Eco-Friendly Cabinetry: Elevate Your Home With Sustainable Cabinet Design
Sustainable Cabinet Lines
How can you know if your chosen line is sustainable? On some cabinet maker websites, there will be a “sustainability” page. Those that don’t almost always have mission or value statements, which can offer insight into their sustainable practices. As a general rule, companies that participate in sustainable practices and humanitarian efforts like to share them. However, it’s always important to stay cognizant of “greenwashing,” the practice of listing broad sustainability goals without much-resulting action.
A great example of a cabinetry producer who values sustainable practices and discusses them on their
website is PLATO Woodwork. PLATO is one of the cabinet lines we carry and has a fully custom cabinetry line. They’re based in Minnesota, with some of the most advanced sustainability laws and policies. PLATO follows these policies proudly for the health of both its customers and its team.
Deconstruction Over Demolition
Demolition can have a negative impact on the environment due to the waste of materials. “Before remodeling your home, think strategically about what to deconstruct and what items to keep (Norstone).” If you aren’t sure how to determine what can be salvaged, ask your designer if they know of any resources to have your materials repurposed or donated. Cabinet designers are hesitant to see usable kitchens demolished, so if you show an interest in donations, they’re usually more than happy to help.
Before a designer even walks through your door, you can do a walk-through of your home and write down any materials you think could be reused or repurposed. Even old cabinet doors can be used as serving trays or upcycled art. You know how one man’s trash is another man’s treasure? It's the same concept with the added bonus of sustainability.
Help the World, Your Health, and Your Wallet
Benefiting the environment doesn’t always mean losing money. A great example of this from previous years is the inclusion of solar panels on roofs, which have a higher upfront cost. Despite that, when you take into account the amount saved on electricity and, eventually, you can make that money back. Another way to make money back on sustainable remodeling choices is through incentives. Depending on where you live, there are various federal and state tax credits for choosing sustainable options. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency shows that there are 76 sustainability incentives in New Hampshire alone.
There are immediate health benefits to certain sustainable choices that go further than just a positive effect on the environment. For example, many cabinets are assembled using glue with toxins like formaldehyde, which can be harmful to the more sensitive homeowner. Paint finishes come with their own health challenges. Some homeowners know to seek out paints that are VOC-free, but it requires more research, making it difficult to find a designer who will keep these preferences in mind during the design process.
Sustainable materials inherently require less upkeep than traditional non-renewable materials. Choosing greener appliances is a great way to save money in the long run. A few appliances that will save you money over time despite a larger initial investment include:
Energy-efficient appliances
On-demand water heaters
High-efficiency insulation
Solar technology
There are so many decisions in home renovation that can be made more sustainable, and they range from small changes to very significant ones. The first step is to find a designer who has knowledge about edo-friendly choices and can steer you toward the best choices for yourself, your home, and your budget.
