Concern for the environment remains a high priority for many Canadians. McAllister Opinion Research has found in Environmental Monitor polls from 2005 - present that the environment is consistently the top issue. But what does that mean for individual action by Canadians?

In fact, protecting the environment can start in the home. The benefits of going green at home include improved indoor air quality and health by minimizing exposure to chemicals, to savings on your energy bill with more efficient appliances and a reduced overall environmental footprint.

Below are some tips to green your kitchen. A few sample ideas? Plant a 'living wall', buy Energy Star ® appliances and install cabinets that meet environmental standards. Here are some helpful tips to follow:

1. Buy local

Just as you buy local food, source local manufacturers and craftsmen who work with local materials.

1. Install cabinets that meet environmental standards

Look for ones that are certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a leading third-party provider of certification, auditing and testing services to recognize the highest levels of performance in environmental protection and social responsibility.

1. Choose ENERGY STAR® certified appliances

Look for rebates for the purchase of new ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerators and freezers. More green rebates found here: www.ec.gc.ca and Energy Star .

1. Select renewable materials, such as cork or bamboo for flooring

Cork is harvested tree bark gathered in a way that doesn't kill the tree. Bamboo is a rapid renewable material due to its speedy rate of growth.

1. Choose well-made products which will last for a long time

Avoid 'planned obsolescence', which is when manufacturers design a product to be obsolete after a certain time period or usage period. Look for companies that at least offer a limited lifetime warranty for their products.

1. Reduce unnecessary exposure to chemicals

Try a homemade all-purpose cleaner made with natural ingredients. The David Suzuki Foundation has recipe cards .

1. Create a kitchen recycling centre

Make it easy for you and your roommates to compost and recycle with a visible and central recycling centre.

1. Donate old kitchen cabinets and accessories

Check with your local Habitat for Humanity Restore .

1. Install aerated faucets

Today's aerated faucets reduce water flow without sacrificing water pressure.

1. Plant a 'living wall'

Living walls can purify air and cool room temperature. They are made up of panels already-planted with an assortment of species, such as azaleas or peace lilies. The panel is attached to a structural wall.

This article was provided by Merit Kitchens. For more than 30 years, Merit Kitchens has provided homeowners with fine cabinetry. Merit offers a broad range of design choices, from contemporary to traditional, which can be customized as furniture pieces, free-standing units and cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms. Founded in 1971 in Vancouver, British Columbia by cabinetry craftsman, Merit takes great pride in the quality of the products produced. The company has become a world-class supplier of beautiful kitchens found in homes from Barbados, Tokyo, New York, Boston, Toronto, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver. There are more than 60 door styles in a variety of wood species, laminates and paint. Finishes are hand rubbed to duplicate an Old World patina or to gleam in the New Age light. Merit Kitchens produces a line of EcoPlus cabinets which are certified by Scientific Certification Systems. For more information: www.MeritKitchens.com .