Carter Oosterhouse, Lowe’s and Green Works team up to remodel a family’s kitchen, making it a healthier space and more environmentally friendly. Green It Yourself Project #1: Count on Eco-Friendly Countertops Because kitchen countertops are high traffic areas, avoid materials like pressed wood that can release chemicals or tiles that give a bacteria and dirt a place to hide. Replace tile and pressed wood with recycled materials that are certified to release fewer chemicals into the air. Kitchen countertops made from recycled materials are also easy to clean. Green It Yourself Project #2: Cool Your Energy Costs The kitchen can consume more energy than any other room in your house. One of the biggest energy hogs can be the fridge. ENERGY STAR Qualified refrigerators can use 50% less energy than older models. Green It Yourself Project #3: Cook With Healthy In-green-ients When cooking, good ventilation is key. Cooking can release moisture, smoke and other pollutants into the air. Install a range hood to improve ventilation and air quality. Use cast iron and ceramic containers to prep, cook and store food; they are BPA-free. Use Green Works dishwashing liquid for an ecofriendly dish washing solution that is also gentle on your hands. Green It Yourself Project #4: Reduce Waste With Taste The kitchen produces a lot of waste. Begin your own waste management program to cut down on your impact on the environment. One water filter can replace as many as 300 plastic bottles. With a …