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For the longest of time, quartz and granite topped the list as the most popular kitchen countertop materials. However, as more and more homeowners are moving toward the idea of green living by incorporating sustainable materials into their houses, the demand for eco-friendly countertops has also increased.
These countertops are made of recyclable or sustainable material and undergo an environment-friendly manufacturing process. The resins and binders used in the process are also of low toxicity. Overall, special attention is paid to ensuring the production of such countertops doesn’t harm the environment.
Thanks to the advancement in technology, these eco-friendly countertops are available in a number of different colours and textures to fit in with the theme of your home. They are strong, durable, stylish, aesthetically pleasing, and more importantly, add value to your property.
Best-Eco-Friendly-Countertops Options for Your Kitchen
A number of different countries around the world are currently manufacturing environment-friendly countertops under different names. Therefore, in order to make this a bit more convenient for you, we have categorized our pick of the best green kitchen countertops according to their material composition instead of the brand name.
Recycled Paper Countertops
At first glance, you might mistake paper composite countertops to be laminate. The two varieties of countertops may look rather alike, but the similarities end there.
As you may already know, the resins used to make laminate contain formaldehyde, which can lower the quality of the air inside your home and pose other health risks. On the other hand, the countertops made from recycled paper composite contain natural pigments and a small amount of non-petroleum-based resins, making them a safe choice for your home and the environment.
Contrary to popular belief, paper composite countertops do not get soggy or lose their shape due to moisture. In fact, they are impervious to water. These eco-friendly countertops are made by mixing recycled paper or wood-based fibres with natural pigment and a small number of resins. The mixture is then compressed and baked at a high temperature until it turns into a solid monolithic slab. Paper composite countertops are not only sustainable, but they are also durable, dense, sturdy, and affordable.
Moreover, paper composite countertops are lighter than the ones made from stone and can be cut with ease. They are also easy to install, resistant to stains, hypoallergenic and most importantly, waterproof.
Since they can stand up to harsh weather conditions, you can install these countertops outdoors if needed. They are considered one of the most environmentally-friendly countertops today.
Recycled Glass Countertops
As the name suggests, these countertops are made from broken glass tiles, mirrors, bottles and window screens. Since it is easier to recycle glass and the process doesn’t consume as much energy as recycling ceramic or other materials, these countertops are considered a top choice for those looking to install modern yet low-maintenance countertops in their kitchen.
Recycled glass countertops are not only attractive, but they are also pretty durable. You can find these environment-friendly countertops in a wide variety of colours, designs and styles. Owing to their stunning colours and distinctive look, these countertops can add a splash of colour to otherwise boring kitchen décor and elevate its overall look.
These countertops are usually made by combining recycled glass with resins and cement binders, which is why most of the countertops feature a colourful mosaic of glass shards covered by a hard coating of binding material, much like terrazzo. They are also rather budget-friendly.
Some manufacturers also design glass countertops by melting homogeneous varieties of glass and moulding them into layers to form a thick, smooth slab of translucent glass.
Recycled glass countertops are non-porous, impervious to water damage and resistant to discolouration. It doesn’t harbour bacteria or get stained. However, these eco-friendly countertops are susceptible to scratches.
On the other hand, recycled glass is also one of the most popular eco-friendly flooring materials available in the market today.
Reclaimed Wood Countertops
Want to give your kitchen a more warm and rustic look? How about installing reclaimed wood countertops?
We can all agree that wooden countertops can make a kitchen look expensive and elegant. However, considering how wood is a quickly depleting natural resource that takes years and years to replenish, chopping up trees to make countertops is not exactly eco-friendly.
This is where reclaimed wood comes in.
Reclaimed wood countertops are made from discarded pieces of wood. In other words, the pieces of wood from old warehouses, barns and other structures that normally would’ve ended up in landfills are recycled to make sustainable countertops and other items.
Unlike the countertops made from newly-sourced wood, these green countertops have a slightly aged look. However, they can be polished and stained to cover up any visual imperfections. It is also important to mention that this recycled material is stronger and sturdier than the recently harvested ones. This is because it has settled into its final state after being exposed to natural elements for a long time.
Usually, reclaimed wood countertops are made of more than one species of wood, which gives them a unique look.
The only downside is that these recycled countertops cost a bit more than recycled glass and paper composite countertops. However, you can consider them an investment since you won’t have to replace them any time soon.
Furthermore, bamboo is also gaining popularity as an alternative kitchen countertop material. Since bamboo plants grow rapidly, it is considered one of the most sustainable natural resources that can be processed to make floors, furniture and other items of daily use. In fact, this plant is also used to make eco-friendly fabric for household use.
Owing to the growing threat of climate change, it is more important than ever that we strive to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Even seemingly small things, such as chemical cleaners, can cause extreme harm to the environment. Therefore, if you want to play your part in saving the planet, here are some eco-friendly tips for cleaning your home that you can easily follow.
Also, don’t forget to check out our detailed guides on green alternatives for everyday items and how to build an eco-friendly home.
You can share your suggestions or comments about eco-friendly countertops with us at blog@zameen.com.
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