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Your Essential Resource for a Healthy, Ecofriendly Kitchen

Find the Houzz guides to choosing earth-friendly kitchen counters, cabinets, appliances, lighting, flooring and tile — all in one place

Vanessa Brunner June 5, 2013

Houzz Contributor

Comment16

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What does it mean to be “green,” anyway? The definition is always changing, and there always seems to be room for improvement. But we have learned that you don’t need to go through a full remodel or even spend a ton of money to make a difference.

We’ve gathered links to 10 guides that describe some big and small changes you can make in your kitchen to make your home and life a little healthier, happier and kinder to our planet.

Buckminster Green LLC

Shopping for an Ecofriendly Kitchen

1. Countertops. Searching for a new kitchen countertop? Try going the green route this time. Choosing recycled, reclaimed or repurposed materials can help reduce your home's carbon footprint.

Get the guide: Ecofriendly Materials: Kitchen Countertops

KellyBaron

2. Appliances. Whether you're purchasing the latest Energy Star–rated appliance for a new kitchen or just trying to figure out how to work with a clunky gas stove in an old one, here's how to choose ecofriendly appliances.

Get the guide: How to Choose and Use Ecofriendly Kitchen Appliances

Paul Davis Architects

3. Natural light. The right lightbulb can help you reduce your electric bill and your carbon footprint. But embracing the sunlight might be the best thing you can do for your kitchen's lighting.

Get the guide: Ecofriendly Kitchen: Light Your Kitchen Right

Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc

4. Flooring. There's a lot to consider if you want ecofriendly flooring. Has it been recycled? Salvaged? Is it free of toxins? How do you know? Here's help choosing an ecofriendly kitchen floor for your home and budget.

Get the guide: Ecofriendly Kitchen: How to Choose Flooring

Fireclay Tile

5. Backsplashes. Today's recycled tile proves that ecofriendly materials don't have to skimp on style. Here are some options for beautiful backsplash tile that's kind to your kitchen and the earth, too.

Get the guide: Ecofriendly Kitchen: Recycled Tile for Backsplashes

FINNE Architects

6. Cabinetry. Choosing ecofriendly cabinetry doesn't just make for a healthier planet — it can help keep your family healthier, too. Find out which toxins to avoid and what labels to look for when shopping for new kitchen cabinetry.

Get the guide: Ecofriendly Kitchen: Healthier Kitchen Cabinets

Mal Corboy Design

7. LED lighting. Using less energy and lasting longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs can amp up your kitchen's lighting scheme and reduce your electricity bill.

Get the guide: 12 Ways to Light Your Kitchen with LEDs

Kate

Ecofriendly Cooking, Cleaning and Living

Having a greener kitchen isn't just about buying the right items; it's about making changes in the way you live. These 10 small tips can make a big difference in your kitchen and your health in the long run.

Get the guide: 10 Small Kitchen Changes to Make Today

Bright Green

Making little changes — whether you start using glass storage containers or growing your own vegetables — can often have more of an impact on the health of the planet and you than an earth-friendly kitchen remodel.

Get the guide: Ecofriendly Kitchen: 9 Healthier Lifestyle Habits

Lindsey M. Roberts

Sometimes it's best to learn by example. This beautiful Maryland kitchen can show you just how great green can look. Get inspiration for your own home from this ecofriendly kitchen.

Get the guide: 9 Ideas From an Ecofriendly Kitchen Makeover

Comment16

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Comments (16)

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CWD

Keesje, can you tell me what brand/colour of cork you used that looks like slate please?

1 Like June 20, 2013 at 3:52PM

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msecobabble

Exactly Glassworks. This is where design has to make a difference, ie design out frustration! Wawawoo - I live in the UK and bought it from Urbane Living. They buy it directly from a supplier in Portugal but I can't remember the name of the Portuguese company. I'm hoping to soon put a piece up on my blog www.ecobabbles.com on our greener renovation of the kitchen. Only managed to explain the downstairs loo so far!

Like June 21, 2013 at 2:35AM

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CWD

Thanks keesje. I am from UK but live in US - all the best stuff is European! (to suit my UK taste, anyway - am sure not everyone in US has the same taste!)

1 Like June 21, 2013 at 5:28AM