The world is going green, and you should too. With the state of our environment and the increasing quantity of toxic matter bad for the Earth but still released into the environment, it behoves everyone to show more interest in exploring more sustainable and eco-friendly means of living, including as regards the manufacturing and use of products.
In the same vein, you may decide to go green and create an environmentally sustainable home by incorporating eco-friendly choices in your home. One way to do this is by upgrading traditional household materials like bathroom and kitchen countertop materials to green countertops that are free of toxins and healthy for you and the environment.
Besides natural stone countertops, here are other quality countertop material options that are renewable and environmentally sustainable:
Recycled Glass Countertops
Made from waste glass materials and resin or cement binders, recycled glass countertops are the ideal option for homeowners who want to go green but do it aesthetically. A beautiful by-product of the recycling process, glass composite countertops are, however susceptible to damage from pots and pans and other hard and abrasive items but are quite stain-resistant.
Reclaimed Wood Countertops
If you are looking to go for a timeless and vintage look, then wood from demolished properties called reclaimed wood is your best bet. Instead of letting old wood go to waste or get burned and release more toxins into the environment, this is a great way to utilize wood, which is also very easy to clean and thus great for kitchen countertops. Reclaimed wood countertops, however will need to be resealed frequently to prevent splinters and splits and early wear and tear.
Bamboo Countertops
Similar to wood, bamboo, which is a colony plant, is another great renewable option for countertop material. Known for its sturdiness and low maintenance, all you have to do to keep bamboo countertops in shape is to sand and re-seal the surface regularly to prevent moisture damage, as bamboo is not heat-resistant. To clean bamboo, use a mild soap and soft cloth, ensure you stay away from hard and abrasive cleaners.
Paper Composite Countertops
As the name suggests, paper composite material is made from wholly recycled paper and other solid waste materials like glass and petroleum-free resins, going through a high-level engineered process to create a solid green countertop material. They are usually lighter than traditional stone countertops but studier than wood and bamboo. However, although reusable, the paper countertops are non-recyclable due to the plastic resins in their makeup.
Recycled Quartz Countertops
Recycled quartz from FM Marble is an eco-friendly mix of crushed natural and resin binders of low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC). Recycled quartz is great for many reasons, as it still maintains its heat-resistant and moisture-resistant nature. It is solid and will not easily crack, chip or etch as long as it is properly installed and sealed.
All reusable and recyclable options on this list are great choices for environmentally aware homeowners who want to do right by the environment. What is your preferred eco-friendly countertop?
