Tips for Creating a Planet-Friendly Kitchen
We prepare and enjoy meals here, and spend time with loved ones around the kitchen table. What better place to integrate a more environmentally- friendly lifestyle than in the kitchen? Today’s green movement requires effort on many fronts, all with the goal of reducing our impact on the Earth and its resources.
“The whole point of being eco-friendly is being carbon neutral,” says Michael Brett, an interior designer with Glen Anthony Designs in Bethlehem. “Every decision leaves a footprint on the Earth.” Reducing our carbon footprint is a complex goal, which involves the reduction of emissions, and energy and water usage. Changing
our attitude toward energy consumption, and purchasing more efficient appliances and Earth-friendly materials can accomplish this. “Green” also deals with deeper issues, such as environmentally-friendly business practices and fair wages for workers.
Energy-Saving Appliances
The bulk of energy use in the kitchen comes from large appliances.
Making smart appliance choices are the backbone of an environmentally-friendly
kitchen.
Whether you are remodeling an existing kitchen or building new, request
Energy Star rated appliances. These appliances consume 10 to 50 percent
less energy than their traditional counterparts, explains David Young,
a sales manager at Trexler-Haines in Allentown.
Energy Star rated models include a user-friendly energy guide, listing
estimated energy use and operating cost. “You can see, right from
the label, how energy efficient the model is,” says Diane Drabinsky
of Trexler-Haines. This label simplifies comparison between models
and brands.
Kitchen appliances that qualify for a rating include refrigerators,
freezers, and dishwashers. Ratings are based on energy consumption
and, in the case of dishwashers, water usage. For appliances that do
not fall under Energy Star guidelines, such as a stove or oven, look
for a reputable dealer who respects your
green lifestyle.
An induction stovetop is your best choice for reduced energy consumption,
both Young and Drabinsky agree. More than 90 percent of the electricity
expended with an induction stovetop goes toward the cooking process.
In comparison, a gas cooktop uses just half of
its energy for cooking; electric coils use 50 to
60 percent. The remainder of the electricity is
wasted heating the coils and surrounding air.
Induction stovetops offer a large amount of
controlled power, and can bring a pot of cold water
to a boil within seconds—saving valuable energy
and time. “You can also go from boiling to simmering
in a split second. It’s very impressive,” says
Drabinsky. Without coils or burner openings, an
induction stovetop is also simple to keep clean.
Hot water plays an important role in the
kitchen, and an efficient water heater can save
both money and electricity.
A tankless hot
water heater offers hot water when you need
it—not when you don’t. “You don’t have to pay
to keep 100 gallons of water hot,” says Young. “The energy savings are phenomenal.” With
an on-demand heating capacity of 11.4 gallons
per minute, your kitchen (and bathroom)
should never run out of hot water again.
All bulbs release energy in the form of light and heat. Think of the standard incandescent bulb—you can’t touch it without burning yourself because more than 90 percent of the electricity used by the bulb is converted to heat. The most talked-about item in energy-saving lights is the compact fluorescent bulb, which gives off little wasted energy in the form of heat. These bulbs use 75 percent less energy and last longer than the conventional incandescent bulb. While the spiral bulb is the most universally known, compact fluorescents come in a variety of shapes, including tubes and domed spirals. Domed spirals are especially useful for fixtures that expose the bulb, because the dome creates a more conventional bulb appearance. “People shy away from fluorescents” for visual reasons, says Brian Baker, the Vice President of Marketing and Design for Studio26 Homes in Orefield. Fortunately, it is possible to obtain incandescent color from a fluorescent light. To mimic the warmer glow of an incandescent bulb, look for a low color temperature on the fluorescent’s packaging. Baker personally prefers bulbs labeled with an “827,” which indicates a warm, more yellow light. One downfall of the compact fluorescent is its mercury content. Fluorescents must be disposed of properly, and preferably recycled. A fluorescent that is thrown away with normal garbage may leach mercury into the surrounding water table. LE D units work best for task lighting and under-counter lights. As the technology behind LE Ds advances and becomes more accessible to the average homeowner, these lights may begin to replace compact fluorescents. The main benefit to LE Ds is they reduce energy usage but do not contain mercury. Even incandescent lights can become greener with a bit of forethought. Installing dimmers is one way to reduce energy consumption (and the lifespan of the bulb) while still using traditional light bulbs. Dimmers reduce the flow of electricity while keeping the bulb lit, and can be especially useful for homeowners moving frequently between rooms. Dimmers can also be used to create a certain ambience. “We always liked the look,” adds George Lanier, the co-owner of Glen Anthony Designs. “It turns out we were doing a good thing.” A note of caution: Do not use an ordinary compact fluorescent bulb in a dimmer or three-way light fixture. This will damage the bulb and shorten its lifespan, and also void the manufacturer’s warranty.
