Economy
How to Choose Eco-Friendly Cabinets for Your Green Home
People are more concerned about living green than ever before. The green revolution began over a decade ago. It was first evident when Gallup released a poll in 2008 showing that 29% of people reported making major changes to embrace a greener lifestyle.
However, following a green lifestyle requires them to be an informed consumer. There are a couple of mistakes they make:
- They don’t even consider looking for greener alternatives to certain consumer purchases.
- They don’t realize that many of the materials that they use for home furnishings leave a large carbon footprint and may cause long-term environmental damage.
- They don’t realize that some of the “green” alternatives they are considering have the same or a worse environmental impact
Home cabinets are an example. You may not realize how much of an environmental footprint they can create. Here are some estimates, according to Fira International Ltd.:
- A 1-meter long kitchen wall unit leaves 25 kg of carbon dioxide
- A 1-meter drawer line unit leaves 40 kg of carbon dioxide
- A full height base unit leaves 17 kg of carbon dioxide
You can fortunately cut this figure significantly by investing in the right furniture. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, you can also improve the health of your household. Penelope Sheely, a pediatrician from New York, told This Old House Magazine that she purchased green furniture to minimize the risk of her children getting sick.
However, you obviously need to do your research and find the right cabinets.
Investing in Green Cabinets for Your Home
Are you going to be doing a kitchen redesign in your home? If you are, and you are going to be replacing the cabinets, you have a wealth of choices when it comes to things like the style, the material, the colors, and the designer who is helping to take care of the kitchen design. One of the other factors that you will want to think about when you are choosing elements for your kitchen is going to be environmental friendliness, particularly when it comes to your cabinets.
There are many reasons to want to choose cabinets that are environmentally friendly. You want to make sure that you are not having any chemicals off-gassing from the cabinets, and getting into your home, of course. You also want to make sure that you know where the materials are coming from, that they are environmentally sourced, and that they are going to be sustainable ultimately.
When you are choosing a professional for your kitchen cabinets, you need to make sure that they are abiding by a certain level of care when it comes to the environment, such as using water-based glue, paint, and sealants, knowing where the materials have come from, and that they have low VOC components. In addition, you might want to consider companies that can offer recycled timbers and components, such as Ecocabinets.
The designers will be able to work with you to find a cabinet option that is not only green and ecofriendly, but that also happens to look great. They can help you get cabinets that truly fit the aesthetic that you are trying to achieve no matter your kitchen design.
When you take the time to choose kitchen cabinets that are environmentally friendly, and when you think about some of the other areas of your home that could be more ecofriendly, it is going to be good for you, as well as the environment. In addition, when you choose to work with companies like Ecocabinets, you will also find that the first design consultation does not require any obligation.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint With Green Cabinetry!
There are plenty of ways that you can make your home more environmentally friendly. Adding green cabinets is one of the best. You will want to do your due diligence and find one that leaves a small carbon footprint.