CHOW, a website dedicated to bringing you everything food through different medias, has researched ways to help you design a greenier kitchen. Here are some CHOW tips and tricks to make your cooking space more eco-friendly.

Floors
The typical kitchen floor is made, these days, of either vinyl, wood, stone, or tile. These materials are typically manufactured using toxic components and irresponsibly sourced building supplies. However, there are some greener alternatives.

-Bamboo is rapidly renewable and sustainable. It looks and feels like wood—but often carries a cheaper price tag—and is extremely durable.

-Linoleum (not to be confused with vinyl) is an all-natural flooring product made of renewable materials like linseed oil, pine rosins, and wood that's been ground up into a kind of flour. It's durable, easy to clean, and should last you at least 40 years if maintained properly. If you get rid of it, it's biodegradable. And the manufacturing process has little to no impact on the environment. 

-Cork is sound- and heat-insulating, as well as skid-, fire-, and mold-resistant. It's resilient, springing back to its original shape if dented. And it's soft and warm underfoot, providing nice relief if you're standing for an extended period. Best of all, it's a renewable and biodegradable resource that's easily recycled.

Cabinets
-Consider installing open shelving or frameless cabinets to cut down on the amount of materials needed for construction.

-Reface or replace cabinet doors rather than the entire system. You reduce the amount of waste and can save 50 percent in cost, while getting a new look.

Countertops
-Try getting countertops that are made from natural or recycled materials including bamboo, richlite, stone, or recycled concrete.

Appliances
-Make sure that you keep your appliances up to date. Newer appliances have been designed to use less energy, making them more eco-friendly.

For more eco-friendly design tips, visit http://www.chow.com/stories/11058/.