Kitchen Appliances

The kitchen is one of the home s largest
water users. By selecting a water-
efficient dishwasher and low-flow
faucets, you can help to minimize your
impact on Wisconsin s water resources.
Consider composting instead of using
the garbage disposal to not only save
water, but produce valuable mulch for
your garden.
Cabinetry and Countertops
Two of the biggest decisions in any
kitchen are what to use for cabinets and
countertops. Not only do you have to
choose products that look good, you also
have to choose products that are durable,
functional and offer the features you need.
You can also select products that can
protect your health and the health of the
environment.
To avoid the problems of chemical off-
gassing from new cabinets or the refacing
of old ones, look for these environmentally
friendly alternatives:
* Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
certified wood and plywood: The Forest
Stewardship Council is a third-party
certifier of forest products from
responsibly managed forests.
* Formaldehyde-free medium density
fiberboard (MDF): Formaldehyde, a
known carcinogen, is often used to
produce MDF, a material similar to
plywood that can be used for cabinet
frames and doors. Request products that
are formaldehyde-free.
* Wheatboard or other panels made
from agricultural fibers: Straw, wheat,
soybeans and other agricultural products
can be used to make materials similar to
plywood for cabinet frames and doors.
* Reclaimed wood: Reclaimed woods
such as Douglas fir can be reused to
make cabinets that are not only resource
efficient, but uniquely beautiful as well.
Finding an environmentally responsible
countertop that s durable, easy to clean and
good looking offers a multitude of options.
What s important to you? Do you want the
durability and ease of installation that tile
offers or the benefits and good looks of
concrete, natural or engineered stone, or
solid surface materials? Butcher block,
laminates and natural linoleum are also
good options. The chart available at
www.seattle.gov/sustainablebuilding/greenhome.htm#Kitchen
outlines the costs, benefits, opportunities and drawbacks of
different countertop options.
What color is your floor?
Flooring is one of the most noticeable elements of any kitchen
design and there are many different flooring options available. In
terms of environmental benefit, there are several materials that
stand out in terms of making green sense.
* Natural linoleum: Natural linoleum components are readily
renewable. Vinyl, a common artificial alternative, is both
produced and disposed of with environmentally-harmful
results.
* Bamboo: Bamboo is readily renewable (canes can be harvested
for use in flooring every threee to 6 years) and is comparable in
durability and hardness to wood flooring.
* FSC-certified hardwood flooring: This flooring has been
harvested from forestry operations that are managed with long-
term economic, environmental and social sustainability in
mind.
* Reclaimed wood: Some of the waste going to landfills is still
quite serviceable, and in the case of salvaged wood flooring, can
add unique character and beauty to your home.
* Cork: Cork is harvested from the bark of trees the trees
themselves live for many years making cork a readily
renewable material.
* Recycled glass tile: These tiles are made with glass salvaged
from a variety of sources broken glass from window
manufacturers, crushed car and airplane windshields and glass
bottles.