Clean And Green

No detail is too small when it comes to creating an eco-friendly, hygienic kitchen space, writes Guinevere Davies

- Guinevere Davies

The choices we make for our home environments will always have an impact on the environment as a whole. Every aspect, from a company’s manufacturing process to the materials used and even how you use them yourself at home, can all have an impact on your overall health as well as your carbon footprint.

THE BIG PICTURE

It’s important to think holistically when designing an eco-friendly kitchen space – the way products are manufactured is as important as what they’re made from. As FABRI’s Erin Braithwaite explains, “It is important to ask questions about the origins of the materials that will be used in kitchen cabinetry and countertops.

“FABRI cabinetry is manufactured with raw materials from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified suppliers, and the countertop materials we recommend, sintered porcelain and quartz, are certified with various green building organisations in South Africa.”

Meyer von Wielligh’s Norman Meyer says, “There are various options to look at: formaldehyde-free plywood, cork, FSC-certified solid wood and wood veneers, melamine and MDF can also be eco-friendly if made from recycled materials. I would also suggest low-VOC paints.”

Linear Concept’s Selma Zaifoglu adds, “We use wood and glass, which are sustainable and recyclable materials, in our kitchen designs. The use of these materials has become increasingly popular with new homeowners as the whole world is moving towards a greener, eco-friendlier lifestyle.”

If you’re looking to incorporate eco-friendly materials into your kitchen renovation, it’s wise to consider the longevity of the products you choose too, says EuroCasa’s Melanie Stein.