The kitchen seems to be the most renovated room of the house these days and one trend we’ve been watching is how people can green their kitchens at the same time.

First up, cork. Cork is a renewable resource made from bark peeled from cork oak trees. The cork oaks thrive and regenerate, while never being cut down, which makes them completely sustainable. Cork flooring is also easy to install and maintain, which makes it more cost-effective than other flooring surfaces. That’s good.

Also good is that it’s sound-absorbing, hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mildew, making it an excellent choice for kitchens floors. Plus, it’s slightly bouncy nature makes the walk from the counter to the stove and back again a bit of a treat.

Photo Credit: About.com.