Sustainable living: Eco-friendly kitchen design ideas

Sustainability has never been as important as it is today, and we can all play a role in protecting our planet. That's why Franke is sharing some valuable tips and advice on embracing sustainable living. By incorporating simple yet effective eco-friendly practices, you can transform your home and create a greener, more sustainable kitchen. Here's how you can make a difference.

With soaring energy bills and climate change frequently hitting the headlines, many of us are considering our environmental impact and taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint. At home, sustainability really does start in the kitchen, where we spend much of our time and generate a lot of household waste. Here, little changes make a big difference and creating a more sustainable kitchen design is key to adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle. From cutting down on your water and energy consumption by choosing efficient appliances and taps, to utilising recyclable materials and reducing food waste, there are many ways you can make the hub of your home greener.

Be more waterwise

According to the Environment Agency, by 2050 the UK could face a shortfall of nearly 4,000 million litres of water per day, which means reducing water wastage throughout the home is vital. And it’s easier than you may think to save water in the kitchen thanks to the latest cutting-edge taps. Take Franke's Atlas Neo Sensor, which uses an infrared motion sensor to start and stop the water flow. This can help you save three litres of water every time you wash your hands, cutting your consumption by at least 50%. Its touch-free operation also makes it a hygienic choice as it can help to reduce the spread of germs in the kitchen.

Another sustainable solution is Franke's Active Twist tap, which is designed to save water as well as energy while delivering exceptional functionality. It’s fitted with the company's ECO Cartridge system so that when you pull the stepped lever half-way, the water flows at 50% – perfect for most everyday tasks. It’s also got a temperature limiter to reduce the amount of hot water you use, saving you energy as well as money.

Smart thinking with eco-friendly solutions

Pure, great tasting water doesn’t have to come from a plastic bottle – simply install a filter tap at your sink space and it’s right there at your fingertips, whenever you want it. Franke's Vital Capsule filter tap can significantly lessen environmental impact by removing the use and disposal of single use plastic bottles. What’s more, it also removes contaminants from drinking water while retaining the minerals, making it a healthy and sustainable kitchen tap for your kitchen. 

When it comes to sustainable living, we’re used to thinking ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’, but where kitchen appliances are concerned, sometimes we have to replace to be more energy efficient. Technology has evolved at an incredible rate and swapping older, energy- and water-guzzling appliances for newer, efficient models can reduce your kitchen’s carbon footprint and cut your energy bills.

When choosing a new appliance, check its energy label and wherever possible, go for a model that is rated A or A+. Also, look for Eco Modes and other features that improve efficiency. Franke design their appliances to consume less and perform better so whether you’re looking to buy an oven, hob or hood, you can rest assured that you’re getting first-class functionality and design as well as optimal energy efficient performance. Their range of appliances includes many models that are rated A+ or above, combining top-tier performance with eco-friendly operation.

Waste not, want not

Incorporating a waste management system in your kitchen will help you recycle more and send less rubbish to landfill. Franke Waste Sorter bins feature different compartments to help you easily separate and store rubbish and recycling neatly behind closed doors for a discreet solution. But if a food waste bin isn’t for you, consider installing one of their Waste Disposal Units which are convenient, hygienic and sustainable. The unsung hero of the kitchen, they come with odour protection and are suitable for installation on a wide range of sinks including granite, stainless steel and ceramic.

Built to last

To really embrace sustainable kitchen design, invest in quality products that are built to last and made from easily recyclable materials such as stainless steel and glass, as well as those with energy and water-saving features. Stainless steel is not only 100% recyclable but also scratch and stain-resistant, ensuring durability and longevity.

At Franke, they aim to empower more sustainable living by offering products with timeless designs that won't go out of fashion and industry-leading guarantees. Their top-of-the-range Mythos Bowls are a perfect example, combining exceptional quality with recyclable materials and coming with a 50-year guarantee.

It’s easy to see how small changes can lead to big results. By making conscious choices and investing in sustainable products, you can create a more eco-friendly kitchen and contribute to a healthier planet.

For more green living inspiration visit: https://www.franke.com/gb/en/home-solutions/green-living.html

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