The first home I purchased was a small condo with a tiny kitchen. Despite being the most space limited room in the house it always filled up with visitors who strolled right past comfy couches only to lean against ugly countertops. The reality is that people spend a lot of time indoors and most of our waking hours in the kitchen so the greener it is the better.

Unfortunately, the kitchen can be the site of pollutants, chemicals and poor air quality. Sounds counterintuitive since the kitchen conjures images of nourishment, but it’s true. Countertops, cabinets, appliances, cleaning supplies and waste can all contribute to an unhealthy room, albeit the favorite even with ugly finishes.

Principles of good indoor air quality include using low-VOC materials and finishes, allowing natural ventilation and avoiding toxins. These are all imperative in the kitchen where we tend to touch or eat what has touched the plentiful surfaces.

If you’re building new or remodeling, consider detoxifying the largest masses in the kitchen – the cabinets and countertops. Opt for low-VOC paints, finishes and sealants. Avoid products and materials that contain formaldehyde and PVC. Both of these compounds have carcinogenic properties and are detrimental to the environment.

When you think clean, think green as well. Many of us store and use toxic cleaning chemicals in the kitchen. The truth is that today’s eco-friendly cleaning products tap into the strength of natural ingredients and perform as well or better than their toxic counterparts. While you’re thinking about cleaning, do it more often to prevent dust and other particles from building up and attracting pests.

Think fresh food and fresh air. Natural ventilation is ideal so if you’re starting new, design to take advantage of operable windows. If your kitchen is landlocked be sure that your range hood vents outside. Not only will fresh air keep you sharp-minded when using sharp kitchen objects, it will help prevent mold and mildew.

Keeping the air fresh also means eliminating sources of pollution. Make sure your appliances are maintained properly to prevent leaks. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a potential hazard with fuel fired appliances and prevention of leaks is the key to protecting your family. A slower but still deadly silent killer in the home is radon so while you’ve got safety on the mind get a radon test. They’re inexpensive and easy to perform.

If you’ve got pets, great! I love animals and consider them part of the family. However, dogs and cats do things and go places that aren’t always so appetizing. Try to establish spots for four-leggeds that are near but not necessarily in the kitchen. At least keep a distance between them and food preparation areas. Golden Retrievers have beautiful coats but nobody wants dog fur in their dinner. And, for the sake of everybody’s appetite, no cats on the counter. Animals are sweet and cute but the same cannot be said about parasites.

The last green kitchen advice: go organic, local or co-op. Where we buy our food has a tremendous impact on the environment, and our health. Putting your food dollars towards locally grown, sustainable and organic growers creates a cycle of health for the environment, the economy and your body.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional, general contractor or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.