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| Thank you for your email and follow-up. I am in the process of selecting one of the several contractors I have spoken with. Without a doubt, the service you provide in his area is second to none. Again, I thank you and will let you know the final outcome once the project is completed. |
Regards,
Homeowner in
Accokeek, Maryland |
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There are many motivations for making a kitchen a Green kitchen.
- Environment:
For some, their concern for the environment motivates them to build a Greener kitchen.
- Health:
Others have allergies and chemical sensitivities that necessitate the use of Green building materials in the kitchen.
- Financial:
And almost everyone is interested in lowering their electricity and water consumption costs.
Whatever the reasons and goals are, there are more options available today for Greening your kitchen. Green kitchen design can be eco-friendly with out losing luxury and style.
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Green does not mean ugly. Attractive Green alternatives like this EnviroSLAB countertop from EnviroGLAS are available. This product is made from recycled glass and is environmentally friendly and easy to maintain. The recycled glass terrazzo that comprises this countertop is durable and odorless. The color options are fully customizable.
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Glass tiles made from recycled glass are another chic Green choice for a kitchen remodel. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes providing seemingly endless design possibilities. Glass tiles do not give off emissions that damage indoor air quality. Consult the manufacturer's Instruction Guide before installing their product. Use the glue and grout that they recommend. |
Remodeling tips for a Green kitchen:
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1.Energy Efficient Appliances:
The refrigerator is one of the home's highest consumers of energy. Since July of 2001 the national energy efficiency standards for new refrigerators has required manufacturers to make more efficient models. Utility providers in some states offer rebates for homeowners who purchase models that exceed the minimum standard . Looking for the Energy Star® sticker on all your kitchen appliances is a great way of making your kitchen Greener.
Once you have your "Green appliances" make sure you use the water and energy-saving settings on your kitchen's refrigerator and dishwasher as much as possible. |
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2. Lighting:
Energy efficient lighting can cut down on your utility bill. Most standard fixtures are compatible with compact fluorescents (CFLs). CFLs can save 75% of the electricity that incandescents bulbs use. CFL technology has come a long way. In the past, some people stayed away from CFLs because they didn't like the sterile light they gave off, reminding them of older office lighting. CFLs now offer cool and warm light and are available in a wider range of wattage and lumens. Look for the Energy Star® on this product as well. While the initial cost of these bulbs is slightly higher, they last eight times as long.
Designing a kitchen with good natural lighting cuts down on the need to use electricity and is a Green kitchen choice that you may have overlooked. |
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3. Hypoallergenic Materials:
As the number of people who suffer from environmental allergies and chemical sensitivities increases, so does the need for hypoallergenic building materials. Building or remodeling your kitchen can produce toxins that are harmful to indoor air quality. To reduce this problem there are low-toxicity finishes and surfaces available on the market. Look for products that have water based adhesives and finishes and ones that don't have synthetic formaldehyde resins.
Use paint with low-VOC or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds). No-VOC paint is generally a little more expensive than conventional paint, while low-VOC paint is about the same price. Here are just a few companies that manufacture Low- and No-VOC Paints:
- Benjamin Moore & Co. - Pristine� Eco-Spec�
- BioShield Paints
- Home Depot
- Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company
- Sherwin-Williams - HealthSpec� paints
Most major paint companies have a line of Low- and No-VOC Paints. Manufacturers are endeavoring to meet the demand for Green products. They are becoming increasingly affordable too. Research products on the Internet before you decide what you are going to use in a kitchen remodel. It's all about choice.
Good ventilation is an integral part of building a Green kitchen. Proper ventilation will help maintain superior indoor air quality. |
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4. Green Cabinets:
There are more Green kitchen cabinet options available on the market today. Many of the options are made from rapidly renewable resources and salvaged materials. Wheatboard cabinets, for example, are covered with wood veneers. Manufacturers offer these cabinets with ultra low VOC, water based adhesives and finishes. You find out more about this healthy and affordable option from Humabuilt Cabinets.
Another quick growing renewable resource that is used for cabinets is bamboo. You can contact the bamboo cabinet manufacturer about special glue options for individuals with chemical sensitivities. AlterECO and PureGrass Series Cabinetry are just two of the many companies that are innovating modern bamboo cabinetry. |
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5.KCMA:
When looking at Green options for kitchen cabinets you may find that the manufacturer product has a KCMA Certified Cabinet™ Seal. This seal tells you that the cabinet has been tested by The Kitchen Manufacturers Association and deemed durable under tough kitchen conditions. |
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6. Green Contractors:
Contractors that want to educate themselves about Green construction can find out more information by visiting NAHB - the National Association of Home Builders' web site. You can order NAHB's Model Green Home Building Guidelines from their site. American homeowners need more Green Builders. Educate yourself on the guidelines for Green home building so that you can provide your clients with a wide variety of options. Homeowners can also school themselves about Green Building. This will enable them to make Green choices that meet their requirements, preferences and budget. |
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7. Green Kitchen Products:
Cork flooring is durable, comfortable under foot and is a terrific insulator for both sound and heat. Cork is also hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly, making it a great Green flooring product.
Concrete is another smart Green kitchen product. It does not give off harmful fumes because it doesn't contain glues or laminates. Concrete has many different applications. It is not a "cheap man's option" anymore; it is a designer's choice. There are many patterned concrete flooring options available. Why not research color and pattern options for this Green product? Concrete is also commonly used in countertop applications.
Countertops and backsplash are going Green too. Vertrazzo is an attractive solid terrazzo countertop made from recycled glass and cast concrete. Vertrazzo is as tough as granite, but not as porous as marble, making it a strong Green choice for the kitchen.
There are a number of eco-friendly companies out there that make glass tiles out of recycled glass that make stunning backsplashes. Glass tiles do not give off emissions and they won't damage indoor air quality. Consult the manufacturer's instruction guide for instructions on proper installation and to ensure you are using a glue product that will not yellow.
Green products are becoming more readily available on the market. Have fun researching more Green design options for your kitchen remodel! |
Don't be overwhelmed by trying to make the Greenest kitchen possible; make reasonable choices within your budget. Every Green remodeling decision adds to a heather environment, both inside and outside the kitchen. Make your world a little Greener.
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| Compare FREE Estimates From Local Kitchen Remodeling Contractors NOW! |
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