Living in an age very aware of the environment, it is important to know the potential dangers of everything around us. There is an influx of a whole range of environmentally friendly products (also known as “green” products) on the market and you can get anything from green kitchen accessories to environmentally friendly paints. Kitchen cabinets are one of the most essential things in every home and they are not as toxin free as we think they are.
When planning to change your kitchen try to use environmentally friendly products such as environmentally friendly kitchen cabinets. Here are a few important things you need to keep in mind before buying green kitchen cabinets:
Urea formaldehyde – This, a very popular adhesive used for wood and wood-based products, has been defined as a “human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although, when used in very small amounts it does not pose any health hazard, the Environmental Protection agency strongly recommends its very minimal use. The problem arises mainly when urea formaldehyde comes into contact with heat, the emissions are intensified and more concentrated. The kitchen is a place where temperatures are usually high; so try not to use products that contain urea formaldehyde as their primary adhesive.
Low VOC – While looking for green kitchen cabinets, make sure there is no or very low Volatile Organic Compound – better known as VOC. This is part of the paint, and most of the finishes that are used to seal the outside of the cabinets. Emissions of VOCs produce high levels of the harmful gas in the air. Although available on request, the advantage of the low VOC level is that it is also odorless.
Durability – While going for green kitchen cabinets it is very important to check their durability. A good quality green cabinet should be able to sustain 20 years of good use. Since most will not plan to remodel their kitchen every few years, it makes more sense to use good quality products even if they seem a little more expensive. Although green cabinets can be a little more expensive, look out for deals in local papers and the Internet. When making any purchases over the Internet be sure to check shipping costs as well.
Buy green kitchen cabinets
Here are a few options on green kitchen cabinets:
1. Bamboo – This is a choice of most environmentalists as it takes less than half the time for bamboo to reach its size compared to other types of wood. Bamboo looks very soothing to the eye and can give a completely different look to your kitchen. Green kitchen cabinets made of bamboo are very strong and also have enviable durability.
2. Recycled wood – If you are very keen to reduce deforestation, recycled wood is the way to go. A surprising aspect of recycled wood is that it is actually stronger than most of the commercial wood used to make cabinets on the market today. Also, the durability of recycled kitchen cabinets is very high. These reclaimed wood cabinets are usually made from old solid wood and all they really need is a good low VOC finish to give them a perfect look. Not only is recycled wood strong but also easy on your pocket.
3. Reclaimed kitchen cabinets – This is another popular option when you plan to go green with your kitchen. Reclaimed wood has been used by many manufacturers who come up with something innovative by using it. Not only is this an affordable option, the quality can be quite good as well because the person removing his/her previous cabinetry may just want to change the way his/her kitchen looks. If you find a cabinet that fits your home and your needs, go ahead and customize it a little if necessary. Reclaimed wood can also come from heritage buildings, so you never know what kind of treasure you’re getting your hands on.
Fortunately, the needs of consumers are echoed by manufacturers who provide a high-quality, durable and affordable kitchen cabinet that respects the environment. With an influx of so many green products, you’re sure to find something that perfectly suits your needs and budget.
