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 Natalie Weinstein is President of Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, The Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club and Uniquely Natalie, a quality consignment boutique. Enjoy Natalie’s Long Island Focus featured in House Magazine or call: 631-862-6198. |
| Our ever-changing environment is everyone’s responsibility and we are learning that each of us must act to protect it. Of course, you’ve noticed that global warming has occurred, but I’m sure you didn’t realize that the hottest 21 years on record all occurred in the last 25 years! I know you’ve read that autism, AD/HD, allergy and Alzheimer’s disease, and many forms of cancer have increased (or have been more widely diagnosed). But why? Is it the air we’re breathing, the water we’re drinking, the food we’re eating? We’ve learned one thing, for sure. We can’t leave the responsibility to our political leaders. We need to be pro-active for ourselves, our environment and future generations. We need to learn more and do more – and we can. Since your kitchen is the hub of your home–the gathering place for friends and family– make sure the vegetable bin is not the only green present there. Start here and consider “going green” as you renovate; you can create major inroads into more eco-friendly, healthier living. Beginning with cabinets, there is now an alternative to off-gassing particleboard called wheat board, which is a straw-based product. This material can be veneered with woods like maple, oak, mahogany, or raw wood; which can be painted (with low VOC paints, of course). Solid wood cabinetry can also be eco-friendly, if harvested from sustainable or managed forests. Flooring made of natural stone products generally help save energy; keeping an area cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Countertops fabricated from natural stone, like granite are practical and long lasting. However, quartz composites like CaesarStone (which is made by a company recycling almost all of the water used for production) are becoming more popular. A popular look for backsplashes today is glass tile, often in a range of beautiful colors. Many companies create these completely from recycled glass. High-end manufacturers like Sub-Zero, Bosch and Viking carry the Energy Star labels, as well as many popular priced brands. Energy Star is definitely what to look for. Sub-Zero refrigerators use 15% less energy. Bosch dishwashers customize the temperature and water level to accommodate your load. One Viking induction cook top model is so efficient, it heats only the pot, not the stove, through magnetic energy. The cleaning products under the kitchen sink need to be evaluated as well. Read the labels and make sure you are not spreading toxins on surfaces for your family to ingest. Back to basics, using vinegar, natural glycerin soap, lemon juice-based cleaners, borax and baking soda, your house will be just as clean and a lot safer for you. In addition, while you are cleaning those counter tops, unplug your appliances and help save energy. That really adds up. Do you have air or water filtration systems in your home? The kitchen faucet might be a good place to start your quest for healthier living. Remember, what we cannot see or taste can hurt us. So, my advice is to learn more, do more, and be proactive for yourselves, your family and our planet. What better place to start than in our own kitchens? |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 