Today, Eco-friendly products are the latest buzz. Considering the environmental impact cause due to synthetic products, many home owners are choosing products based on positive environmental considerations. Research has proven that a green home uses less energy, less water and helps in preserving nature by reducing the carbon footprint. Today, people are taking appropriate measures to replace old toxic and non-Eco-friendly products with more energy efficient Eco-friendly options. Green options are available for anything under the sun. And it is not only about using natural products but materials which are non-hazardous to nature like non-toxic paints or reclaimed wood or refurbished products. And a great place to start making this change could be your kitchen. Kitchen is a place where a lot of appliances and building material are used to create an appropriate working atmosphere. And one aspect of green kitchen is all about Eco-friendly counter-tops. Remember conventional versions of counter-tops were anything but green. There are a number of options available for environmentally conscious consumers who planning to install green counter-tops in their kitchen area. Here we bring to you some Eco-friendly counter-top options for your Eco-home.
1. Bamboo counter-tops
One of the greenest options, bamboo counter-tops can be an ideal Eco-friendly option for your kitchen. These counter-tops are a great choice amongst the wood lovers as bamboo looks like wood. Bamboo is a grass which grows back rapidly, once harvested. It is a renewable material available in abundance providing a long lasting finish to your kitchen counter-tops. Bamboo counter-tops are durable making them a perfect work surface to prepare those delicious recipes. they are even harder than some hardwood forms. These bamboo counter-tops are easy to clean and are very cost-effective.
2. Plastic laminate counter-tops
Plastic laminate counter-tops are another green option for your Eco-friendly kitchen. These counter-tops are processed from recycled plastic and are formaldehyde free. They are being offered in many colors and varieties by many modern day brands. They can give your kitchen a stylish and trendy look. By opting for plastic laminate counter-tops, you not only contribute towards a clean and green environment but also help in reduction of landfills.
3. Recycled paper counter-tops
Recycled paper counter-tops are processed from paper fibers. These fibers are glued with resin to create a stone-like surface. Costing at approximately $30 per square feet, they are easy to install and thereby help in reducing labor cost also. Paper counter-tops also help in saving energy because during the manufacturing process, they consume less energy compared to their traditional counter-tops. they make for an ideal green solution. Always choose a low VOC or no VOC adhesives for your counter-tops.
4. Recycled glass Counter-tops
Recycled glass counter-tops are environment friendly and help you save cost as compared to traditional counter-tops. They are known for their toughness and durability. They cost around $50 per square feet and are generated from reprocessed version of glass. This form of counter-top is less porous and is heat and scratch resistant. They are also good for health as they do not emit any toxin. They are made from recycled materials or glass which is recycled with concrete/cement pigments to create these environment friendly counter-tops. They also help you in creating a great color combination in your kitchen, adding to your Eco-décor.
5. Cork counter-tops
Cork counter-tops are durable and possess anti-bacterial properties. They are made from 100 percent post-industrial recycled cork grain or bark of the oak tree. They are sound resistant and light weight, which making them an ideal option for kitchen counter-tops. These cost-effective counter-tops are made from a rapidly renewable material, which is an addition to their Eco-friendly properties. These are water and heat resistant and emit no toxic substances. They do not contain added formaldehyde and are completely recyclable and renewable. Their easy to clean features and moisture proof properties add to their green attribute.
6. Eco-friendly tile counter-tops
Recycled tiles are a great Eco-friendly option to add that zing to your Eco-friendly kitchen. They give your kitchen that trendy yet sophisticated appeal and suit any taste and style. By using Eco-friendly, tiles you can contribute in saving your environment by helping in reduction of landfills. You can salvage your old tiles to create an Eco-friendly material for your kitchen counter-tops. They are beautiful and elegant and also possess water resistant properties. This is a low maintenance and fire resistant option for the Eco-conscious people. Eco-friendly tiles like clay tiles or glass tiles or porcelain tiles help in creation of these tile counter-tops.
