Six Eco-Friendly Kitchen Refurb Tips
By being eco-friendly in the kitchen, you can reduce your environmental impact while still creating a stylish functional space.
Reuse and Upcycle Your Existing Units
Instead of replacing your kitchen cabinets, repaint or reface them with eco-friendly paint. Sand and reseal your wooden countertops or consider covering existing surfaces with sustainable materials like recycled glass. Replace any old hardware with second-hand or reclaimed pieces sourced from salvage yards.
Choose Sustainable Materials
Opt for natural and renewable materials. For your worktops, use bamboo, reclaimed wood or recycled glass. For flooring, consider cork, bamboo or reclaimed wood, as they are durable and sustainable. Avoid materials with a heavy environmental footprint, like quartz or granite, unless they are reclaimed. If you want more information on a kitchen refurbishment Surrey, companies such as thekitchenrefurbishmentcompany.co.uk will be happy to advise. If you want to spruce up a small section of the kitchen, you could simply invest in a new worktop.
Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances in the Kitchen
Invest in appliances with high energy ratings, or A+++. Brands like Bosch and Miele offer energy-efficient options in the UK. Switch to induction hobs, which use less energy compared to gas or standard electric stoves. Replace any old light fixtures with LED bulbs to reduce the family’s electricity consumption.
Explore Water-Saving Ideas
Install a water-saving tap to reduce the water flow without compromising performance. Consider putting in place a boiling water tap to eliminate the need for kettles, saving both energy and water. Use an eco-friendly dishwasher that optimises water usage, such as models from brands like AEG or Samsung.
Always Recycle and Dispose of Rubbish Responsibly
Donate or sell old kitchen units, appliances and materials rather than sending them to landfill. Recycle metals, plastics and glass responsibly at your local recycling centre.
Incorporate Eco-Friendly Decor
Incorporate sustainable textiles like organic cotton or linen for curtains and seat cushions. Add houseplants like herbs or succulents to improve your kitchen’s air quality and add natural beauty to the space.
Set up a dedicated recycling and composting station for your kitchen waste.
