Choose Electric Appliances Over Gas

Gas is detrimental to your health and damaging to the environment in so many ways. Studies reported in such peer-reviewed medical journals as the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and The Lancet show that gas appliances, particularly on gas cooking stoves, increase respiratory illness in children, young adults, and those who spent time cooking with gas.

According to Wendee Nicole in Environmental Health Perspectives, “Natural gas cooking appliances, which are used by a third of U.S. households, can contribute to poor indoor air quality, especially when used without an exhaust hood. Gas stoves emit nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and formaldehyde (HCHO), each of which can exacerbate various respiratory and other health ailments.”

Many more homeowners are making the switch to electric, and not just in the kitchen. “We see a huge push away from gas ranges and dryers toward electric range and dryers,” says Justin Riordan, interior designer, architect, and founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency. “We have even seen some cities banning natural gas lines to new homes because of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by burning gas.”

In 2020, it’s easy to electrify by installing an induction stove, the top choice for the 2020 sustainable home kitchen. Energy-Star certified refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, and clothes washers and dryers are a must. Enervee is an excellent resource, as it helps homeowners select the most energy-efficient products through scoring that analyzes product performance and total energy use.

Electrifying your kitchen means less energy use, improved indoor air quality, and better homeowner health. It also introduces the opportunity to move toward zero emissions by using solar to run electrical appliances. Moreover, electric appliances integrate easily with smart-home technologies.

Buy Sustainable and Healthy Cabinetry 

The real space-eater in the kitchen is cabinetry, an essential component of an efficient, functional kitchen. Reclaimed wood is an excellent choice for custom cabinetry. More kitchen-cabinet companies are moving toward lower footprint and healthier products by incorporating recycled wood, bamboo, or recycled PET bottles. One such company is IKEA.

Another company, StarMark Cabinetry, is a certified brand in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Environmental Stewardship Program. To earn this certification, manufacturers must earn at least 80 points based on compliance with such criteria as the use of certified low-formaldehyde panel products (mandatory), use of wood purchased through a certified sustainable forestry program, and active recycling of waste.

“Today’s homeowner is demanding cabinetry that is made with sustainable materials, responsible manufacturing processes, and low-emissions finishes,” wrote Melissa Tavares on a blog for Horner Millwork. “More and more manufacturers are beginning to understand this demand, and they are increasingly changing the way that they make cabinets.”

Use Natural Countertop Materials

In addition to using reclaimed wood, bamboo, or sustainably certified wood cabinetry, the 2020 sustainable kitchen incorporates such natural materials as concrete, marble, recycled glass and natural stone. Such materials add warmth to the home, are durable, and are often available as a repurposed material.

Choosing countertops manufactured with non-toxic finishes and with lower embodied energy is key. Try to source materials locally to reduce the emissions associated with transporting material. Not all countertops are created equal. It's important to understand the upkeep required to maintain the type of countertype you are looking to purchase. How often does it need to be refinished or sealed? Is it porous? What are the recommended cleaning regiments? Opt for countertops that are not only natural but also require low maintenance.