kind sink or one from a major manufacturer, you should be able to find an eco-friendly kitchen sink that suits your style and needs.
Copper
Wow! These sinks look amazing! I am not generally one to go crazy over a functional object like a sink, but man, copper sinks make a statement. If you are looking for a unique focal point for your kitchen, a copper sink is it! As usual, we will look at the upsides and downsides as well as different manufacturers you could choose if you decide to go copper.
The Upside
The Downside
Copper sinks are available to purchase at big box stores like Home Depot. However, you may wish to purchase your sink directly from the manufacturer especially given the price. You can then be certain that you are getting exactly what you want while ensuring that it is actually made from recycled copper. Here are a couple of manufacturers you may want to check out.
Premier Copper Products
Premier Copper Products uses a 99.7% pure “grade A” copper that has been reclaimed and recycled. Their sinks feature a naturally beautiful patina that also comprises antibacterial properties (don’t let that claim fool you, it is not unique to this particular company as all copper has antibacterial properties). As well, their packaging is recyclable and compostable.
They manufacture both apron and traditional style kitchen sinks with different patterns to choose from. Their traditional sinks come in a wide range of choice from single to double basin, as well as colors, textures, and finishes. There is no shortage of design elements to choose from so incorporating a copper sink into your kitchen should be a breeze.
Copper Sinks Online
Copper Sinks Online make handcrafted copper sinks from recycled and repurposed copper which may have otherwise ended up in a landfill.
The recycled materials are melted, purified and refined into high-grade copper, before being hammered in an open copper forge into one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
There are a ton of design choices when it comes to traditional and apron kitchen sinks. Finding one that is right for you should not be an issue.
No matter what brand you go with when choosing your copper sink, try to make sure they use recycled copper. Overall, copper makes a beautiful, durable, eye-catching sink that you will enjoy for years and years to come.
Stainless Steel
Yes, that classic stainless steel sink that you are probably using in your kitchen right now is eco-friendly! It is 100% recyclable at the end of its life, so you can feel good about choosing a traditional stainless steel sink to wash your dishes in.
Is stainless steel the right material for your kitchen sink? Let’s explore the upsides and downsides.
The upside
The Downside
With that being said, there are some options that are more eco-friendly than others when choosing a stainless steel sink. You can, of course, buy a stainless steel sink from Home Depot or another big box store, which is recyclable at the end of its life.
However, another option is a sink made from recycled stainless steel. This is a great environmentally conscious option you might want to consider.
Just Sinks
They have a ton of selection of stainless steel sinks. No matter what style you are looking for, you are bound to find it at Just Sinks.
As a member of U.S. Green Building Council, Just Sinks uses 90% Recycled Product Content from manufacturing to product packaging, allowing them to be used in LEED projects.
Their manufacturing facility is also doing its part for the environment by recycling and reusing oil used for polishing work stations, as well as recycling metal sludge used in the polishing process, among other initiatives.
Elkay
Elkay is a family owned American company that started in the 1920’s. Their sinks are made in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council and can be used in LEED projects. As well, their sinks are made with 60% recycled material, in addition to being 100% recyclable at the end of their life.
faucets
Now that you have chosen an awesome eco-friendly sink for your kitchen, it’s time to choose an equally awesome faucet. An eco-friendly faucet is not only one that is made from recycled materials and recyclable at the end of its life, but also one that is water efficient.
How do you choose a water-efficient faucet?
It’s not that hard, luckily. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a WaterSense program that makes it a breeze to find water efficient faucets. Here is the gist of the program:
Look for this symbol in stores like Home Depot to make shopping for water-efficient faucets much easier. Here are a couple of manufacturers that really hit the mark when it comes to eco-friendly faucets.
