Install energy-efficient lighting and use low-energy light bulbs, which can last ten times as long as conventional bulbs.

In most kitchens the fridge is the biggest single energy-consuming appliance. Ensure it works as efficiently as possible by keeping it as full as you can ( food helps retain the cold, so less cold air is lost when the door is opened) and y allowing foods to cool down before you place them in the fridge.A side-by-side fridge and freezer uses around 20% more energy than a fridge with freezer on top.

Many manufacturers are installing recycling stations into their fitted kitchens, allowing you to sort compostable waste and separate glass, paper, plastic and so on for recycling.

Photo shows a recycling drawer in a modern kitchen       

 When choosing new cabinets or worktops, look manufacturer who uses wood from sustainable resources or offers chipped composite countertops made from recycled stone, which is as durable and     attractive as granite. Avoid minimalist design or any other flash-in-the-pan fashion that will soon need changing

IceStone surfaces, made of concrete and recycled glass, offer an environmentally friendly alternative to natural stone and solid surface materials. The non-porous, durable and heat-resistant qualities make them a good match for kitchens and bathrooms. There 24 standard colors and an infinite variety of custom colors to choose from. Because the material can be shaped, cut, inlaid or mounted it can used for of applications from backsplashes to countertops to flooring. Due to its high recycled content, IceStone materials can be used for LEED qualification. IceStone received a Silver certification from Cradle To Cradle for its commitment to environmentally intelligent design.

A recent report which compared the water consumption for manual washing up witch using a dishwasher, has concluded that dishwashers are best. Using a dishwasher can use around four times less water than by hand, however, always try to ensure you have full load. 

According to housewares expert Gus Dallas, the latest in environmentally-friendly kitchens includes fast-growing bamboo. The material makes great cutting boards and it can also be used for backsplashes and flooring.

IKEA kitchen designer Martha Saldumbide says, "Where we can spare the environment, we do. We use a lot of scrap wood  in cabinets. It's the wood that nobody else wants but it's still really good hard wood."

Cork -this renewable resource is made from the bark off a tree. It's also sound-absorbing, hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mildew, making it an excellent choice for kitchens

Recycled stone-chipped composite countertops. These countertops resemble granite and are just as durable.

Convection ovens  uses a fan to drive heat rapidly from source to food so it cooks it 25 percent faster than a conventional oven.

Natural fabrrick  choose cotton or wool for your dining chairs and window dressings since man-made fabrics are made with chemicals that harm the environment.