| GreenOptions.com, an eco-focused Web site that | | | | are some tips: |
| is devoted to practical news and do-it-yourself | | | | An environmentally attentive kitchen cabinet |
| ideas on environmental issues, recently featured | | | | manufacturer will use sophisticated technology and |
| an article titled "Remodel Your Kitchen the Great | | | | will purchase wood products in optimum |
| Green Way-it's healthy, sustainable and gorgeous!" | | | | dimensions, thereby enabling it to attain the |
| Therein, the author argued against remodeling a | | | | highest yield possible from every raw material |
| kitchen the "normal way" in favor of using | | | | board. As Ben Franklin warned, "Waste not, want |
| non-standard makeover materials that do not | | | | not." |
| over-consume resources or contain toxic | | | | As Green Options pointed out, eco-aware |
| chemicals. | | | | cabinetry providers use environmentally preferable |
| For the homeowner sho is looking to stay green | | | | product (EEP particle board) with a percentage of |
| with their kitchen update, the first step in | | | | recycled material, they do not add formaldehyde |
| achieving that endeavor is choosing kitchen | | | | during their manufacturing process, and they |
| cabinets that are environmentally friendly. And the | | | | reduce the levels of volatile organic compounds |
| precursor to that step is finding a kitchen | | | | (VOCs) in their building materials. |
| cabinetry provider that is "skilled in working with | | | | What goes in must come out ... but what comes |
| sustainable materials and knows how to build in an | | | | out doesn't go straight to the landfill. A reputable |
| eco-friendly manner," the article stresses. | | | | green cabinetry provider will recycle, recycle, |
| What specifically should you be looking for in a | | | | recyle everything from the returned kitchen |
| kitchen cabinet manufacturer? From sourcing and | | | | cabinets, to the sawdust for use in other |
| manufacturing to finishing and shipping, think the | | | | products like composite decking, to the finish |
| three Rs: | | | | material, all in a concentrated effort to drastically |
| 1. Reducing environmental impact-"Many of the | | | | reduce waste. |
| chemicals used [in today's kitchen cabinets] can be | | | | Finally, you'll know that a kitchen cabinet |
| cancer-causing and can offgas into your home for | | | | manufacturer is serious about protecting the |
| years," Green Options cautions. | | | | environment when it considers tomorrow's world |
| 2. Reusing as much material as possible-"Use | | | | today. Choose wisely. Opt for a kitchen cabinetry |
| reclaimed wood, or formaldehyde-free pressed | | | | provider that not only assures you a better |
| fiberboard," the Web site recommends." | | | | long-term investment in quality, style and |
| 3. Recycling materials-"You can also go the 'new | | | | functionality but also demonstrates environmental |
| but sustainable route' with cabinets." When doing | | | | stewardship. |
| so, look for kitchen cabinetry manufacturers that | | | | That means the company strives to do the right |
| "offer low- or no-VOC finishes," the article's | | | | thing for not only the environment but also its |
| author suggests. | | | | customers and its employees. An truly |
| The whole "go green" movement is bringing out | | | | eco-conscious kitchen cabinet manufacturer |
| an ever-growing crop of eco-friendly cabinetry | | | | continually improves and advances its processes |
| providers, but you can entrust the same | | | | and products not for its own sake but because |
| environmental awareness to a kitchen cabinet | | | | it's the right thing to do. After all, isn't that the |
| provider with a longstanding reputation for | | | | type of kitchen remodeling project you can feel |
| excellence ... if you know what to look for. Here | | | | good about for years to come? |