Sustainability is not only a trendy topic today, but it’s the right thing to do. Classic Cabinets and Design has always been passionate about eco-friendly remodeling and giving back to the community and we’d like to spotlight a few of our “green” manufacturers.

In the face of our community’s growing concern to protect the environment and conserve energy, we urge our customers to consider a simple act of “going green” during their next remodel and choosing one of these valued vendors.

Fieldstone Cabinetry is not only made in America, but a certified brand in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program. The program recognizes companies that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sustainability including the use of environmentally responsible materials in cabinet products and minimized environmental impacts realized through recycling wastes and using low emission coatings. By achieving this certification, Fieldstone Cabinetry is going beyond minimum requirements and demonstrates leadership in growing a sustainable company.

Being environmentally friendly is something that Mid Continent Cabinetry takes to heart. They are part of the KCMA, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. The KCMA has awarded them with the Environmental Stewardship Program certificate, which demonstrates our promise and commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. The ESP certificate further emphasizes their commitment to establish environmental policies, improve waste management and implement green purchasing policies, recycling and community relations.

Cabinetry by Karman is a certified member of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). The ESP program establishes a measurable benchmark for environmental excellence. This certification validates their adherence to high standards for air quality, product resource management, process resource management, environmental stewardship and community relations. Cabinetry by Karman, along with their parent company, Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., have committed to re-certify annually as the program adopts new industry standards and practices. Karman’s demonstrated commitment to the Environmental Stewardship Program offers consumers the assurance they are purchasing products from a company that values environmental responsibility.

Caesarstone is passionate about protecting the environment. Some of their sustainability activities include:

• From start to finish, production processes are rigorously scrutinized from a health, safety and environmental perspective, with constant monitoring and reviews of processes, standards and results.
• Products meet the exacting American Greenguard standards, and they’ve been credited by the National Sanitation Foundation for having surfaces safe enough for use in laboratories, healthcare facilities, and food preparation environments.
• Recycled quartz stone surfaces contain up to 42% reclaimed quartz –making a real impact on preserving the world’s precious resources.
• They’re also a responsible and supportive employer. Our employees enjoy a safe workplace and we strive to deliver exemplary working conditions.

Before your “green” remodel, it is highly recommended to already have personal expectations in mind. Whether you plan on creating the ultimate eco-friendly design or practicing one step at a time, using sustainable resources in any way can make a big difference. We would like to share some popular “green” tips that can be used during your next remodel.

CABINETRY: When purchasing brand new kitchen cabinets, three easy guidelines should be followed: Look for kitchen cabinets certified by the ESP or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), this indicates the wood was harvested from a sustainable, well-managed forest. Next, the wood products should hold no pollutants — meaning the wood should be without formaldehyde and have low or no VOE (volatile organic compounds). Third, keep in mind recycled goods. Can you recycle your old cabinets? Donating your cabinets to the Habitat for Humanity or even selling the used cabinets in a garage sale is a great way to recycle cabinetry. Also, consider using parts of old cabinets somewhere else in your house, such as storage for a garage or basement. Before completely tossing your old kitchen out the window and purchasing a new one, remember simple recycling habits are beneficial to you, others and the environment.

COUNTER SURFACES: There are several alternatives to stone. One of Classic Cabinets and Design’s countertop vendors, CaesarStone, practices environmental protection from manufacturing to shipping and handling. Alternative counter surfaces can be made from recycled glass, compressed layers of paper, crushed stone, or aluminum shavings in resin which resemble stone countertops. Also, two new and different approaches to environmentally friendly countertops are metal tile and bamboo.

FLOORING: Products with rapid re-growth are best in a “green” design. Bamboo is known for its durability, long life, beautiful appearance and rapid renewability. Another benefit to installing bamboo flooring, the product is dent resistant. Once bamboo is removed it will quickly re-grow in a fraction of the time other wood products need to mature.

A “green” remodel may seem intimidating, however Classic Cabinets and Design would like to remind you every bit counts, large or small. We will be able to help you lower your environmental impact just by adding a few, simple green components to a new design. Give us a call today and let’s get started!