31 October 2009
Green alternatives to marble or granite countertops
Posted by Cecilia under: Environment; Home .
The advantages of marble or granite countertops entice many of us to spend extra money in the kitchen. They have superior strength, durability and aesthetic beauty.
If you’re looking for green countertop materials you probably won’t choose marble or granite. Their production and transportation make for a large carbon footprint as well as environmental destruction.
But there are green alternatives to granite and marble countertops.
If you’re looking for durable, concrete countertops are one way to go. They’re most often made by a local fabricator. You could make your concrete countertop more environmentally friendly by adding recycled materials and by using a nontoxic water-based finish. Concrete countertops are often employed where the design requires flexible shapes.
If stone is your preferred material look into local natural stones. Some states even have their own natural stones such as soapstone, gemstone or quartz. Green Mountain Soapstone Corporation of Castleton, Vermont is the largest soapstone supplier to the USA and Canada.
It may surprise you to know that Greenguard certified laminates are an excellent choice for countertops. Texas-based Wilsonart International Inc. is a leading manufacturer of decorative surfacing products including laminate countertops which received Greenguard quality certification.
Other alternatives are ceramic tiles, porcelain and glass. All are moisture resistant, long lasting and environmentally friendly to manufacture. Vetrazzo of Richmond, CA was one of the first companies offering countertops made of recycled glass. These counter-tops are incredibly strong, durable and look great.
As always, search for local manufacturers in your area that offer responsible choices in countertop materials.
6 Comments so far...
Today in Sikantis – October 31, 2009 « Sikantis Says:
31 October 2009 at 1:58 am.
[...] Innovative News - Green alternatives to marble or granite countertops [...]
Cecilia Says:
1 November 2009 at 8:18 am.
g682, we tend to agree with you. Local stones are at the top of the list.
corian countertops Says:
2 November 2009 at 9:13 am.
Corian or quartz are always the better option when it comes to maintenance.
granite counter top Says:
31 December 2009 at 9:04 am.
Colored cement countertops are another alternative that is growing in popularity. Low maintenance, an no seams are two big advantages.
