Plato Woodwork: Responsibly Green

Plato, one of America's premier manufacturers of fine cabinetry has taken great strides to highlight the use of environmentally friendly materials and construction methods. The company has been making investments in energy technology and the use of materials that will leave the lightest carbon footprint possible.

Plato is an industry leader in the use of bamboo for cabinetry. Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly plants because of its short growing cycle, the fact that it is self-generating, and that it can be harvested every 3 to 5 years. On top of that bamboo produces 30% more oxygen than trees.

For the environmentally concious homeowner, bamboo is terrific for cabinets. Not only are the bamboo cabinets beautiful, they are also remarkably durable. Given that bamboo cabinets are made from all natural material that can renew itself in just a few years, their durability overpowers most hardwoods, and that it adds a unique look to your decor, you may as well go green with bamboo!

Custom Cabinetry That Doesn't Cost the Earth!
Plato Green
Without sacrificing style or design, Plato provides built-to-last quality.

Expert Offers Tips for ‘Greening’ the Kitchen

There’s a color sweeping the nation…and it’s green! Many people are beginning to understand the impact, or carbon footprint, that their lifestyle choices make on the planet. As a result, they’re starting to seek ways to reduce their impact. One way they can do so is by turning their attention to their kitchens and tweaking what products they use in there.

“The good news is that [changes made in the way people use their kitchens and to what products are used there don’t] have to break the bank. People don’t have to do a 180º overnight. Making small changes here and there can add up to big results, over time,” says Chef Paul F. Magnant, dean of culinary at Stratford University, here.

Here are a few tips from Chef Magnant to help you start greening your kitchen:

Start with what you bring into the kitchen. Buy as much food that is locally produced as you can so that fuel isn’t wasted trucking it to you. And forgo the paper-or-plastic debate by sticking to reusable bags you take to the store.

Skip the disposables. Whether it’s for a picnic or a party, opt for utensils, dishes and bakeware that can be reused to save on resources. Invest in a set of cloth napkins, and turn old sheets, towels or clothing into rags for cleaning by cutting them into small pieces.

Keep it going. Stick a wicker basket in your kitchen to contain all of the items destined for recycling. Once the day is over or the basket is full, just take it to the larger bins to be sorted.
Recycling saves a lot of items from heading to landfills, and reduces the amount of garbage at your curb each week. You can also reuse your raw vegetable left-overs and scraps by setting up a composting system and using the collected matter in your garden.

Drink home water. Skip buying the bottles of water and invest in a water-filtration device for your kitchen. You’ll save a lot of money in the end and will avoid adding to the water-bottle problem our country faces.

Clean green. Save money by using natural cleaning supplies and keep unnecessary chemicals out of the environment at the same time. Take a spray bottle and put equal parts water and distilled vinegar in it; this can be used as an all-purpose cleaner for everything from counters to sinks.

Think big. When it’s time to buy new appliances, opt for ones that are energy-efficient by specifically looking for the ENERGY STAR endorsement. ENERGY STAR is a government-backed initiative that ensures you’re buying an energy-efficient product. Bigger isn’t always better, especially if you don’t need the extra room. Smaller appliances will shave money off your bill each year.
“Nobody is going to make all these changes overnight,” adds Magnant. “But making a couple each year will have your kitchen as green as can be before you know it. We what save, saves us!”

The Healthiest Paint For You

You know that strong odor you smell when you open a can of paint? It’s from chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which have been linked to cancer. The good news: More and more mass paint companies are developing low- and no-VOC paints.

But how do these healthier paints stack up? We asked Kelly LaPlante, principal designer and president of Los Angeles–based Kelly LaPlante Organic Interior Design Inc., to pick up her roller and report back on the top options.Read more...

10 Instant Steps to a Greener Home

Fill the dishwasher with every use. Dishwashers use more energy the less they have in them. By running it with only full loads, you could save an estimated 100 pounds of carbon dioxide and $40 per year. See more....

The look of 'Green'

Always thought going green meant sacrificing style and quality? Well quite the opposite. Town & Country now offer sustainable cabinetry that is top notch.

This is the new look of going Green.



"Green Design" is design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and the occupants that address:

- Sustainable site planning
- Safeguarding water and water efficiency
- Energy efficiency
- Conservation of materials and resources
- Indoor environmental quality

The cabinets companies we work with meet or exceed CARB complaince, California's Air Resources Board (CARB), a division of the California EPA, is working to enact new regulations to reduce formaldehyde emissions from wood panels and products made from wood used in the state.

Green is beautiful in every way. Look Good, Feel Good, and Do Good by going Green..