A counter top is a horizontal work surface in kitchens & food preparation areas. Commonly, it is accompanied by cabinets above & below. Several different materials, such as stone, to wood, to plastic, to tiles, & even steel, among numerous others, can be used in making counter tops.
But because of the growing awareness for the environment, there are now materials for counter tops that are not only durable, but also great looking & eco friendly. So if you're looking for a new counter top and are leaning towards items that's a little gentler on the earth than laminate or stone, there are now plenty of alternatives available that are made from recycled products, can be recycled at end-of-life -- or are both recycled & recyclable -- or are made from renewable resources.
Here are a few of the greener counter top options:
1. Stainless steel - Stainless steel counter tops consist of, on average, 75% recycled steel and can contain up to 100% recycled content. They are non-porous and antibacterial, and give off no VOCs. The only downside is they scratch & show fingerprints easily.
2. Recycled glass - These days, there are many recycled glass counter tops on the market. Each kind has their own special charm.
3. BioGlass - This item is of 100% recyclable & recycled glass. It can be used for backsplashes or counter tops and is available in 6 natural colours.
4. Alkemi - Alkemi counter tops are made from 35% "fine flake aluminum milling scrap" a post-industrial waste products. It is available in three different surface treatments (textured, classic and honed) and 12 colors to choose from.
5. Paperstone - Paperstone counter tops are created from either 100% post-consumer office paper or 100% post-consumer cardboard fused with a non-petroleum based resin. It comes in a variety of colours & can be used for as kitchen and bathroom counter tops.
6. IceStone - This 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. Similar to stone products, it has to be sealed on a regular basis. It is available in different colours. - 29958
But because of the growing awareness for the environment, there are now materials for counter tops that are not only durable, but also great looking & eco friendly. So if you're looking for a new counter top and are leaning towards items that's a little gentler on the earth than laminate or stone, there are now plenty of alternatives available that are made from recycled products, can be recycled at end-of-life -- or are both recycled & recyclable -- or are made from renewable resources.
Here are a few of the greener counter top options:
1. Stainless steel - Stainless steel counter tops consist of, on average, 75% recycled steel and can contain up to 100% recycled content. They are non-porous and antibacterial, and give off no VOCs. The only downside is they scratch & show fingerprints easily.
2. Recycled glass - These days, there are many recycled glass counter tops on the market. Each kind has their own special charm.
3. BioGlass - This item is of 100% recyclable & recycled glass. It can be used for backsplashes or counter tops and is available in 6 natural colours.
4. Alkemi - Alkemi counter tops are made from 35% "fine flake aluminum milling scrap" a post-industrial waste products. It is available in three different surface treatments (textured, classic and honed) and 12 colors to choose from.
5. Paperstone - Paperstone counter tops are created from either 100% post-consumer office paper or 100% post-consumer cardboard fused with a non-petroleum based resin. It comes in a variety of colours & can be used for as kitchen and bathroom counter tops.
6. IceStone - This 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. Similar to stone products, it has to be sealed on a regular basis. It is available in different colours. - 29958
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