Photo by AlterECO
Custom-built bamboo cabinets from AlterEco
By FrontDoor.com
The wood in most cabinetry contains urea-formaldehyde, which can be harmful to your health. Look for cabinets made from solid wood or alternative materials such as wheatboard, and finished with nontoxic finishes from companies like Neil Kelly Cabinets and Humabuilt.
"Cabinetry is still tricky," says Scott Martin, founder of Blue Plum Design, a kitchen design firm in San Francisco that specializes in green kitchen renovations. "There aren't a lot of green options out there and you're most likely going to pay a premium in this area."
Purchasing cabinets made with sustainable woods is another way to make your kitchen eco-friendly. Bamboo, for instance, is one of the world's fastest-growing plants, taking just three to six years to grow large enough to harvest. Bamboo doesn't require pesticides, which means less chemical pollution and cleaner air. Eucalyptus is another good option.
If you're remodeling, save resources by updating only the front of the cabinets. You'll save money and still get a new look. You can also shop for recycled hardware at flea markets, or buy lightly used cabinetry at a building salvage shop.
Dead set on traditional wood cabinetry? Use a local craftsman that harvests his lumber responsibly. You'll get the cabinets you've always dreamed about, and save on fuel and transportation costs.
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