Besides the obvious water-efficient kitchen faucet and energy-efficient lighting and appliances, what else can you do to help make your kitchen an eco-oasis? According to Consumer Reports magazine, a lot.

In this post you will learn about:

• Ideas to update your kitchen on a budget
• Eco-friendly choices for your kitchen
• Resources to help your family be more eco-friendly

Start with your kitchen’s style. Why update it every time a new fancy look splashes its way onto the cover of your favorite design magazine? Opt to go timeless with your kitchen faucet or sink. This will cut down on the time and money you spend on gearing your kitchen to the new hot look, and you’ll save materials and energy used to make those materials.

This modern kitchen is clean and bright with useful task areas and lighting

If you are one who prefers frequent updates, you might think about doing so with easier and less-expensive changes. Things like adding under-cabinet LED lights (efficient, task-oriented and easy to install) and new cabinet hardware (pulls and handles) can give you the update you’re looking for on the cheap.

When you do re-face, redo or refinish, think and act locally. Your local craftsman, cabinet supplier, granite counter-top shop, or handyman is probably just as reliable as a big box store. You also help to cut down on transportation costs that go with buying from an out-of-town supplier.

When your cabinets and drawers grow out of style, instead of ripping them out in favor of new ones, insist on giving them new life—reface your cabinets and drawers. Consider replacing the doors and drawer fronts and installing new veneers over the boxes. Painting them is another easy and inexpensive way to rejuvenate them.

The dark color of these cabinets pop against the light walls and floor

No doubt you’re heard this mantra: reduce, reuse, and recycle. No reason you can’t apply it to the kitchen. If you’re bringing in something new to your kitchen, someone might be able to use your old fixtures. From faucets and sinks to cabinet doors and appliances, someone has a need for them. A solid place to start is your local Habitat For Humanity chapter (www.habitat.org).

If you’re redesigning your kitchen, be sure to make recycling easy and include a built-in recycle center. And don’t forget to set aside a place to collect composting material.

There are so many ways we can give the most visited area of our home the eco treatment. Individually, these easy, money-saving tips can help a little—multiple changes can really make a difference. All you need is a little research and a plan to increase your eco savvy.

Have a suggestion to add to our short list? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Until next time, Happy Home Improving!

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