By Melissa B. Scott
You buy organic dairy and produce, shop at the local natural food store, and try to avoid packaged foods as much as possible – you’ve got your healthy kitchen mastered, right? Wrong. The room that we most attribute to our health and well-being (not to mention the room we spend a considerable amount of time in) may not be the healthiest room in the house. Between the cleaning products, appliances, and potentially poor air quality, many of our kitchens are recipes for disaster.
Design
If you’re building your green home from the ground-up, position the kitchen in the southeast or southwest corner of the house so it will stay bright and airy during the day. Additional sources of natural light such as skylights and windows will not only lower your energy bill but are also better for your health. Situate your work areas (chopping boards, etc.) near windows to maximize the natural light. Small fluorescent tubes and bulbs are an excellent source of light in the kitchen because they provide sufficient lighting for food preparation, last longer than standard tungsten bulbs, and are more energy-efficient. Also available is the O•zone Lite, an energy-efficient light bulb that when illuminated helps eliminate bacteria, smoke, and odors from the air. (See resource list on page 50.)
The building and decorative materials you use to design your kitchen will have an impact on the healthiness of the space as well. If you opt to paint your walls, choose light colors that will reflect and, therefore, maximize the natural light. Also, look for plant-based paints which come in a variety of rich colors. If you’re not able to find plant-based paints, select low-sheen water-based paints which, although still toxic, emit less than a fifth of the chemicals associated with other paints. Also be sure to choose paints that are labeled as low-VOC (volatile organic compounds).
Surfaces
The most water-resistant floor coverings are made from linoleum, an inexpensive and natural alternative to vinyl that is also much better for the environment. Linoleum also provides a soft cushion, allowing the chef to stand on a more comfortable surface. If you’re installing linoleum, be sure to use natural adhesives and non-toxic glues as opposed to the more toxic solvent-based glues. Marmoleum is currently the premier natural linoleum company in the U.S.
Ceramic tile is an excellent choice for flooring, especially if it is made from recycled tiles. Tile is easy to clean, but also easy to chip. If you’re concerned about your clumsy hands, you may wish to opt for a softer flooring like linoleum or cork. Cork provides a soft surface from an environmentally-friendly, renewable source. However, cork is not as water-resistant as other flooring options.
Wood floors are perhaps the most attractive flooring option for the natural kitchen. However, they too are not the most water resistant – so be aware that you may have to eventually replace them. If you select this option, be sure to choose wood that is either FSC certified (Forest Stewardship Council) or reclaimed. When cleaning your floors use natural oil or beeswax products.
For your countertops, you want to choose a surface material that is water-resistant, durable, and eco-friendly. Of all of the options available, ceramic tiles (especially as a back-splash) make for excellent counters because they are waterproof, easy to clean, and eco-friendly. Other alternatives include marble, granite, and stone. However, if you choose one of these surfaces be sure to have it installed in a thick mortar bed to minimize the risk of water-damage and mold in the wood cabinetry below.
Appliances
Although the verdict is still out in the gas versus electric debate Mary Cordaro of H3 Environmental, a healthy home and eco-design company, recommends a gas stove for more control in the kitchen as well as for its decreased energy use. However, she notes that it is very important that you keep the kitchen ventilated when using a gas stove. Be sure to install an exhaust fan over the stove and use it every time you cook!
The dishwasher is another contemporary appliance that actually has the potential to minimize our water usage. In fact, an energy-efficient dishwasher will use less water than washing by hand.
Other appliances in the kitchen include mixers, microwaves, toaster ovens, and more. Instead of purchasing several appliances, buy appliances that serve multiple purposes. For instance, the Vita-mix which is one of the most powerful machines on the market, acts as a mixer, food processor, and blender all in one. For any appliance in the kitchen, Cordaro advises unplugging it when not in use to avoid unnecessary electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs).
Refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, and dishwashers are available with the Energy Star rating. If you’re shopping for new appliances be sure to read the manufacturer’s label and look for the Energy Star logo.
Another way to minimize your energy use in the kitchen is to purchase a top/bottom refrigerator/freezer combo instead of a side-by-side model. The former is a more energy-efficient design.
Cookware and Accessories
One of your first real investments in your kitchen should be in your cookware. The healthiest pots and pans are either enameled cast-iron, stainless steel, or ceramic. These pans will last a lifetime and do not leach chemicals into the food or the air upon heating. Please note, non-stick pans were created for convenience, not health. Studies have shown that Teflon (the material used to create a non-stick surface) releases toxic fumes into the air when it is heated to extremely high temperatures.
Other accessories to outfit your kitchen include organic dish towels, hemp or jute rugs, and bamboo cutting boards. Bamboo is a very hard, durable plant that is also eco-friendly because it grows much quicker than hardwoods such as maple.
Water Purification
In your kitchen, just as in the rest of your house, you should only drink and use pure, pollutant-free water. Water purifiers are your best choice as they remove a high percentage of heavy metals, bacteria, and fluoride. These purifiers can be installed under your sink, ensuring that everything that comes out of your tap is clean. However, if you cannot afford a purifier, a carbon filter which can be installed at the tap or used in a pitcher filtration system, is the next best option.
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