It seems omnipresent, no matter where you turn the same word keeps coming up… “Green”! Nowadays everyone is talking green. Green cars, green grocery bags, green roofs, even the oil companies are going green. When it comes to trendy topics and cutting edge technology, there is no bigger issue than “Going Green”. One of the best places to look when contemplating remodeling to a green standard is your kitchen.

You may have heard that remodeling to green standards is more expensive, and it is. You can expect to spend somewhere around 20-30% more than you would if you used typical material and appliances. The cost is not deserted, however. In using the upgraded, eco-friendly material and appliances, you will get back around 2-4% on an annual basis in savings versus using non-complying material, and help the planet at the same time too.

The following is a list of certain eco-friendly options to consider when planning your next kitchen remodeling project:

• Look for appliances that are EPA “Energy Star” certified. These appliances are 30-70% more efficient than traditional appliances.
• Instead of tile or hardwood flooring, consider cork or bamboo flooring. With recent modifications, bamboo flooring stands up to pets, heeled shoes and heavy furniture significantly better than previously.
• Most traditional cabinets contain urea-formaldehyde which can be toxic. Consider using solid wood cabinets or wheat board cabinets with a nontoxic, water-based finish. For these options, you can expect to pay a premium.
• Install a range hood. Hoods can vent stoves and ovens better to prevent fumes from being spread throughout your home.
• Countertops made of cork or recycled paper and hemp are another option. If you prefer the look of granite, try the quartz composite engineered stone. You will find a variety or rich colors to accent your kitchen.
• Replace old faucets with those that have aerators. The aerator in a faucet produces air bubbles that mix in with the water to give you the same amount of water pressure with less water actually used. Recirculation pumps keep hot water at the tap so you do not have to waste water waiting for the hot water to circulate through.
• Perhaps the simplest change, and least expensive change any of us can do, is swap out our light bulbs in the kitchen as well as throughout the home. Use energy efficient light bulbs that cost roughly the same as traditional light bulbs but use less energy and last much longer.

In this challenging Naples, FL real estate market where everyone is looking to set their property apart from the thousands of others, what better way to do that than by building a green kitchen? With their stylish, sleek look, you will attract attention, admiration and hopefully an offer.