Making your kitchen eco-friendly may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Sure if you’re planning to do a remodel, you can make greener choices starting with the bare bones such as cupboards, countertops, flooring, and paint. This article focuses on these areas of the kitchen.
No worries if a kitchen re-model is not on your to-do list anytime soon, you can start by choosing eco-friendly cookware, buying in bulk, and cutting down on the amount of waste generated day-to-day in the kitchen. Check out my Eco-friendly Kitchen Part II article for more everyday ideas for an eco-friendly kitchen.
No matter where you are on your eco-friendly conquest, these articles can help you along the way.
Cupboards
Picking eco-friendly cupboards is not as tough a challenge as you may think, thanks to the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA).
What is the Environmental Stewardship Program? Glad you asked.
ESP is not a psychic ability in this sense, instead it is a third-party certification which ensures that the manufacturers are in compliance with the following five categories:
- air quality
- product resource management
- process resource management
- environmental stewardship
- community relations
The ESP goes beyond other environmental programs by taking a holistic approach to certification, holding the industry to high standards for their products, forest sustainability and manufacturing processes. The voluntary certification program provides a tangible way for cabinet manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
What is awesome about this certification is that it is conducted by a third-party, which is really important since it is not a label that can get slapped onto any just any product. Also, it is voluntary, so only manufacturers that really want to make a positive environmental impact will be likely to seek out this certification.
Keeping an eye out for this stamp of approval while searching for sustainable, eco-friendly kitchen cabinets should make your life a little easier.
Countertops
Afraid you will be limited in your options for eco-friendly countertops? Don’t be! There are so many beautiful, functional green options for your countertops, you just may have trouble choosing just one!
Recycled Paper
What? You’ve never heard of recycled paper countertops before? Well, me either, so I did some digging (internet digging, that is) and this is what I came up with.
Recycled paper or paper composite countertops are made with post-consumer recycled paper and other fibers that are mixed with natural pigments and petroleum-free, formaldehyde-free resins. This mixture is then compressed and baked at very high temperatures in order to create a solid, long-lasting product.
The Upside
- durable (harder than wood countertops)
- handle heat well
- non-porous (hygienic and impervious to water and food stains)
- easy to clean
- easy installation
- cheaper than granite
The Downside
- unrecyclable because of the plastic resin used (they can be repurposed, however)
- require a sealant to make them nonporous and stain resistant
- available in medium and dark tones only
- they tend to darken over time
Manufacturers
There are a couple main manufacturers of composite paper countertops.
Both Richlite and Paperstone boast using recycled paper fiber and are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified by the Smartwood program of the Rainforest Alliance. This ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
Richlite is also GREENGUARD accredited. Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world’s most rigorous, third-party chemical emissions standards, helping reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure while aiding in the creation of healthier indoor environments.
How to choose
These companies are quite similar when it comes to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, so how do you choose which one to use? Well, it comes down to personal taste. Each manufacturer uses a different combination of colored paper and resin, resulting in distinct looking countertops. You choose the one you like the best and feel good about it!
Recycled Glass Countertop
If you love bold, unique splashes of color, this countertop may be the one for you.
Think about it, that wine bottle you put in your recycling box last week could end up in someone else’s kitchen- as a countertop! How cool is that?
The upside
- scratch resistant
- UV resistant
- available in many different colors
- original- every countertop is different
- durable
- non-porous- easy to clean, stain resistant
The downside
- fairly expensive (but still not as much as granite)
There are a couple of main manufacturers of recycled glass countertops, IceStone and Vetrazzo. Let’s discuss.
IceStone
Manufactured in Brooklyn, IceStone uses 100% recycled glass, Portland cement, and non-toxic pigments to make their countertops.
They hold two third-party certifications.
Cradle to Cradle:
The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard is a rigorous multi-attribute assessment that takes into consideration material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.
National Science Foundation (NSF):
Choosing a product certified by NSF lets you know the company complies with strict standards and procedures imposed by NSF. From extensive product testing and material analyses to unannounced plant inspections, every aspect of a product’s development is thoroughly evaluated before it can earn our certification.
As well as making an eco-friendly, sustainable product, IceStone is striving for sustainability in their facility. Their factory is daylit by skylights (reducing energy consumption), water is recycled and reused, any leftover glass and cement can be recycled, and they are working toward being a zero-waste facility (they are currently at 90%).
Vetrazzo
Manufactured in Georgia, Vetrazzo uses both pre and post-recycled glass in their countertops.
They are committed to sustainable practices and are used in LEED buildings.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
Reclaimed Wood
This is wood that has come from a barn, factory, warehouse, or some other older structure finding new life as your countertop.
The Upside
- super sustainable- you’re basically recycling a renewable resource
- unique, rustic looking
- strong and durable
The Downside
- scarce- reclaimed wood is very popular, making it harder to find
- pricey
- wood may have been exposed to chemicals such as VOC’s or lead paint in its original state, difficult to know which wood has been exposed
There are many manufacturers of reclaimed wood countertops, try and stick with local if you can. If local is not an option, here are a couple you should consider.
