9 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Ideas

Designers and experts share insight on materials, products and designs that are perfect for outfitting an eco-friendly kitchen.

• Bamboo. According to housewares expert Gus Dallas, the latest in environmentally-friendly kitchens includes fast-growing bamboo. The material makes great cutting boards and it can also be used for backsplashes and flooring.

Scrap wood. IKEA kitchen designer Martha Saldumbide says, "Where we can spare the environment, we do. We use a lot of scrap wood. It's the wood that nobody else wants but it's still really good hard wood."

Lighting. To cut down on lighting costs, try using fluorescents. They cut energy use by 50%. Whenever possible use natural light to brighten up your kitchen and bring down your electrical bill.

Thinking about cork for your kitchen floor? Learn how to install it here.

Cork. This renewable resource is made from the bark off a tree. It's also sound-absorbing, hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mildew, making it an excellent choice for kitchens.

Recycled stone-chipped composite countertops. These countertops resemble granite and are just as durable.

Top and bottom freezer/refrigerator units. These are more energy-efficient than side-by-side models because not as much cold air escapes. Not sure if your fridge can pass the eco-friendly test? Shut the door on a dollar bill--if it slides out easily then it's a sign the seal needs to be replaced.

Recyling stations. This handy recycling stations pulls out for easy access. Other recyling cabinets are set on wheels so they can be moved wherever needed.

Convection ovens. This type of oven uses a fan to drive heat rapidly from source to food so it cooks it 25% faster than a conventional oven.

Natural fabrics. Choose cotton or wool for your dining chairs and window dressings since man-made fabrics are made with chemicals that harm the environment.

bamboo backsplash - Troy Adams Designs
bamboo cutting boards - Gus Dallas, Ltd.
portable recycling unit - Bulthaup
bamboo, cork flooring - Expo Design Center

Resources
kitchen design
Troy Adams
Troy Adams Designs
Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-657-1400
E-mail: troy@troyadamsdesign.com
Website: www.troyadamsdesign.com

kitchen systems
Bulthaup
153 Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90048
Phone: 310-288-3875
Fax: 310-288-3885
Website: www.bulthaup.com
Guests
Martha Saldumbide
Interior Design Specialist/Kitchen Dept., IKEA
600 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502
Phone: 818-841-8060
Website: www.ikea.com

Max Isley
Certified Kitchen Designer, Hampton Kitchens of Raleigh
7625 Fullard Dr.
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Phone: 919-554-2227
Fax: 919-554-9977
E-mail: Max@HamptonKitchens.com

Richard Parsi
Tile, Stone and Wood Specialist, Expo Design Center
10861 Weyburn Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: 310-824-8400
Fax: 310-824-8491
Website: www.expo.com

Gus Dallas
Gus Dallas, Ltd.
1933 S. Broadway, Suite 839
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Phone: 213-746-7220
Fax: 213-746-4925
E-mail: gusdallasltd@aol.com
Website: www.gusdallas.com
Also in this Episode

Kitchen Trends 2005 : Episode HKT05-104
•	Satellite Kitchens
•	Light-Filled Spacious Kitchen
•	9 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Ideas
•	Small Appliances
•	Gourmet Outdoor Kitchen
•	Wine Storage
•	Quick Fix: Cabinets