HOW CAN YOU GET AN ECO-FRIENDLY KITCHEN??

As a responsible homeowner, and as a homeowner who is constantly looking for ways to cut the cost of energy, you  are likely seeking out approaches to help make your home more eco-friendly.  Whether it is an increased emphasis on recycling or purchasing products that are more sustainable, there are numerous ways to help reduce your impact on the environment and save money also.

If your kitchen is overdue for an overhaul, you can implement the same logic. You can ensure your kitchen will be one of the most eco-friendly rooms in your home, all the while helping it to look contemporary and aesthetically pleasing.  Here are a few tips:

Look to the lights - Cut down on energy costs and be more efficient by considering the kind of lighting.  Consider LED lightbulbs, they use as much as 75% less energy than incandescent lights and last up to 25 times longer.  LED lights are ideal for lighting countertops as well as for recessed downlights.

Be materialistic - When you add cabinets, countertops, tables or flooring, consider the kinds of materials you are utilizing. Specifically bamboo, scrap wood, cork, recycled composite and natural fabrics.  For countertops, butcher-block material made specifically from trees that are harvested sustainably or recycled aluminum tiling finished with a stain-resistant and nontoxic powder coat and sealed with latex.

Energy Star Appliances -  You simply need to look for appliances that have earned Energy Star certification.  The Energy Star program, created by the U.S. EPA identifies those appliances that offer more efficiency on the whole.  ES certified refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers are guaranteed to save you more money and reduce your impact on the environment. Check out the website:  http://energystar.gov

Incentivize recycling -  It is important not only to consider recycled materials in building your kitchen but also to emphasize continued recycling well after it is completed.  When shopping for groceries, always favor products that create less waste that would wind up in landfills.  In your kitchen have accessible and readily-apparent recycling stations.  HGTV.com recommends under counter recycling stations or portable recycling cabinets for these purposes.

There are numerous steps you can take to ensure that your kitchen is one of the greenest rooms in your home.  Consider these ideas as well as others that can help you use less energy and save more money.

Don't forget those kitchen cleaners you are using!  Try the Shaklee brand for the Scour off (replaces scouring powder which is caustic) which is derived from ground cherry pits.  Have cleaner pots and pans, sinks to name a few.  No more rough hands, very gentle!  For your dishwasher, Shaklee has Dish Washer Automatic Powder Concentrate, bio-degradable.  More than 1 and 1/2 times as effective on filming than Seventh Generation.  Economical takes less than Cascade Complete Powder which will need 1 and a half 45 oz. boxes to clean 48 loads compared to Shaklee Dish Washer Powder's one box.

We cannot forget Basic H2, organic super cleaning concentrate.  All purpose in the kitchen and home.  No rinse, no residue.  Window cleaner - 2 drops to 16 oz. of water. All purpose - 1/4 tsp. to 16 oz. of water.  Degreaser - 1-1/4 tsp. to 16 oz. of water.  Very economical.  1 - 16 oz. Basic H2 equals 5,824 bottles of 26 oz. Windex.

Happy Kitchen cleaning makes for a Happy Homemaker!   More information, visit our website, healthyhabitstoday.net