Elmwood Reclaimed Timber
Their antique reclaimed wood countertops are custom milled using hand-picked antique wood from old buildings.
Elmwood Reclaimed Timber uses environmentally green practices, is third-party certified by FSC, and is used in LEED projects.
As well as being eco-friendly, Elmwood Reclaimed Timber gives back to their community of Kansas City using a portion of their profits each year.
Grothouse
Grothouse boasts having an eco-friendly factory, set upon a 50-acre farm where they use solar power and other energy efficient materials to reduce energy consumption. They use wood scraps to heat their radiant flooring, donate tons of sawdust to local farmers for bedding, among other green initiatives.
Grothouse is also FSC certified and is used in LEED projects.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Want an indestructible countertop? Look no further than 100% recyclable stainless steel.
The Upside
- durable and resilient
- non-porous- stain resistant and easy to clean
- heat resistant- no need to put potholders down under a hot pot
- rust resistant
- clean and contemporary look
- reflections make the kitchen look bigger than it actually is
- easy installation
The Downside
- scratches- not necessarily a bad thing as it adds character to your countertop
- dents and dings
- can appear cold and sterile
- noisy
- finger smudges aplenty
Stainless steel countertops are available at big box stores such as Home Depot. Also, try a local stainless steel manufacturer in your area. If you can buy local, do it!
If neither of those is an option for you, or you want to try someone else, check out Stainless Steel Kitchens Inc.
Stainless Steel Kitchens Inc.
Stainless Steel Kitchens boasts using green manufacturing including no pollutants, chemicals, or contaminants required to form or assemble the product, essentially it’s non-toxic. Also, their countertops are made from 65-80% recycled stainless steel. The countertop itself is also recyclable after it has served its purpose in your kitchen.
As well, Stainless Steel Kitchens is a member of the US Green Building Council and their countertops are used in LEED projects.
Recycled Plastic Countertop
A countertop manufacturer that uses recycled plastic, yes, please! An additional way to keep plastics out of our landfills and oceans is A-OK with me.
The Upside
The DOwnside
- not very heat resistant
- scratches easily
A Finnish company called Durat is the leader when it comes to recycled plastic countertops. They use post-industrial waste that would otherwise be destined for the landfill to make their products.
They strive for sustainability, using 100% renewable energy in their manufacturing facility.
As well, their countertops are 100% recyclable at the end of their life, they even offer to recycle the spent countertop themselves so you don’t have the extra hassle.
Backsplashes add a certain kind of completeness to a kitchen. Not only are they stylish, but they are also functional. It’s much easier cleaning splatters off of a backsplash than it is a bare wall.
Let’s look at some eco-friendly options to spruce up your kitchen.
- Same material as your countertop. Use extra countertop material as a backsplash. It’s a good way to use it up and have continuity in your kitchen.
- Recycled glass tiles. Made from post-consumer and industrial waste. Similar to recycled glass countertops, they come in a variety of beautiful, original designs. Try to find a local, reputable dealer to ensure you are getting a quality product.
- Recycled ceramic tiles. These are generally a mix of post-consumer and new materials. They are made with waste from tile manufacturing, mixed and processed into ceramic tiles. This may not be the most eco-friendly option, but it is saving the waste from going to a landfill, so that is something.
- Cork tile. Cork is renewable and recyclable. It needs a bit of annual maintenance (sealant to keep it waterproof) but other than that it is a great, stylish option.
- Recycled clay tile. Check out Fireclay Tile for these little gems. Handmade in California, the tiles are made from over 70% recycled material. Tiles are available in a multitude of colors, so design issues should not be a problem. They also have a pretty sweet sustainable manufacturing facility to boot.
- Reclaimed wood. Not just for your countertops or floors. Try it as a backsplash too.
Make your kitchen eco-friendly: Cabinets, Floors, and more – Clarify Green
Making your kitchen eco-friendly may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Sure if you’re planning to do a remodel, you can make greener choices starting with the bare bones such as cupboards, countertops, flooring, and paint. This article focuses on these areas of the kitchen.
No worries if a kitchen re-model is not on your to-do list anytime soon, you can start by choosing eco-friendly cookware, buying in bulk, and cutting down on the amount of waste generated day-to-day in the kitchen. Check out my Eco-friendly Kitchen Part II article for more everyday ideas for an eco-friendly kitchen.
No matter where you are on your eco-friendly conquest, these articles can help you along the way.
Cupboards
Picking eco-friendly cupboards is not as tough a challenge as you may think, thanks to the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA).
What is the Environmental Stewardship Program? Glad you asked.
ESP is not a psychic ability in this sense, instead it is a third-party certification which ensures that the manufacturers are in compliance with the following five categories:
What is awesome about this certification is that it is conducted by a third-party, which is really important since it is not a label that can get slapped onto any just any product. Also, it is voluntary, so only manufacturers that really want to make a positive environmental impact will be likely to seek out this certification.
