“Eco-friendly” or “sustainability” mean different things to different people, but they fundamentally come down to making conscious decisions and taking positive actions to avoid harmful environmental impact and to achieve a greater balance between the environment, equity and economy. An eco-friendly kitchen is more than just a trend – it’s becoming the future for many homes in Australia. With a few simple changes to your kitchen, you can create an environmentally responsible space that minimises your impact on the environment while maintaining functionality and aesthetics. Check out our tips to fuel your eco-friendly kitchen renovations!
Energy-efficient appliances
The incorporation of energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen can help significantly reduce energy and water consumption, meaning a more sustainable kitchen and lower water and electricity bills – it’s a win for the planet and for your wallet! Choose from Energy Star certified refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers for peace of mind knowing that the product meets strict energy-efficiency specifications – the more stars, the more energy-efficient the product is compared to other models in its category.
For cooktops, choose induction cooktops over traditional gas or electrical cooktops to reduce your environmental footprint. Induction cooktops provide the same high temperatures as gas cooktops but with lower energy costs and superior safety as there’s no risk of naked flames or deadly gas fumes.
Sustainable materials
Sustainable materials aren’t just great for their durability and longevity; they’re also ideal for achieving an eco-friendly kitchen. Not all kitchen materials are created equal and some seemingly naturally-sourced materials may not be all they claim to be, so when selecting materials for your cabinets, countertops, floors and furniture, ask yourself: What is the material made from? Can it be reused, recycled or repurposed down the track? How far did it need to travel to get to you?
For sustainable kitchen inspiration for your cabinets, opt for solid timber, plywood or bamboo over laminate or vinyl-wrapped doors. For countertops, ditch granite for wood or quartz. For flooring that is not only eco-friendly but has special character, go for reclaimed timber that has been salvaged from old wooden structures.
Efficient waste management
For most of us, eco-friendly waste management was where our understanding of the importance of reducing environmental impact began. Employing efficient waste systems in the home is the easiest way you can be more sustainable. As well as your general waste bin, ensure that you have a separate bin for recyclables so that common items like glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles and containers, and cardboard boxes don’t unnecessarily go into landfill.
Step your eco-friendly kitchen up a notch with a dedicated compost system. There are loads of compost bin options that hold your indoor food scraps like fruit and vegetable waste, eggshells and coffee grounds for a few days before you empty them outside into a compost bin or local council Food Organics and Waste Organics (FOGO) wheelie bin.
Environmental accessories and lighting
With so many kitchen accessories needed for prep, cooking and serving, there is unlimited potential to create an eco-friendly kitchen. Ditch single-use plastics for glass containers, reusable silicone storage bags, beeswax food wraps and stainless-steel straws. Choose sustainable textiles for soft furnishings in the kitchen, such as organic cotton or linen for tea towels and napkins.
You can easily illuminate your kitchen while making an eco-friendly choice. Where possible, maximise natural sunlight to reduce the need for artificial lighting. When it comes to light fixtures in a sustainable kitchen, choose LED (light emitting diode) lighting products which produce light up to 90% more efficiently than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
Design your eco-friendly kitchen renovation with Kit Kitchens
Small changes can make a big impact. Get into the green scene and show the earth some love by incorporating these sustainable kitchen inspiration ideas into your home. With a few simple changes, it’s easy to reduce your carbon footprint and create a kitchen that has integrity, durability and longevity of style.
If you want to take your eco-friendly kitchen renovations to the next level with custom cabinetry or a full kitchen installation service, we can help. At Kit Kitchens, we offer an extensive selection of Australian-made board, which are environmentally sustainable materials, with a commitment to preserving our natural forests.
Check out our full suite of kitchen renovation services for more sustainable kitchen inspiration.
