Replacing cabinets is one of the most often completed kitchen remodels.  A new set of cabinets can give an old kitchen new life in a big hurry. 

If you are planning to upgrade your cabinetry, consider choosing green cabinets - or at least doing what you can to make your remodel a little more eco friendly.  

Here are a few tips to help get you started: 

~ Consider refacing your current cabinets. If your cabinets are well made, it might be a good idea to simply reface what you already have. Not only will you use less material (which is really green!) you'll save money. 

~ If your cabinets are in good shape, consider donating them so they can be reused again. Habitat for Humanity has something called a ReStore where you can donate building items that are in good condition. They sell them the items to contractors and the general public and then use the money to help build houses for people in need. 

~ Depending on your style, you may want to consider purchasing used cabinets. With a litle bit of work and paint, you may be able to make used cabinets perfect for your kitchen. 

If you are planning to buy new, here are some tips to help you choose green cabinets: 

~ Pay very close attention to the glue that's used during production. Also, ask questions about the finish that was used. You want to make sure that your cabinetry does not include urea formaldahyde. 

~ If you are going with wood, try to purchase wood cabinets that are made with wood from a FSC-certified forest. 

~ Consider buying less or leaving some of your cabinet space open. The less materials that have to be used to manufacture an item, the greener it is. 

~ Consider buying cabinetry that is made from wood that is either reclaimed or recycled. 

~ Metal is getting popular again and it's definitely more eco-friendly than wood. 

~ Look for cabinets that are well-made. Products that are made well will last longer, meaning they will be in use longer before they end up in a landfill.  This is green as well. 

Visit My Lil Green Dress for more green living tips and green product reviews.