When it comes to the kitchen, cork can be an eco-friendly substitute for hardwood. Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, grown in Mediterranean countries such as Portugal, Italy and Spain. From a cutting board to your kitchen flooring, try replacing conventional materials with cork, which reaches maturity in one-third of the time of an oak tree.
Investigate countertops made from recycled materials – such as paper and glass – and sealed with polymers to ensure durability. Recycled materials can provide longevity similar to quartz or stone while also being a more sustainable option.
Replacing single-use paper towels with cloth napkins or hand towels can drastically reduce the amount of waste in the kitchen. By investing in a washer with an Energy Star rating, you can help minimize the amount of water and electricity used.
Another suggestion is to exclusively use green cleaning products. The consumer demand for these types of cleaners has increased their availability from local health-food stores to nationwide grocery chains.