Keeping an eye out for this stamp of approval while searching for sustainable, eco-friendly kitchen cabinets should make your life a little easier.
Countertops
Afraid you will be limited in your options for eco-friendly countertops? Don’t be! There are so many beautiful, functional green options for your countertops, you just may have trouble choosing just one!
Recycled Paper
What? You’ve never heard of recycled paper countertops before? Well, me either, so I did some digging (internet digging, that is) and this is what I came up with.
Recycled paper or paper composite countertops are made with post-consumer recycled paper and other fibers that are mixed with natural pigments and petroleum-free, formaldehyde-free resins. This mixture is then compressed and baked at very high temperatures in order to create a solid, long-lasting product.
The Upside
The Downside
Manufacturers
There are a couple main manufacturers of composite paper countertops.
Both Richlite and Paperstone boast using recycled paper fiber and are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified by the Smartwood program of the Rainforest Alliance. This ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
Richlite is also GREENGUARD accredited. Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world’s most rigorous, third-party chemical emissions standards, helping reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure while aiding in the creation of healthier indoor environments.
How to choose
These companies are quite similar when it comes to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, so how do you choose which one to use? Well, it comes down to personal taste. Each manufacturer uses a different combination of colored paper and resin, resulting in distinct looking countertops. You choose the one you like the best and feel good about it!
Recycled Glass Countertop
If you love bold, unique splashes of color, this countertop may be the one for you.
Think about it, that wine bottle you put in your recycling box last week could end up in someone else’s kitchen- as a countertop! How cool is that?
The upside
The downside
There are a couple of main manufacturers of recycled glass countertops, IceStone and Vetrazzo. Let’s discuss.
IceStone
Manufactured in Brooklyn, IceStone uses 100% recycled glass, Portland cement, and non-toxic pigments to make their countertops.
They hold two third-party certifications.
Cradle to Cradle:
National Science Foundation (NSF):
As well as making an eco-friendly, sustainable product, IceStone is striving for sustainability in their facility. Their factory is daylit by skylights (reducing energy consumption), water is recycled and reused, any leftover glass and cement can be recycled, and they are working toward being a zero-waste facility (they are currently at 90%).
Vetrazzo
Manufactured in Georgia, Vetrazzo uses both pre and post-recycled glass in their countertops.
They are committed to sustainable practices and are used in LEED buildings.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
Reclaimed Wood
This is wood that has come from a barn, factory, warehouse, or some other older structure finding new life as your countertop.
The Upside
The Downside
There are many manufacturers of reclaimed wood countertops, try and stick with local if you can. If local is not an option, here are a couple you should consider.
Elmwood Reclaimed Timber
Their antique reclaimed wood countertops are custom milled using hand-picked antique wood from old buildings.
Elmwood Reclaimed Timber uses environmentally green practices, is third-party certified by FSC, and is used in LEED projects.
As well as being eco-friendly, Elmwood Reclaimed Timber gives back to their community of Kansas City using a portion of their profits each year.
Grothouse
Grothouse boasts having an eco-friendly factory, set upon a 50-acre farm where they use solar power and other energy efficient materials to reduce energy consumption. They use wood scraps to heat their radiant flooring, donate tons of sawdust to local farmers for bedding, among other green initiatives.
Grothouse is also FSC certified and is used in LEED projects.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Want an indestructible countertop? Look no further than 100% recyclable stainless steel.
The Upside
The Downside
Stainless steel countertops are available at big box stores such as Home Depot. Also, try a local stainless steel manufacturer in your area. If you can buy local, do it!
If neither of those is an option for you, or you want to try someone else, check out Stainless Steel Kitchens Inc.
Stainless Steel Kitchens Inc.
Stainless Steel Kitchens boasts using green manufacturing including no pollutants, chemicals, or contaminants required to form or assemble the product, essentially it’s non-toxic. Also, their countertops are made from 65-80% recycled stainless steel. The countertop itself is also recyclable after it has served its purpose in your kitchen.
As well, Stainless Steel Kitchens is a member of the US Green Building Council and their countertops are used in LEED projects.
Recycled Plastic Countertop
A countertop manufacturer that uses recycled plastic, yes, please! An additional way to keep plastics out of our landfills and oceans is A-OK with me.
The Upside
The DOwnside
A Finnish company called Durat is the leader when it comes to recycled plastic countertops. They use post-industrial waste that would otherwise be destined for the landfill to make their products.
They strive for sustainability, using 100% renewable energy in their manufacturing facility.
As well, their countertops are 100% recyclable at the end of their life, they even offer to recycle the spent countertop themselves so you don’t have the extra hassle.
Backsplashes add a certain kind of completeness to a kitchen. Not only are they stylish, but they are also functional. It’s much easier cleaning splatters off of a backsplash than it is a bare wall.
Let’s look at some eco-friendly options to spruce up your kitchen.