Green Products

The Kitchen & Bath Design News, July 2000 issue, defines green as "design that utilizes materials that are non-toxic, abundant, recyclable, energy efficient, allergy resistant, natural or renewable. According to Elizabeth Coles, M.S. IDEC, renowned speaker and teacher on the concept, "green design, is an approach to working on a new or renovated space that integrates design, construction, operation and demolition in an environmentally responsible and energy efficient manner." She notes, "the goal is to select "green products" which encompass the ideas of:
· Recyclability, whether the item itself can be recycled or is made from recycled material.
· Non-toxicity, in installation, or in use and maintenance.
· Natural or renewable resources, such as a plant, animal or other natural resource that can be replaced or reproduced in less than two decades. This includes products taken directly from the earth such as stone, clay, wood, cork and granite.
· Energy conservation
· Healthier installation

We must remember that using green products requires an awareness to meet the needs of the present and yet not compromise future generations to meet their needs. Luckily, today one can find more products that have been made from recycled materials, smart appliances using lower amounts of energy, and trash management and recycling systems. This trend is expected to grow and flourish in the coming decades and will affect the kitchen industry manufacturers and homeowners alike.