Sustainability on a Shoestring
Renovating a kitchen can be an arduous enough task before even considering the amount of waste that can be created without careful consideration and planning. It is possible to create a sustainable kitchen without splashing out on the latest in buzzy gadgets. Read our tips for minimising waste and staying sustainable below.
Do your research
When you sit down to make decisions on the materials and products you want to include in your new kitchen, take the time to find out which will have the lightest footprint. Considering the environmental impact at every point in an item’s life cycle, from production to installation to disposal will help make your decision easier, especially if you’re caught between two pieces you love.
Do some research into which materials have the least impact on the earth. Bamboo, for example, is a great flooring option as it is naturally hard-wearing and grows at a rapid pace, making it one of the most sustainable materials on the market.
Concrete is another great option for kitchen flooring and benches, due to the nature of its production. Compared to sheet materials, which usually result in off-cuts and waste, your kitchen manufacturer will only create the amount of concrete necessary for your space.
All Apollo Kitchens joinery is produced to order in our state-of-the-art Smart Factory, ensuring minimal waste.
Scale down
When making the decision to completely remodel your kitchen, it can often be tempting to go all-in and embrace a more is more approach. Making smart kitchen design decisions and only including the things you actually need will not only save on waste and it’ll save your budget, too.
Use your space efficiently and effectively, by choosing drawers over kitchen cupboards and optimising storage based on what you actually need to store. Ahead of your renovation, have a look at what you currently have in your kitchen. Sorting through any old plates, bowls, cutlery or old cookware will also mean you have the potential to minimise the amount of storage you need, saving you again. Remember to donate or sell anything in good condition that you’re not using.
Recycle
Incorporating an easy-to-use recycling system in your newly renovated kitchen is as easy as installing separate bins under your sink for compost, recycling and landfill. Whilst this is hardly a new concept, you’ll certainly feel the effects of minimised and well-sorted waste, especially when it comes time to empty the landfill.
Upcycle
Save money on containers, and save from creating waste by upcycling. When designing your new kitchen, designate a drawer or shelf in your pantry to empty tubs and jars that you can reuse to store food in. Rubber bands from fresh produce and egg cartons will also come in handy when you least expect it, so hold on to these.
Ready to have a go at transforming your kitchen into a waste-free haven? Contact the experienced team at Apollo Kitchens to get started on creating the kitchen you’ll love today. Visit our kitchen showroom in Newcastle, Central Coast or Sydney.
