Green Kitchens

Responsible Manufacturing Means Greener Cabinets

If you’re in the market for cabinets, consider buying from a manufacturer who has made a commitment to environmental sustainability. The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) developed the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) to help cabinet manufacturers lead the way in environmental responsibility. ESP is the only environmental certification program that specifically focuses on kitchen and bath cabinets.

As part of ESP certification, manufacturers earn points by using wood from sustainable forestry and selective harvesting programs, using low formaldehyde emitting products, recycling, conserving energy, educating suppliers, and showing involvement in their community.

After meeting the certification requirements, companies are awarded the ESP seal to display on their products. The ESP seal lets consumers, builders, architects, and others know they are supporting sustainability when they use ESP-certified products.

Caruso Kitchens encourages practices that benefit the environment and society. Caruso proudly supplies ESP-certified cabinets through many of its product lines. Talk to a professional designer at Caruso Kitchens today and ask for ESP-certified cabinets. Our designers can help you identify products that are better for your home, your family and the environment.

Ten Tips for Greening Your Kitchen

The goals of greening your kitchen should include natural lighting, good ventilation, low-toxicity finishes, energy- and water-efficient appliances, and surfaces that are durable, cleanable, and, of course, look good.

Here are some innovations and design ideas for a green kitchen:

• Lots of operable windows for natural daylight and free ventilation - skylights are good, too
• A receptacle for compostable materials very near the work prep area
• Easy access to and sufficient room for recyclables storage in the kitchen
• A small, energy-efficient refrigerator-freezer (visit the Energy Star website for the most energy-efficient models)
• Hardwood floors, which are easier on your feet than stone or tile, have no grout to clean, and mop up easily with soap and water (consider Bamboo-one of the earth’s fastest growing plants that requires no replanting!)
• A place to grow herbs, like a garden window
• Storage designs that are sufficient and easy to use; storage space should be designed specifically for your storage needs
• A cold box, which keeps fruits and veggies fresh without requiring refrigeration
• Compact Flourescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) use up to 75% less energy, last 10 to 15 times longer and reduce waste and air pollution
• Formaldehyde-free cabinets; also, choose stains and finishes that do not offgas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home

Why go green?

Why would you want a “green home”? Here are some reasons to consider earth-friendly options when remodeling or building your home:

• Lower operating costs due to the energy and water efficiency aspects of the design (lower utility bills!)
• Tax incentives and rebates offered by electrical utility companies and the federal government
• Increased health and comfort from the features that control humidity, reduce chemicals exposure and improve air exchange and filtration
• Enhanced durability and less maintenance from the incorporation of building materials and construction details that strive to increase the useful life of the whole house
• Higher re-sale value

Your kitchen can play a big role in the green status of your home. A professional designer with Caruso Kitchens can help you brainstorm, plan and manage your green kitchen from start to finish.