Healthy alternatives
Anthracite, custom made furniture (Montreal)
Espace Cuisine (Montreal)
Cuisines Multiplex (Montreal)
Cuisines Steam
The SKIN kitchens offered by A Hauteur d’homme (Montreal) are an effective material-reduction solution that is both sustainable and eco-responsible. Indeed, the firm does not manufacture cabinets made from particle board, which is not very durable and, in addition, contains Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The firm also offers sustainable ecological products for the design of your kitchen (see eco home).
Nugreen is a non-toxic (formaldehyde-free) alternative to melamine chipboard (plywood).
You will find other Quebec kitchen manufacturers and more information on the eco home site.
Tips
New kitchen cabinets that are made from particle board or other synthetic materials, can release toxic chemicals for a long time.
Our indoor environment is often much more polluted than outside. There are many factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality and one of them is the chemicals released from renovations. It is therefore essential to choose ecological and healthy materials.
Choose VOC-free materials.
Opt for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified sustainable woods that do not affect air quality.
Use water-based lacquers (rather than solvent-based, as they off gas toxic chemicals) and water-based stains (rather than oil-based).
Avoid the following chemicals in regular products
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Formaldehyde: carcinogenic, eye and respiratory irritant, respiratory sensitizer