Green Kitchen
By: Heather Cheney
Top and Bottom Freezer/ Refrigerators
Top and bottom freezer/ refrigerator units are much more energy efficient than the side by side models because not as much cold air escapes. The most efficient orientation is to have the freezer beneath the refrigerators and the second most efficient orientation is to have a top freezer and the refrigerator below that. New refrigerators are 75% more energy efficient than they were 20 years ago.
Cork flooring
Cork flooring is made from tree bark that grows back and can be harvested repeatedly. It's a renewable resource. The harvesting does the tree no harm and can be stripped again every nine years. Cork contains anti-microbial properties that reduce allergens in the home. The flooring is fire and water, and resistant and acts as a natural insect repellent. There are some many green characteristics of cork flooring.
Faucet Aerators
Faucet aerators are a easy and inexpenisve way to reduce water usage without decreasing water pressure. Adding an aerator to your kitchen faucet can help decrease water flow from 3-5 gpm to 1.5 gpm. These typically cost less than $10. It's also very easy to install with no extra costs.
Citations
Works Cited
"Green Kitchen Flooring: Linoleum and Cork." Houselogic. N.p., 06 Nov. 2010. Web. 02 Feb. 2016.
"Green Kitchen Remodeling." Houselogic. N.p., 25 Sept. 2009. Web. 02 Feb. 2016.
"Side-by-Side Refrigerators vs. Bottom Freezer." Home Guides. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2016.