Susan Serra, The Kitchen Designer, found a great list of tips for going green in the kitchen. The list was compiled by the editors of Consumer Reports’ ShopSmart magazine.
- Get a water-saver faucet
· Why: A gleaming new faucet is an easy upgrade, but kitchen models can be water wasters compared with some bathroom faucets. Low-flow bathroom faucets with the Environmental Protection Agency’s new WaterSense label are about 30 percent more efficient.
· Easy Green Fix: Until the EPA comes up with criteria for low-flow kitchen faucets (they’re in the works), for $3 to $11 you can make most new or existing taps more efficient simply by attaching an aerator.
· One Possible Draw Back: With lower flow, it might take a bit longer to fill that pasta pot.
· What to Buy: Two Kohler models that aced ShopSmart’s most recent tests and can be ordered with custom-fit aerators for about $10 are the Vinnata K-690-BX , $550, and the Forte K-10433-VS, $250. Another green choice is a hands-free faucet, like the Danze Parma D421058, $480.
· Tip: When you find a faucet style you like, make sure it has a lifetime warranty that covers stains and water-wasting leaks.
Hop over to Susan’s blog to check out more green kitchen tips…
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With regards to installing faucet aerators, typical low flow aerators allow 2.5 gallons of water flow per minute. There are also aerators that restrict water as low as .5 gallons per minute here is a link to examples http://www.faucetaerators.com/faucet-aerators-c-21.html, you can’t buy them here but can get them at the hardware store. I have actually heard a company is coming out with a .33 gallon per minute aerators.
Thanks for sharing Greg.