5 Tips for a Greener Kitchen
As our climate changes, we all want to feel that we are doing our bit to help the planet. From switching off a lightbulb when you leave a room, to embarking on a super-eco-conscious new build, every decision we make in our homes can help.
So, when considering your new kitchen, have a look at our 5 tips below to help keep your carbon footprint down, whilst still achieving a stylish, luxury space perfectly tailored to you.
1. Find the Right Materials
Choosing the most eco-friendly materials for your kitchen requires a bit of thought. At David Lisle, we can provide a variety of different solutions.
Because our timber is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, you can be sure that you are using an ethical, sustainable product for your kitchen, and sourcing as much timber from the UK as we can reduces our carbon footprint, too.
We have also recently launched our bamboo eco-kitchen. Made without formaldehyde or VOCs, which are damaging to both human and environmental health, the manufacture of bamboo sheets actually helps the environment. Growing up to 50cm a day, it can be harvested very frequently. The root network expands with each harvest, producing more and more shoots, meaning it can intake a huge amount of CO2. The strong roots also help to hold the ground together, helping with reforestation and reducing the risk and damage from landslides. Read more about our eco-kitchen.
Our carbon-neutral bamboo can be painted or left with its unique natural grain.
2. Invest in a Boiling Tap
Boiling taps have become a must-have in most kitchens. Easy to use, safe and quick, our clients often say that once they have one, they can’t imagine using anything else.
Not only practical, they are also energy efficient. The high-pressure tank of a Quooker works like a thermos flask, keeping the water at 110°C, and the fresh water that refills the tank requires very little energy to get up to temperature.
The beauty of having boiling water on tap is that you only need to dispense the exact amount you want to use, rather than overfilling a kettle, saving both water and energy.
3. Choose a Recycled Worktop
When it comes to kitchen worktops, there are many innovative surfaces that have a low carbon footprint, too. Compac’s Obsidiana range uses up to 100% recycled glass, whilst Silestone’s Ethereal collection is made using 100% renewable energy, and Diespeker’s terrazzo worktops reclaim shards from stone yards that would otherwise be wasted.
4. Consider Your Appliances
Appliance manufacturers are also constantly coming up with new ways to reduce their emissions, releasing newer models that consume less power. All brochures and websites give the energy rating for each model, too, so it’s easy to find out which have the least environmental impact.
One simple and easy solution to reduce your carbon emissions is to switch from gas cooking to electric, specifically induction. Induction hobs nowadays are just as responsive as gas, providing just as good a cooking experience. They are also much more eco-friendly and can even be powered by renewable energy.
As well as being better for the plant, induction hobs look sleek and elegant, especially with dark worktops.
5. Shop Local
There is a myriad of reasons why we are being encouraged to shop local. It not only benefits the high street, but it also keeps your carbon footprint down. Rather than shipping furniture from across the globe, choosing a company that makes their products in the UK means that significantly fewer fossil fuels are used in transportation.
It also means that the furniture is made by local craftspeople, who, like us, are highly trained and skilled, and take pride in their work.
