If you're searching for a new countertop and are leaning towards something that's a little kinder on the earth than laminate or stone, there are now plenty of options available that have many "green" elements to them. In this case, "green" refers to materials that are made from recycled products, can be recycled at end-of-life -- or are both recycled and recyclable -- or are made from renewable resources.
Stainless steel counter tops consist of, on average,75% recycled steel and can contain up to 100% recycled content. They emit no VOCs, are non-porous and antibacterial. However, they do show fingerprints and scratch easily.
Alkemi Countertops are made from 35% "fine flake aluminum milling scrap" a post-industrial waste products. It is available in 12 colours and three different surface treatments (Textured, Classic and Honed).
Recycled glass Countertops: There are plenty of recycled glass countertops on the market these days.
Each of them has their own unique charm.IceStone is made in Brooklyn, New York. The product uses 100% glass which is otherwise bound for landfill, mixed with concrete to create a surface that is twice as durable as marble. Like a stone product, it does need to be sealed on a regular basis. It is available in a variety of colours.
BioGlass consists of 100% recycled and recyclable glass. It is available in six natural colours and can be used for backsplashes or countertops.
Paperstone is a material made from either 100% post-consumer cardboard or 100% post-consumer office paper mixed with a non-petroleum based resin. It can be used for as kitchen and bathroom countertops and comes in a variety of colours.
Eco-Friendly Countertop Choices