How Green is your Countertop?

by jessica ackerman

countertop

Whether we’re talking about fuel-efficient vehicles or recycling glass and plastic containers, it seems that everyone everywhere is more conscious than ever before of leaving a smaller carbon footprint on the earth. Building products, furnishings and home decor industries are large part of this movement as well and the goal is to build and renovate homes so that they are more environmentally friendly than thought possible just a few short years ago. If a new countertop is in your future you may need to know which materials are ‘green’ and earth-friendly.

Granite, Soapstone and Marble

While granite is one of the most in-demand materials for countertops and it imparts a very high-end look, it is not very eco-friendly. It is a natural stone and once it is removed from the earth, it cannot be replaced. If you won’t be satisfied with anything other than granite, you can reduce your carbon footprint by seeking out remnant slabs and looking for a nearby source to reduce the costs of transportation. Also use a low-VOC sealant to reduce noxious gases in the home.
Also among the least eco-friendly are soapstone and marble countertops because they are harvested from the earth and cannot be replaced. The harvesting of soapstone also has a detrimental effect to tiger populations in India. For these reasons, recycled soapstone or marble is the best option.

Engineered Stone

These products are made from quartz particles and sold under the names of Silestone™ and Cambria Quartz™. They do not require the annual application of a sealant, as with granite, so are more eco-friendly to maintain. However, the mining of quartz, a natural stone that cannot be replenished, has a detrimental effect on the environment.

Solid Surface Countertops

These are man-made countertops made from synthetic materials; brands include Corian™, Swanstone™ and Avonite™. They do not contain VOCs and are not made of elements that are mined from the earth, but they are not certified as earth-friendly.

Ceramic Tile

One of the most inexpensive options, ceramic tile is durable, easy to install and comes in a limitless array of colors, patterns, styles and sizes. Made from clay, it is more eco-friendly than harvested stone products. Also, some ceramic tile is made from recycled materials such as ground up bottles, porcelain and light bulbs and these varieties are certainly great ‘green’ choices.

Laminate

Sold under well-known brand names such as Formica™ and Wilsonart™, laminate countertops are inexpensive and offer a vast selection is style, pattern and color. Look for brands and products that are labeled free of urea formaldehyde; those made from recycled plastic are great for the environment.

Butcher Block and Wood

Wood countertops bring a warm, rich element to any kitchen. They are often made of hardwood like maple and oak. Choose wood countertops that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified. A product with an FSC label can be traced back to a certified source so you know that the wood used in the product was harvested responsibly. Also look for water-based finishes and low-VOC finishes.

Stainless Steel

One of the most durable countertops and one that brings and edgy, contemporary look to a kitchen, stainless steel has been the product of choice for professional cooks and restaurants for decades. Choose countertops made from recycled steel to avoid the pollution related to the mining and production of new steel products.

Concrete

Concrete is also highly durable. Added pigments allow for a limitless range of color and recycled bits of glass or porcelain, for example, can be added to create a unique end product. For concrete to be considered truly ‘green’, the aggregate that is used should be recycled and the sealant should be a low-VOC variety.

Glass, Composite and Recycled Materials

The ‘greenest’ countertops of all come from glass and recycled materials, including paper. They also bring a contemporary look to your kitchen. Look for low-VOC resins and FSC certification on countertops made with paper.

Alyssa Davis writes and designs for Metal-Wall-Art.com and she is happy to share many ideas on creating stylish interiors with seahorse wall art and bathroom metal artwork.