– written by Sara Ray

Countertops can transform a space instantly! What is the best way to evaluate your options? As with any green material selection it is important to remember: life cycle, durability, indoor air quality, maintenance, travel distance and embodied energy.

Typically the best green option is a recycled one. Great options are discarded countertops from a remodel project, scrapes from a slab yard, glass made from recycled content or a reused slab of wood (of course sealed with a no or low Volatile Organic Compounds, VOC, sealer). Of course there are numerous other options.

Concrete is a highly durable and easy to clean material; it does not off gas (the release of toxic fumes) and is recyclable.   If it’s fabricated on site there is little waste.  It is very versatile in that it can be used in traditional or contemporary settings.  Concrete countertops must be sealed to avoid staining.  Using local manufacturers for concrete countertops is preferred due to the amount of energy it takes to transport the material.   The actual process of manufacturing cement expels a large amount of embodied energy.  Concrete can cause dust during installation, therefore, proper care should be taken during and after installation to remove the dust particles from your home.

Natural stone countertops are very popular because of their long life cycle and durability.  When selecting a stone look for one that is locally mined and fabricated--within 500 miles.  Stone is easy to maintain and can be very durable.  Most stones do need to be sealed per the fabricators recommendation.  Stone is a natural resource, however, it is not a renewable one and stone mining does impact land and water quality.  Stone does not off gas and slabs can be recycled for re-use.

Quartz solid surface countertops or “engineered stone countertops” are made with quartz and resin making the tops dense and hard and stain resistant. Cut, quartz countertops offer unlimited possibilities in terms of applications. They are also resistant to scratching; however trivets should be used to deter thermal shock from change in temperature which could cause cracking.  Quartz is not renewable, yet, it is one of the most lavish minerals found in nature.  While many fabricators of quartz tops are local the actual goods come from Europe.

Paper Composite or solid surfacing countertops are made from paper and a resin binder.  These products are easy to clean and fairly durable --especially to impact and heat resistance-- however, they can be scratched.  Lighter colors may show stains and some colors may not be UV stable.  The contents of paper composite countertops are recycled and in the raw are renewable.

“Green” laminates are made from recycled plastics, nontoxic glues, and formaldehyde-free substrate.  Laminate is easy to clean, affordable, and it is fairly stain resistant.  Laminate is not as durable as other countertop options making it have a shorter life cycle.  It is not considered a recyclable product.  If you use laminate request that the substrate be formaldehyde free.

Stainless steel is also a green option.  Stainless steel is very durable.  It does scratch which is a characteristic of the product. When using this material in a countertop application scratching is not necessarily something to be looked down upon.  Stainless steel can be recycled 100%. On average new stainless steel is made up of 65% - 85% recycled material.  Make sure the substrate is made of recycled material and that low or no VOC adhesives are used.

To ensure you are getting a product that is eco-friendly, it can be helpful to search for the GREENGUARD seal. The GREENGUARD Certification Program is industry independent, using third-party testing to designate low-emitting products and materials. GREENGUARD Certification is a great tool to find low-emitting products for indoor environments. It is a voluntary program available to all manufacturers and their suppliers. A few great countertop options to look for with the GREENGUARD certificate are Cambria, Silestone, Corain, Zodiaq, and Caesarstone.

With so many options it’s easy to go green when updating or creating a new kitchen.  Knowing what questions to ask and what items to consider makes selecting green countertops easier.  A green kitchen is not only good for the environment, it’s a healthier choice for you and your family!