Eco-Friendly Countertop
I’m trying to find a countertop material that is both eco-friendly, tough, and easy to maintain. (I’d also like a free trip to Bali.) So far I think I’ve ruled out PaperStone and Ice Stone (require sealing, easily stained, scuffed.) Now I’m thinking of trying to find re-purposed stone. Anyone know of a source? Or…
I’m trying to find a countertop material that is both eco-friendly, tough, and easy to maintain. (I’d also like a free trip to Bali.) So far I think I’ve ruled out PaperStone and Ice Stone (require sealing, easily stained, scuffed.) Now I’m thinking of trying to find re-purposed stone. Anyone know of a source? Or have other suggestions?
Find interesting “remainder” slabs at a stone yard. That’s what the pro’s do.
Thanks for these ideas. I’ve been checking with Build it Green for salvaged things–it would be great if something turns up that would work. Thanks for the tip on Cambria–I will definitely check that out.
And I forgot, howzabout poured concrete? Concrete is not that eco-friendly but it’s sourced locally.
We recently installed a Cambria quartz countertop, which we are very happy with (we bought it through Green Depot on the Bowery). We’d originally been thinking of Icestone, but were ultimately put off, like you, by the ease with which it gets stained and the need to regularly seal the surface (I’m pretty messy in the kitchen…). We chose Cambria over other companies like Caeserstone etc. because Cambria is the only product made in the U.S., hence requiring fewer transportation resources. Cambria are also a “green” company that have implemented many environmentally friendly business practices — take a look at their website for more info.
The most eco-friendly would be to use something that would otherwise be thrown away, regardless of whether it is made of “natural” materials. The synthetic stones are tough and low maintenance. Why not find something at Build It Green?
I really like Caesarstone and the other similar materials, but I don’t think it’s particularly earth-friendly. Mining quartz means ripping up the land, leaving some major scars. If not for that, it would be my first choice.
Ceaserstone, Silestone and Zodiac. They are all basically the same with different color selections.
ceaserstone is made from stone chips and epoxy, and is very easy to maintain. Some people think that makes it eco-friendly.
imo the most eco-friendly counter would be butcher block. You can always plant another tree.