By Mark Vanderhoff

By now, most people know that organic food is good for people and the planet. But what about the very place in which folks prepare their meals?
Kitchens can be healthy and environmentally friendly, too. Whether remodeling or building a new home, anyone can make a kitchen “green.”

First, let's start with a disclaimer: remodeling requires energy and natural resources, so leaving things alone can sometimes be the most sustainable option. Sometimes, however, those outdated fixtures or dilapidated cabinets just have to go, so a homeowner might as well choose eco-conscious updates.

Second, let's review a concept mentioned in previous green building columns – Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. When choosing paints, stains and adhesives, look for products that don't emit these chemicals. VOCs have been linked to illnesses such as cancer and the creation of VOC-emitting products often involves a laundry list of environmental concerns.

Many remodelers might begin with cabinets. Used cabinets can be purchased at second-hand or salvage shops, which saves money and scores points for reuse. Otherwise, look for cabinets made from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, a stamp that guarantees sustainable forestry management and harvesting.

In the case of new construction, consider having trees from the lot milled for use in the cabinets. It's a great conversation piece, and lumber culled from the building site eliminates the resources necessary for transportation. These days, much of the wood being used in America comes from as far away as Indonesia and South America.

Some cabinets also use recycled wood or lumber and agricultural waste byproducts.

So what is the most environmentally friendly countertop? Before becoming the trendiest choice in luxury homes, granite was popular as the most durable stone available. Although granite receives points for a long life, some critics would argue that quarries cause too much irreversible environmental destruction.

Several options made from recycled materials exist. Recycled glass mixed with concrete, popularized by brands such as IceStone, offers an artsy alternative. Recycled plastic is available for counters and tables alike. Recycled paper and other fibers have been incorporated into countertops that create a soft, warm feel. One company even has a material made from recycled paper money.
When choosing appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers, look for the Energy Star label. This government certification signals energy efficiency. Electric stoves don't have Energy Star labels because the coiled burner technology requires a fixed amount of energy.

Most dishwashers, by the way, actually clean using less water than doing the job by hand, if they are full when they are run. Some dishwashers also use less water than others.

Faucet aerators will conserve the water used by the kitchen sink. Repair leaks immediately to prevent water waste. To conserve the energy used by the kitchen sink, an on-demand water heater may be a viable option. They aren't for everyone or every house, but they can eliminate the energy waste associated with hot water heaters.

These are but a few ideas for environmentally friendly kitchens. If a new kitchen isn't an option, consider changing habits – everything from composting food scraps to turning off the lights can help.

For more information about green building or your kitchen remodel visit the WNC Green Building Council resources section at www.wncgbc.org or contact us at 828-254-1995 or info@wncgbc.org .

Mark Vanderhoff is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Kasey and Associates and a volunteer with WNC Green Building Council