Small Spaces by Christine Brun

Let's celebrate increased awareness of the environment as we note that October is National Kitchen and Bath month. Primarily, the cabinets seen here are all ESP rated. The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association launched their Environmental Stewardship Program in 2006 to aid consumers in identifying safe products. It encourages industry policies and practices that benefit the environment and society. The voluntary certification program provides a tangible way for cabinet manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

Most consumers today are aware that particleboard, plywood and medium density fiberboard used in cabinet production emits formaldehyde, yet finding products that avoid this nasty reality has not always been easy. ESP requires that manufacturers comply with stringent criteria in order to be awarded certification. Conforming to the regulations require that 75 percent of particleboard, plywood and medium-density fiberboard meet lowest formaldehyde emission standards and must contain 100 percent recycled or recovered fiber content. Hardwoods must be certified through an independent and credible sustainable forestry program.

In addition, manufacturers must have an active recycling program for process wastes, abide by all federal, state and local environmental requirements and have a documented energy conservation program in place.

After the recession ends, we will undoubtedly see that some manufacturing companies have fallen by the wayside and that new technologies will take over to lead others into key positions. "The old way of doing things is passing," said Marvin Malecha, the president of the American Institute of Architects and dean of the North Carolina State University architectural school. "We took a hiatus of 50 years from thinking about the environment," he said. "All the opportunities are there for young people. We can't think about the old ways of doing things. We need to think about new imperatives."

Speaking at a commencement of the NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego recently, Malecha noted the role that architects and designers can play in reshaping cities, reducing global warming and applying new materials to standard building types.

This call to arms hopefully will forge new design policies and commitment to inventive ways to offer long-lasting yet sustainable products.

There are now more than 120 plants and brands of cabinets that have met the certification requirements. These days, consumers are looking for as much bang for the dollar as possible, but also are very intent on durability and longevity. This kitchen uses natural wood, recycled glass panels and a suspended clear glass shelf. The stainless steel working countertop will last a lifetime while providing a dent-free and unequaled germ-safe surface.

Green recycled glass panels make a sleek backsplash here behind the cook top, but recycled tile comes in a wide range from tiny mosaics to larger sizes are made from 90 percent to 98 percent recycled glass material. Cork or hardwood for kitchen floors are not only more forgiving surfaces to stand on, reducing leg and back fatigue, but both are natural materials. Floors made from sustainable bamboo are exciting and fresh as a design element as well. And of course, all of these materials can be refurbished and renewed as the years pass.

Natural hardwood countertops made of teak, walnut, mahogany and maple can be treated with natural oils to restore and refresh the surfaces without worrying about dents and scratches. Consumers will no longer be as attracted to cheaply constructed particle board cabinets and synthetic floor materials that will look shabby in just a few years with little opportunity to restore them to their original condition. All decisions about surfaces, building materials, appliances and construction are reviewed these days in the new light of hard won dollars and long-range investment in a home of any size.

Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by e-mail at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net. To find out more about Christine Brun and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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