Are sustainable countertops a rage, a trend, a passing fancy, or a commitment to the environment? What I know is that you see more of these inventive products introduced into the kitchen remodeling marketplace all the time. Generally speaking, to receive the sustainable tag, wood countertop materials must be approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). But today’s countertop materials in the green category may be made of products beyond wood.
The FSC does set requirements for counters made of recycled paper products. They must be certified to be manufactured with nonpetroleum, formaldehyde-free resins, according to Sunset Magazine. Appropriately named, PaperStone surfaces are compressed from 100 percent consumer paper waste into a solid block. Natural, non-toxic resins help create the durable finish. You’ll also find an assortment of recycled butcher-block countertops in standard or custom sizes that help spare deforestation of natural wood.
Going with Recycled Glass Counters
The Daily Green recommends recycled glass and concrete surfaces for kitchen countertops if you really want to be environmentally friendly. The new, Icestone counters are made through an environmentally clean manufacturing process and still have the durability of quarried stone, says the Daily Green.
Natural Home magazine reports on new recycled plastic used in countertops. Chroma, made by 3Form, is a solid, translucent surface created from 40% pre-consumer recycled materials. They feature a dazzling array of colors.
Bamboo is also moving up in popularity among the range of countertop materials. Many manufacturers offer counters with formaldehyde-free laminates and adhesives that won’t off-gas dangerous toxins in your home. Bamboo can be machined into attractive parquet designs. Look over your options!