Moen
Moen is a huge company. You probably have a Moen faucet somewhere in your house right now. That is one of the reasons why it is so amazing that they have a sustainability mindset and have numerous recycling and reusing initiatives in place, including:
Along with these environmentally conscious practices, Moen is also a partner with the EPA, United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
With a huge selection of faucet styles to choose from, finding the perfect match for your kitchen should be pretty easy.
Delta
Delta boasts reducing the flow rate of their faucet from 2.2 to 1.5-1.8 gpm (depending on the model). To put those numbers into perspective, the decrease will result in water savings of up to 18-32% respectively. If you think you need more flow than 1.5 gpm, no problem, there is a toggle button to switch to the normal 2.2 gpm when necessary.
As well as manufacturing water-efficient faucets, Delta is a WaterSense partner, having won manufacturer partner of the year twice.
Hardware
Unique and original cabinet door pulls and handles are a great way to add a little bit of je ne sais quoi into your kitchen.
Add a pop of color with recycled glass and clay door knobs from Paloma Pottery. These colorful door knobs will certainly be an eye-catching feature in your kitchen.
If you are wanting a more traditional look, but still unique and one of a kind, try uncommon goods, they make drawer pulls out of sea stone and stainless steel. The sea stone is hand gathered by employees and manufactured into beautiful objects, including drawer pulls. Uncommon goods have a focus on sustainability and is a member of B Corp, which is an independent third-party organization focusing on sustainability practices of participating companies. Give these cabinet knobs a try and uncommon goods will donate $1 to a charity of your choice. It’s win-win for everyone!
lighting
This is definitely one area that should not be overlooked when designing your eco-friendly kitchen. The right lighting can make or break the whole atmosphere of your kitchen (or any room for that matter). The kitchen is generally a multi-use space, being used for prepping food, cooking, eating, and often times a gathering area and workspace of sorts for you and your family. With that being said, there are a few different types of lighting to consider when designing your kitchen or if you desire more light in your current kitchen.
Ambient kitchen lighting
This is the overall base layer in the kitchen. It generally shines from the ceiling, be it recessed, track or other types of fixture. Ambient lighting essentially lights up where your feet hit the floor.
Recessed lighting is a great way to light up a kitchen. It can be placed in a grid or line pattern to provide the most light. However, if it does not work for you, track lighting is a great option. Just make sure the fixtures spread a wide beam of light and do not focus on one particular area. This will ensure your kitchen is lit evenly with minimal glare.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is a very important, yet overlooked type of lighting for your kitchen. It lights up your workspace, AKA your countertops. It is most likely going to be under-cabinet lighting.
Task lighting is important to get right in your kitchen because you are using sharp objects to prepare delicious food and the more light the better to ensure safety. A shadow cast down in the wrong spot could spell disaster to your fingers! Don’t fret if under-cabinet lighting is not an option for you, wall sconces can work great as well.
Accent Lighting
This type of lighting is more design based than functional. It’s the area where you get to have a little fun with your lighting fixture without worrying too much about how well it lights an area.
Accent lighting is typically found above your kitchen island, table, and/or sink. It’s your chance to add a real conversation piece to your kitchen.
Take a look at Ylighting for inspiration and to get your creative juices flowing! Have some fun choosing a unique statement piece for your kitchen.
Lightbulbs
Now that you have an idea of what type of lighting fixtures should go into your kitchen, it’s time to choose the right bulbs to go in them.
You want to be using high-efficiency light bulbs that have earned an ENERGY STAR rating. It is easy to get overwhelmed in the light bulb aisle at Walmart or Home Depot. The number of bulbs seems to multiply every time you are in need of replacing them. To avoid picking out the cheapest bulb in the aisle because there is too much choice and it’s the path of least resistance, try keeping this in mind.
Yes, energy-efficient light bulbs will cost more up front but you will reap the savings on your energy bill as well as having the convenience of not subjecting yourself to the dreaded light bulb aisle or the hassle of changing your light bulb as often since they last a long time.
General Green Lighting Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing lighting fixtures and light bulbs for your kitchen.