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These green products are both eco-friendly and stylish.

By Nicholas Tamarin

Sustainable innovations for the kitchen are essential in reducing the environmental impact of food preparation and consumption. By incorporating these technologies, one can reduce their environmental footprint while enjoying a more eco-friendly and efficient cooking space. Going green is also a big trend in this space: one of the key findings of NKBA’s 2024 Kitchen Trends Report revealed that sustainability will continue to be top-of-mind for both designers and homeowners for the next few years. From appliances to LED lighting, here are five new sustainable kitchen developments.

1. Energy-Efficient Appliances 

Energy-efficient appliances include induction cooktops and convection ovens, as well as vent hoods, which can adjust fan speed based on cooking activity to save energy while maintaining indoor air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Star-rated dishwashers like Miele’s G 7966 SCVi XXL AutoDos, part of the G 7000 dishwasher series, also reduce and display water usage while improving cleaning capabilities.

2. Smart Devices

Integrating kitchen appliances and systems into a smart home network allows for the monitoring and controlling of energy and water usage more efficiently. Liebherr’s Monolith models, which are smart refrigerators, are equipped with their SmartDeviceBox and connected to their SmartDevice app that can send you useful notifications. It will notify you when the door is left open and when bottles are at their optimal temperatures. The app also gives you the ability to make ice remotely.

3. LED Lighting

Energy-efficient LEDs consume less electricity and have a longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. LEDs are up to 80 percent more efficient, with 95 percent of energy converted into light and only 5 percent wasted as heat. LEDs also consume much less power, reducing the demand from power plants and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions — and they last up to six times longer.

4. Recycled and Sustainable Materials

Stylish kitchen countertops and cabinets are now widely available in recycled or sustainable materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood or recycled glass. Wilsonart’s Calacatta Olympos surface is manufactured with up to 93 percent high-quality natural quartz crystals, resulting in low emissions and high durability. It also has LBC Red List Free status, a status provided by the International Future Living Institute for its lack of harmful chemicals.

5. Water Filtration Systems

Installing water filtration systems reduces the use of bottled water and minimizes plastic waste. Take the Aquifer Refine, Kohler’s most advanced water filtration system, which saves water through voice-activation technology while reducing bacteria, viruses, lead, mercury, chlorine, select pharmaceuticals and VOCs.