Do-It-Yourself Green Remodeling for Kitchens

Replace the appliances in your kitchen with energy-efficient models. Look for those that have Energy Star stickers. Energy Star is a government program that tests appliances for energy efficiency.

Replace the lighting in your kitchen with compact fluorescent bulbs. CFLs use as much as 75 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts. Converting to CFLs is practical for another reason, as well. Most incandescent bulbs are scheduled to be taken off the market in the United States in 2012.

Use environmentally friendly painting options. For example, you can find paints with fewer volatile organic compounds than other paints. VOCs are harmful to the environment.

Look for new kitchen cabinets that are made from salvaged materials or renewable resources. Two examples are recycled wheatboard and bamboo cabinets, which are put together with water-based, environmentally friendly glue.

Find other green materials to use for your kitchen remodel. For example, cork and concrete are green options for the floor. Replace countertops with greener materials, such as recycled glass or cast concrete, such as solid terrazzo.