A round-up of eco-friendly designs offering great performance and style
WORDS PAULA WOODS
Limit the impact
Handmade fireclay sinks use renewable natural materials, are recyclable and chip, heat and stain resistant. Buy from a UK manufacturer to limit the emissions associated with transportation.
Apron-fronted Butler 900 single-bowl fireclay sink, W838xD460xH255mm, £740, Shaws (shawsofdarwen.com). Bespoke Arundel kitchen in oak, from £25,000, Shere Kitchens (sherekitchens.co.uk). Interior design, Arran & Hadley (07789 791036)
A timeless tradition
Cast iron is incredibly durable and repairable so it lasts a lifetime. Most models are manufactured using a high percentage of recycled or reclaimed iron. Saxon 175 cast-iron inset or undermounted sink with low divider, made with 80 per cent recycled material, W840xD460xH240mm, £849, Tutti tap with twist and spray aerator in Regency Copper, £259, Clearwater (sterlingdistribution.co.uk)
Invest in the future
Solid brass or steel taps with ceramic disc technology are durable and perform reliably for years. Models certified by the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme conform to British quality and safety regulations (WRAS; wras.co.uk). Armstrong bridge mixer with pulldown rinse in Satin Brass, £1,119.12, Perrin & Rowe (perrinandrowe.co.uk). Interior design, Emma Merry (emmamerrystyling.com)
At home and away
Taps with built-in filtration systems provide filtered still or sparkling water. Brands such as Abode (abodedesigns.co.uk) and Quooker (quooker.co.uk) recycle the filters.
Naturalé Acquifier water filter tap in matt black with flow limiter, cold-start function and timber handle, £589, replacement cartridges, £42, Abode
Make it metal
The aged lustre of a copper sink and surfaces looks stunning contrasted with bold cabinet finishes. Copper is recyclable, has antimicrobial properties and retains heat well. Shaker painted kitchen cabinets in Jewel Beetle, from £12,000, bespoke aged copper living finish worksurface and seamless welded prep sink, from £1,860, Mayan bibcock taps in aged brass, £465.60, Hush Kitchens (hushkitchens.com)
Go for recycled content
Ever more fixtures and fittings are made from a high proportion of recycled materials. Check the specs for details. Tango Neo stainless-steel single-lever tap with pullout nozzler, £568, and Box BXX 110-54 sink, W580xD450xH200mm, £436, with optional strainer bowl, £144, all made with 70 per cent recycl
