There are many different definitions of Environmental Sustainability that exist today. www.businessdictionary.com defines it as “The maintenance of the factors and practices that contribute to the quality of environment on a long-term basis.” www.economicshelp.org says that “Environmental sustainability is concerned with whether environmental resources will be protected and maintained for future generations.” www.environmentalscience.org says that “Sustainability looks to protect our natural environment, human and ecological health, while driving innovation and not compromising our way of life.”

All different definitions, but all with a very common thread – that environmental sustainability looks to ensure the continued existence of our environment and natural resources while maintaining our current way of life and technological advancements. A feat that might seem impossible, but maybe just requires a dash of creativity and a heaping dose of determination.

Happy new year from KCMA! We wanted to share one last industry update for 2019 to let you know what's been happening in the cabinet industry during the month of December.

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association regularly tracks what's going on in the cabinet industry - check out our latest post below for the latest updates:

There is a rapidly growing demand by consumers and home builders for products that are manufactured by organizations with environmentally responsible and sustainable processes. As such, there has been a steady increase in the number of environmentally-approved certification programs for different products within the home – be it furniture, flooring, walls, roofing or even cabinets. With so many different certification programs available these days, it is difficult to determine which one fulfills the requirements consumers and home builders are looking for.

THE KCMA ESP SEAL COVERS ALL THE BASES

Here at the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, we’re always on the look out for up and coming trends. Check out our post below for a round-up of kitchen design trends we can expect to see next year:

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association regularly tracks what's going on in the cabinet industry - check out our latest post below for the latest updates:

DESIGNERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE KITCHEN CABINET LOOKS

Houzz sat down recently with a panel of its designers and architects to discuss the cabinet looks they've been adding to recent projects. Here is what they had to say:

• Two-tone color schemes - white for uppers and a blue or green for lowers
• Shaker style - this style continues to be popular due to its timeless nature
• Low profile hardware - thin handles and pulls that are routed into the tops of cabinets provide a clean look compared to knobs

Open shelving - designers and architects have been seeing multiple requests to replace upper cabinets with open shelving for a less-complicated design.

What a Healthy Home Means

There is a lot of information and buzz among homeowners these days of having “healthy homes”. The concept of having a healthy home might seem very straightforward, but classifying a home as healthy actually means that it follows 8 very specific principles. According to the National Center for Healthy Housing, 8 Principles are:

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association strives to bring you the latest news and updates from the industry. Check out what's been happening in the cabinet industry in the last month:

SHERWIN WILLIAMS COLOR OF THE YEAR

Sherwin Williams recently announced its color of the year for 2020 - Naval - "a rich navy that creates a calm and grounding environment infused with quiet confidence."

According to the company, it is a top priority for designers to create spaces that people feel good about living and working, and Naval makes their job that much easier. It pairs perfectly with the ongoing trend of colored cabinets in a kitchen, or mismatched cabinets with a statement island done in blue.

Check out KCMA's recent column in the October issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Respond to the Demand for 3rd Party Tested Cabinets

Consumers and homeowners today are concerned about making sure their homes are healthy for their families. This can mean everything from recycling, to having compost heaps, to ensuring the furniture, floors and other parts of the home are made from environmentally responsible products produced by environmentally conscious companies.