Durable, moisture-resistant, and beautiful — these are the hallmarks of the ideal kitchen cabinet. You can find a wide variety of options on the market with all these qualities, but did you know that there are some that also help limit the negative impact on the planet? Read on as The Kitchen Store discusses the best eco-friendly kitchen cabinets to consider.
Bamboo Cabinets
While used as a standard option for eco-friendly flooring, bamboo is also a natural material often used to make kitchen cabinets. Unlike softwood and hardwood forests that grow in 10 to 20 years, bamboo grows rapidly and renews itself in three to five years. It also offers a high carbon dioxide exchange rate. In fact, it produces 35 percent more oxygen than other sources, which helps minimize greenhouse gases.
Formaldehyde-Free Cabinets
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that brings unhealthy side effects, including breathing problems and throat irritations. Since formaldehyde is a carcinogenic substance, it’s important to avoid cabinet materials that contain this toxic agent, such as fiberboard, plywood, or particleboard. Although most cabinet manufacturers and suppliers offer low-toxicity cabinets, it’s best to ask your local retailers and make sure your cabinet materials are certified by a major environmental program such as Environmental Stewardship Program or Green Seal.
Metal Cabinets
Metal cabinets were a popular choice among homeowners in the 1940s and 1950s. Decades later, they’re growing in popularity once again, especially among environmentally conscious homeowners. From stainless steel to aluminum, metal cabinets offer many ecological benefits while also increasing the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. They are durable enough not to require extensive maintenance, plus they don’t contain dangerous chemicals. Thanks to their rust and stain resistance, they can be used for both indoor and outdoor kitchen settings.
Recyclable Cabinets
Using recycled cabinets is a smart solution to reduce carbon footprint, especially those that are actively recycled to keep the material out of the dump. Since they are made from repurposed materials or waste products, choosing this type of eco-friendly cabinet is a great way to conserve forests and keep landfill waste low. When the time comes you want to change your cabinets, there are also many ways to recycle them. They can be repurposed as cabinets in another room or even used as bookcases. Some homeowners even try to recycle kitchen cabinets by cutting and redesigning them into a new piece of furniture.
For top-notch kitchen cabinet products, turn to The Kitchen Store. We partner with many cabinet manufacturers, each with product lines that offer distinct features and benefits. Although they offer a variety of products, all the cabinet companies we work with have excellent quality control standards in place, great customer service and include solid warranties with their cabinets. Give us a call at (310) 572-7515, or visit our showroom. Our service areas include Beverly Hills, CA, and the nearby areas within Southern California.