The materials used for a kitchen floor have a big impact on the space’s overall “greenness” because the lifespan of flooring is much longer than an appliance or light bulb. To find the right flooring product for your kitchen, consider the product’s life cycle and maintenance needs, advises Brett. Bamboo flooring is growing in popularity, for both for its versatility in style and Earth-friendly harvest. A bamboo stalk matures and can be harvested within three to five years; the average hardwood tree must grow for 25 to 50 years before it reaches maturity. Bamboo is also harder and more durable than most hardwoods. Today’s bamboo floors are available in a variety of colors, from a rich mahogany to shockingly modern turquoise. Cork flooring is produced from the bark of a cork tree. This bark can be harvested every nine to 14 years. Unlike most wood products, harvesting cork does not harm the tree or require it to be cut down. Cork offers a unique textured look for a modern, “earthy” floor. Like bamboo, cork is also available in dozens of colors. Look for a manufacturer who offers a low-VOC (volatile organic compound) stain. Don’t be fooled by its appearance—linoleum is an all-natural product made from linseed oil and natural resins, with a jute backing. “Even though it looks like plastic, it is completely natural,” says Brett. Today’s linoleum products, unlike the linoleum of yesteryear, offer appealing styles for the modern or traditional home. Just be sure to choose a product that can withstand the test of time,
because quality linoleum has a lifespan of more than 40 years. “You’re going to get tired of the appearance long before it wears out,” says Brett. If you have your heart set on hardwood, purchase a product that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. An important component of any green product is the manufacturing
process through which it is created. “Be conscious of where you are buying from,
and make sure it is FSC certified,” says Brett. The FSC verifies that the wood is harvested from a well-managed forest—one in which the health and maturity of trees are considered before harvesting. The FSC also encourages reseeding of woods and ensures fair wages among laborers. If possible, consider a reclaimed wood floor. Lanier recently had customers reuse the wood from a local barn that was torn
down. “It was a beautiful chestnut,” he says, and the homeowners were able to floor their home without the waste associated with lumber production.
Recycled glass countertops are popular among the environmentally-conscious. Made
from 70 percent recycled material and 30 percent binder, their visual appeal comes from the dramatic range of styles available—choose a look as conservative or contemporary as you desire. “It’s not just a contemporary, green look,” adds Brett.
In some cases, recycled glass can mimic the look of natural products such as granite.
Recycled glass can also mimic the classic appearance of terrazzo.Recycled countertops are very durable. Their surface is naturally antimicrobial, which makes for easier cleaning and virtually eliminates the need for harsh cleaning chemicals. Traditional granite countertops also offer a classy, low-maintenance appeal. If properly sealed, granite is also an antimicrobial surface.
The green movement is in motion, recruiting one household at a time. But how much of a difference can one person make? Each small change can collectively have a big impact on the environment. The Energy Star program estimates that Americans reduced their greenhouse emissions by an amount equivalent to 25 million cars in 2006, just by making simple changes such as replacing light bulbs and old appliances. They also saved nearly $14 billion on their collective utility bills. Change will only happen as quickly as the general public demands it, explains Brett. “It all comes down to consumers wanting this.” As more homeowners request Energy Star appliances, and environmentally-responsible building materials, and embrace an overall green lifestyle, businesses will respond to this demand and offer a greater selection of Earth-friendly products.
Glen Anthony Designs, LLC
310 East Third Street,Bethlehem
610.882.3590
Studio26 Homes
1748 Central Park, Orefield
610.391.0100
Trexler-Haines
6635 Tilghman Street, Allentown
610.395.2525
Lehigh Valley Style Magazine April 2008
Written By: Stacey Solt