Kitchen & Bath Design News recently posed the question to dealers and designers in the kitchen and bath industry: “What are some of the best ways to incorporate green-based elements into the kitchen and bath?” Following are some of their responses:

“There are many different ways to look at working with green products. Aesthetically, recycled glass and metal backsplashes and countertop surfaces are now available. I have one line I use that makes recycled bronze and aluminum sinks. They’re heavy duty and available in multiple finishes and colors.

I hand out a brochure printed by the cabinet manufacturer I work with. It’s called ‘Protecting the Environment.’
With my showroom, I also sell appliances. I have products I recommend by specific manufacturers that are water conscious and green, as they promote energy savings.

[The green products I mainly recommend are] tiles, metals and sinks. I also try to promote LED and fluorescent lights, as well as induction cooktops.

I think we need to take the initiative with the green movement and get the information out there. We need to let the clients know that these products are available and educate people about them.”

Audrey Wadsworth, designer
Jim’s Appliance/JW Kitchens
Decorah, IA

“We’re seeing many different cabinet companies introducing brochures showing what they can do with cabinets, energy-saving appliances and countertops that aren’t emitting any radon or any other gases.

Each company is introducing a brochure, and we’ll have those out so clients can look at them. They can look at what company has produced the literature, what their green statement is and what they’re trying to do for the environment. Then by asking questions, they can see which products we sell most and whether they are getting a good product, and one that falls within the green standards.

The brochures give clients information they can have when they go out shopping, looking for the right cabinets, finding out what is considered a renewable resource and what countertops fit into that category. The brochures give them the information to go out and make the right decision.”

Kyle Frank, sales and design
Appliance and Cabinet Center
Billings, MT

“I say the biggest way to incorporate green products is through knowledge. I’m trying to get myself more educated. So many green things can be added to a kitchen and bathroom, not only the materials themselves, but in other details as well.

Not only can we help people with the kitchen and bath, but we can help them to know why the stuff inside the walls, or underneath the floors, or above the ceilings, is eco-friendly as well.

The big green thing I hear discussed most often relates to cabinets. A lot of the vendors are moving away from particleboard and the formaldehyde that was in particleboard. They’re changing to more green products. The more people who get involved with green practices, the more it will make a difference in the environment and the quality of life people have in these spaces.”

Bob Wheeler, CKD, CBD, owner
Kitchen Plans
Kittery, ME

“We’re seeing a lot of interest in green products. It’s nice to see manufacturers starting to use other means of manufacturing so we have a better, healthier and more earth-friendly product available to consumers.

From appliances to countertop materials, we have green, energy-efficient products. When looking for products, we recommend looking for the Energy Star label. We have refrigerators now that are several times cheaper to run per year than two years ago. It saves money to run them and they’re quieter. You don’t have to give up your stainless steel refrigerator.

If you’re interested in more earth friendly or green products, there are wonderful solid surface countertops. Corian and DuPont brought them out 35 years ago and they don’t off-gas. They’re easy to maintain and it’s easy to design sharp-looking kitchens around them.

There are great top surfaces. There are great undermount sinks. The plywood boxes or particleboard boxes being used in cabinets have green label products now that don’t off-gas like they used to with formaldehydes.

There have been a lot of people who have voiced their opinions and tried to get things done and now [we’re finally seeing results from that]. It’s supply and demand. Better late than never, right?”

Ron Burnett, president
Alaska Kitchen Distributors
Anchorage, AK

“I think the most significant green element, because it’s often the largest product in a kitchen and bath, is the cabinetry. So much goes into the manufacturing of the cabinets – all the way from taking down the trees, to processing the lumber, to drying the lumber and the whole life cycle of that manufacturing process through their factories. It makes a substantial difference if you’re choosing a green-based cabinet. I know it’s a higher-cost cabinet, but it’s up to each client whether the price is worth it or not.

There are also manufacturers that make cabinets out of recycled wood, such as salvaged wood from an existing building. It’s not only a neat look, but it’s using the wood twice. So you don’t have the whole cycle with the harvesting of additional trees.”

Jack Kellerman, president
Kellerman Kitchen and Bath
Baton Rouge, LA