If you’re thinking of changing your kitchen countertops and want something that’s eco-friendly, consider these green ideas. Made from sustainable materials, they can make any kitchen look great, while being kind to the environment.
Recycled paper
Forget paper plates, why not serve food on a paper countertop? It may sound like a bad idea, but in fact paper-based countertops are tough as nails. Made of recycled paper in a resin base, they are heat, stain and scratch-resistant and easy to install. Most are made of pulp from trees that are harvested in sustainable forests with a focus on habitat conservation. They’re available in different thicknesses and can be cut and shaped with standard woodworking tools. No need to compromise on style either, because they come in a variety of colours.
Reclaimed wood
Reduce, reuse, recycle. The same holds true for countertops. These butcher block countertops are made from reclaimed or recycled lumber, or lesser-known tree species that have been sustainably harvested. Using salvaged and sustainable wood is a great way to conserve resources because it keeps products from entering the waste stream and also reduces the need for harvesting new trees. In this case, going green may cost you more, since reclaimed wood countertops tend to be more expensive than regular butcher block.
Recycled glass
Made from recycled glass that is mixed into a cement, concrete or resin base, these countertops are gorgeous and tough – you can actually set hot pots directly on them. Reusing glass keeps it out of the waste stream, and the cement used in some of these countertops is often mixed with fly ash, a coal-burning waste product that would otherwise end up in landfills. They can be made to look like stone countertops using a mix of colored glass pieces, and can also be stained for more colour options.
End-grain bamboo
Bamboo is a great substitute for wood because it is fast growing and more renewable. End-grain bamboo countertops are made of slender rectangles of end-grain bamboo glued into panels. These countertops come in natural or brown and can be cut with standard wood-working tools.
