Sustainable kitchens are on the rise. With increased awareness surrounding climate change and environmental impact, homeowners are looking to make more conscious purchasing decisions.
From your choice of kitchen worktop material to the appliances that you use, there are so many ways to reduce waste and create a more sustainable kitchen space.
In this article, we’ll be sharing a number of simple ideas that will help you to create a kitchen that is practical, stylish and better for the planet.
Let’s get stuck in…
Sustainable Kitchens Require The Right Materials
With so many stone worktop materials to choose from, many homeowners face decision paralysis. There are a wide variety of quartz, marble and granite worktops available on the market today – but which is the best choice for a sustainable kitchen?
Firstly, when considering materials for an eco kitchen, you want something that is hard-wearing and will stand the test of time.
One of the biggest issues that we see today is waste. With cheaply made, disposable products flooding the market, piles of unused materials end up in landfill with no way of being repurposed or recycled. What’s more, because these products are not built to last, the amount of waste going to landfill increases, releasing even more harmful carbon monoxide and methane gas into the atmosphere.
Luckily, stones such as granite and quartz have an impressive lifespan and can last decades if properly maintained and cared for. By opting for a quality stone worktop instead of a low quality laminate or acrylic, you can reduce your environmental impact and ensure that you’re not contributing to the endless cycle of waste.
Sustainable Kitchen Worktop Manufacturers
Another way to ensure a more sustainable kitchen is to opt for stone materials that have been responsibly manufactured.
Silestone is a type of solid engineered quartz made by sustainable surface design company, Consentino.
Made with 99% recycled water, 100% renewable energy, and 20% recycled materials, it is the perfect choice for those wanting a strong, durable surface that has been produced in an environmentally friendly way.
Want to find out more? Check out our blog on Silestone vs Technistone.
Embrace Sustainable Kitchen Technology
Looking to save money and improve energy efficiency?
There are hundreds of smart appliances that can support you on your journey to sustainability.
Small details such as opting for boiling water taps can reduce water consumption and are a great alternative to boiling the kettle every hours or so.
Even the type of dishwasher you choose can influence how energy efficient your home is. Look out for energy star ratings to ensure you pick appliances that aren’t going to waste energy and drain your bank account.
Upcycle Your Old Kitchen Materials
For an eco kitchen with a personal touch, consider a spot of upcycling!
Upcycling old items and materials is a great way to give them a new lease of life and is something that can enjoyed by all the family.
Even simple things like using worktop offcuts as coasters or paperweights can add a quirky touch to your home.
Happen to have some old cork tiles lying around? Cork floor tiles make fantastic pin boards where you can display shopping lists, family photos or important letters.
With a bit of imagination, you can find ways to upcycle just about anything. Take a look Pinterest and Instagram for more upcycling inspiration!
Recycle Your Waste in The Right Way
It’s not just your old kitchen materials that can be re-used and re-purposed.
By recycling your waste correctly, you can reduce your carbon footprint and ensure that your rubbish is put to good use.
Nowadays, there are so many different options for recycling at home. There are stylish and sleek multi-sectioned waste bins that blend in with your kitchen design as well as hidden food caddies that can be neatly tucked away underneath your kitchen island or breakfast bar.
The key thing to remember with recycling is that you want waste disposal to be as convenient and hassle-free as possible. So, make sure your recycling bins are accessible. That way, you won’t forget to use them!
Use Sustainable Kitchen Products
If you’ve chosen some shiny, new stone worktops for your kitchen, you’ll want to keep them nice and clean.
When it comes to kitchen cleaning, there are many commercial products on the market that contain harmful chemicals and are packaged in not-so-eco friendly containers.
Fortunately, the best way to keep your counters in tip top condition is to make your own! For everyday cleaning, most worktops come up beautifully with good old fashioned soap and water.
To make an effective sustainable cleaning solution, combine a few drops of washing up liquid and some warm water then store it in a reusable spray bottle or simply make up the solution as you go. That way you’ll only use as much as you need.
Want to find out more? Check out our stone cleaning guides:
Add Plants to Your Eco Kitchen
Recently, we’ve seen plants such as cacti, palms and peace lilys gracing the shelves of people’s homes. Not only do plants add a touch of calm to a kitchen space, but they also help to create a healthier home environment.
Plants can purify and oxygenate your space which helps to reduce Co2 and remove other nasty chemicals from the air.
So, get green fingered and start experimenting with different types of plants in your home. Whether your opt for a few potted plants on a shelf or some hanging pots on top of your floating units, you’ll be well on your way to creating a more sustainable kitchen environment.
We Can Help You to Create a More Sustainable Kitchen Space
If you’re investing in new kitchen worktops and want to make your space more sustainable, we’re on hand to help. We provide a range of quality, long lasting work surfaces that will stand the test of time and help you to create a more eco-friendly home.
Call us today to speak to one of our experts on 0117 956 3030, or fill out our contact form.