Green Kitchen Trends - Part 3 Countertops
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Countertops are one area of a kitchen that gets a lot of use. In comparison to appliances, the majority of a countertop’s environmental impact occurs during the raw material extraction and manufacturing processes. Because of these early impacts, reclaimed materials are environmentally preferable to new materials. The materials most commonly thought of as “green” options are concrete, glass tile, paper composite, recycled plastic, terrazzo, and wood. Natural stone is a very durable and long lasting option, but most stones are quarried a long distance from where they installed, which makes them less environmentally friendly. For example, the transportation needed to get a slab of granite from Italy to United States is considerable. Concrete is a more “green” product because it is highly durable. However it also is extremely energy intensive production, but if the aggregate is recycled and locally sourced, then the energy intensity falls. Treated well, concrete can last a lifetime. At the end of it useful life in your kitchen, it can be reused whole or cut for other projects. Another material is glass tiles, which are preferable to ceramic tile because they can have 100 percent recycled content.
Glass tiles scratch more easily than ceramic, however, and may be less uniform, making it necessary to use more grout. Their potential surface irregularity may affect their use as countertops, which is why we recommend them as accents in backsplashes instead of countertop options. Paper composite surfaces are composted of recycled paper and other fibers that have been impregnated with resin. Paper composite countertops handle heat well and are very durable. The material does not nick easily and the darker colors resist staining. Recycled plastic are made from recycled materials such as plastics like yogurt containers, aluminum, or stone. Terrazzo countertops, also known as recycled glass countertops, are popular. Terrazzo consists of crushed stone and glass set in a cement or epoxy substrate that is buffed smooth. It is an excellent “green” product because it lasts approx. 40 years, has low maintenance, and can contain a high amount of recycled content. It is especially “green” if it created with local materials to avoid transportation-related energy use and emissions.
Lastly, wood is a “green” choice for countertops, especially if the wood is certified by the FSC. Untreated wood is truly a renewable resource and it requires much less industrial processing than other countertop materials. However, wood is not a good choice for continually wet areas, such as the space immediately surrounding a sink. It can be burned, scorched, dented and stained, so it requires care and regular cleaning. If it is kept sealed with natural mineral oil to prevent drying, wood is a highly durable and healthy counter material.