Article Synopsis
This article is a three-and-a-half-minute read.
This article is aimed at homeowners who are worried about global warming and want to cut their carbon footprint by making their kitchen more sustainable. As well as looking at some lifestyle choices, there’s also some practical advice on how to add items to your kitchen which will cut down on your heating and lighting bills. This includes fitting shutters to your kitchen windows. The article concludes by looking at the shutter styles and materials which The Bespoke Shutter Company offer – and how you can kick the whole process off by requesting one of their free, no-obligation consultations.
The kitchen may be one of the harder rooms in the house to go or stay ‘green’. It’s usually a hive of activity, and it can be difficult to change the habits of a lifetime (and to find the time to do it). However, there are some simple ways in which you can cut the carbon footprint in your kitchen, whether you are talking about saving on design, heat, light or food or in ways you may not have thought of, like installing kitchen shutters.
Plantation Shutters in London from The Bespoke Shutter Company
The Bespoke Shutter Company, who supply and install many different types of plantation shutters in London and the surrounding counties, offer free no-obligation consultations. To contact them, you can follow this link and fill in the online form or call 020 3131 3155.
1. Material Benefits
Your kitchen countertops can be made from recycled glass, reclaimed wood, or eco-friendly composites. Natural clay terracotta tiles are another durable, sustainable option that adds warmth and character to any kitchen. In contrast, countertops made from cheaper mass-produced laminates (and some natural stone, such as granite) involve highly intensive extraction and production processes, all of which produce carbon dioxide. Equally, cork, bamboo, linoleum, and reclaimed or recycled wood can all add character to your kitchen floor – the last option is also suitable for all your storage cabinets. You could contact National Wood Recycling (which has stores in and around London) or your local council to find out what options you have.
2. Think Smart in 2025
Instead of traditional gas or electric stoves, consider having an induction cooktop installed, as this will heat up and cool down much more quickly. Smaller changes can help too - installing LED bulbs instead of traditional halogen ones should cut your electricity bill (and they will last longer too). Many cookers, fridges and other appliances, as well as the heating and lighting, can now be controlled remotely via Smart technology, which is continuing to evolve in 2025. They can be operated remotely, so you never need to have them on (or on as high) when it isn’t necessary. (The word Smart was originally an acronym for Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology).
3. Waste Not, Want Not
Another way of ensuring your kitchen stays ‘green’ is to minimise the amount of food waste you generate. To start with, use as much local produce as possible, to cut your carbon footprint. Then when you cook, divide it into small portions so there shouldn’t be as much leftover. And invest in a composting bin for food waste (such as fruit scraps), as this can be used as a soil conditioner or improver, benefiting your garden.
4. Save Water
Never use more water than you need to, as this will save on bills. Taps can be fitted with low-flow devices, while dishwashers and washing machines have eco-cycles which won’t use as much water as a normal programme. And don’t forget, you can use any ‘grey’ water (which has already been used once, for instance for washing vegetables) to water your garden. This is particularly useful if there’s a drought and there are restrictions on hose and sprinkler usage.
5 Install Kitchen Shutters
The final touch is to fit shutters to your kitchen windows. These can help regulate the temperature according to the angle the louver or panels are set at (or be left completely open). They will keep the heat out in summer, and the warmth in during the colder months. If there are any spills or cooking problems, then they should be relatively easy to clean up. A simple wipe down with a cloth should suffice. Shutters can be made from sustainable wood and will also last a long time.
Natural Wood Shutters from The Bespoke Shutter Company
We can install waterproof or natural wood shutters whether you live in Essex, Herts, or south or north London. For more information on the types of wood we use, follow this link. The shutters come in various types – including tier-on-tier, full-length, café-style and more. If you have an unusual window, then we can fit a shaped shutter – we haven’t yet found a window we can’t fit a shutter to. And if you want some tips on how to create a sustainable living room, check out our previous blog post here.
FAQs
What is the best type of shutter to have installed in your kitchen?
Because the kitchen is a high-moisture, high-humidity environment, waterproof or water-resistant options are highly recommended, especially for windows near sinks or cooktops.
What is the best shutter style for your kitchen?
Café-style shutters are a very popular option for kitchens. It covers only the lower half of the window, providing privacy from the street while allowing natural light to enter from the top.
Does The Bespoke Shutter Company offer warranties?
Yes, the Bespoke Shutter Company offers a three-year warranty on all shutter installations. This covers on-site repairs and the replacement of any products found to be defective due to faulty materials, manufacturing, or workmanship. More details and answers to other FAQs can be found on our site here.
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