Eco-Friendly Kitchen Upgrades To Try Out

The kitchen is one of the largest consumers of water and energy in a home. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to decrease your carbon footprint with the right remodels. To ensure that the heart of your home is as energy-efficient as possible, here are some eco-friendly kitchen upgrades to try out.

Purchase energy-efficient appliances

One of the most effective ways to reduce your kitchen’s negative environmental impact is to invest in energy-efficient appliances. If your fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, or other kitchen appliance is on its last legs, shop for a replacement that has the ENERGY STAR seal on it. All products that have received an ENERGY STAR certification have met high standards of energy efficiency, so it’s easy to identify the most eco-friendly appliances for your kitchen.

 

Switch to eco-friendly faucets

Another eco-friendly kitchen upgrade to try out is water-efficient faucets. Low-flow faucets can significantly reduce the amount of water you use while washing dishes or completing other tasks in the kitchen. Depending on the faucet you switch to, you could potentially reduce your water use by up to 50 percent. To ensure that the faucet you install provides optimal water efficiency, look for one that has a WaterSense label on it.

 

 

Choose glass tile for your backsplash

Installing a backsplash is a great way to enhance the appearance of your kitchen while protecting your wall from pesky stains and water damage. To make this home enhancement more environmentally friendly, consider opting for glass tiles.

Often, manufacturers create glass tiles from recycled materials. However, even if the glass tiles you choose didn’t incorporate recycled glass, all glass tiles are 100-percent recyclable and typically consume less energy to produce than ceramic tiles. Plus, glass tiles are easy to clean, don’t absorb water, and help enlarge a space because they reflect and bounce light. 

For a timeless, classic look, white glass tiles are always in vogue. On the other hand, opting for a more colorful glass tile will allow you to make a dramatic statement.

 

 

Swap out incandescent bulbs with LEDs

An easy way to update your kitchen in an eco-friendly manner is simply to swap out incandescent bulbs with LEDs. LED light bulbs consume far less energy and last up to 20 times longer, which means they will produce less waste. In addition to their eco-friendly advantages, LED bulbs will also save you money on your utility bill and replacement bulbs.