Published by Green by Design

Introduction

Granite, marble, and stone countertops have become so popular in the past two decades that they hardly seem like a fashionable upgrade anymore. As beautiful as they are, these materials are not renewable and, ultimately, not sustainable.

The good news is that there are greener alternatives on the market today, which are not only healthier for you and the environment; they’re beautiful, too. While these options are moving us in the right direction, there are no truly sustainable winners on the market today. So be prepared to make tradeoffs.

Product Comparison

This guide compares wide range of countertop options ranging from very low to high on the green scale.

Here’s a comparison of countertop materials based on several characteristics, showing that they range from very low to high in their greenness. We recommend recycled glass, paper composite, and stainless steel as the greenest options. Of course, only you can decide whether the look and feel fits your style or not, and whether the cost meets your budget.

Granite

Granite is a type of stone and therefore a finite natural resource. It is one of the most commonly used materials and most durable stones used for countertops. Its appearance is as elegant as marble, but it costs less. However, additional costs are associated with the frequent, necessary resealing, needed as often as once a year. This stone is ranked very low in terms of eco-friendliness because it is quarried internationally and is heavy, thus generating additional transport costs and thus, additional energy use. Slabs of granite may be recycled.

Ceramic Tiles

Some tiles are made from recycled materials, such as glass, porcelain and light bulbs, and while ceramic tiles are not recyclable, they may be reused if they are in good condition. Overall, ceramic tiles rank low in terms of eco-friendliness owing to high overall energy use in manufacturing.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic laminate is a traditional countertop substance; Formica is the most popular brand. It may be made of chipboard and then sealed in a plastic covering, and unfortunately, some chipboard manufacturers use formaldehyde. Plastic laminate countertops are less durable than metal or stone countertops, and they often crack and peel in ways usually not repairable.

Quartz

Quartz is often referred to as an “engineered stone” but that does not imply that this material is made of synthetic or recycled rock. Unlike Granite, quartz is a naturally non-porous stone, which means it does not require sealing and it is naturally spill-resistant. Most quartz is imported into the US, but Cambria Quartz offers quartz that is stone mined in the US using eco-friendly company practices.

Wood

Traditional woods used for countertops include maple, cherry, teak and walnut. Much of the wood used for countertops in the US is grown domestically and therefore does not incur additional costs for shipping and energy use, as with stone, which is often imported. Traditional wood countertops are rated low because wood countertops require sealing, a process that creates chemical waste. Also, the wood that is consumed adds to deforestation and companies that manufacture wood countertops don’t always engage in sustainable farming techniques. Of companies that do engage in eco-friendly practices, their products show the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo, which implies that the company follows standards representing the world’s strongest system for guiding forest management toward sustainable outcomes. Reclaimed or salvaged wood are smart alternatives.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a type of wood-like grass used for countertops. The elegance and durability of traditional wood is imitated with eco-friendly renewable bamboo. Unlike trees, bamboo plants renew themselves as rapidly as every three years. Bamboo cannot be easily recycled at the end of its useful lifetime. The sealant used in making countertops may include formaldehyde, although many bamboo countertop manufacturers avoid it.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 11.5% chromium content by mass. It is corrosion resistant and antibacterial by composition. An average stainless steel object is composed of about 60% recycled material, 25% originating from end-of-life products and 35% from manufacturing processes. Overall, the energy consumed in the stainless steel manufacturing process is somewhat higher than that used in manufacturing many other materials.

Paper Composite

Paper composite is a relatively new material made from recycled paper with a resin binding. It is recyclable and renewable when made from trees managed via sustainable harvesting practices. Eco-friendly paper composite is certified by the FSC and uses resins that are formaldehyde-free. Two manufacturers of paper composite countertops are PaperStone and Richlite.

Recycled Glass and Glass Tile

Recycled glass countertops are made using the ancient mosaic technique of terrazzo and are composed of 85-100% recycled glass and concrete. Such a product cannot be recycled after its lifetime, as it is manufactured from a combination of glass and concrete, which are not separable. Manufacturers to consider include: Vetrazzo, IceStone, Enviroglas, Bedrock Industries, and Oceanside Glasstile.

Installation

While the focus of this guide is mainly on countertop materials, the adhesives used to secure countertops need to be eco-friendly too, in order to reduce exposure to toxins and contaminates for both you and your installer.

Epoxy-based adhesives used to secure countertops to their bases contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Currently, newer adhesives that are rated at zero level VOC or low-VOC-combined with formaldehyde-free plywood-greatly reduce the level of toxic gases emitted from countertops.

Seek help from expert installation professionals, since improperly installed and supported countertops may be subject to cracks or other failures. When installing, be sure to use no-VOC or low-VOC sealers, glues and cleaners.

Summary

Natural stone and wood countertops, while natural materials, are not necessary green. The ways these materials are acquired depletes the earth of non-renewable stone, forests, and natural habitat for wild animals. The weight of these natural resources demands additional energy for transportation. And typical installation allows the generation of hazardous substances.

Eco-friendly alternatives, such as recycled glass and paper composite, are constantly evolving and getting easier to find. We recommend using the dealer locator on the manufacturers’ websites to your find local dealer, who can provide samples and answer your questions about price, availability, and installation.

Sources:
Green Home Guide
Get With Green
Harmony Interiors
Home Style Choices
Sierra Club Green Home
Sunset
Wikipedia
World Stainless Steel Forum