The document discusses four types of green countertop materials: recycled glass, concrete, recycled metal, and recycled paper.
Recycled glass countertops are made from 85-100% recycled glass mixed with cement or resin. Concrete countertops are made from sand, rock, and cement allowing for customization. Recycled metal countertops are made from 60-70% post-consumer aluminum scrap. Recycled paper countertops are made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard or paper mixed with a phenolic resin.
Each section provides details on cost, performance, manufacturing processes, maintenance requirements, and examples of companies that produce counters using these sustainable materials. A variety of other green count
2. RECYCLED GLASS COUNTERTOPS RECYCLED GLASS COUNTERTOPS ARE MADE BY USING 85%-100% RECYCLED GLASS MIXED WITH A HARD COMPOUND LIKE CEMENT OR RESIN. RECYCLED GLASS IS A ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE TO MARBLE, GRANITE, AND OTHER STONE. http://greenbydesign.com/2008/09/10/recycled-glass-countertops/
3. RECYCLED GLASS COUNTERTOPS Cost: $70 per square foot performance: very durable, less porous than marble, capable of dealing with heatuse: residential and commercial COUNTERTOPSmanufacturing: doesn’t use energy to melt and shape old glass into new forms but rather uses the discarded glass as is. the manufacturing of recycled glass countertops admits no voc’s.maintenance: minimal regular cleaning with non-toxic cleanerslifespan: 40+ yearsdisposal: recycled glass countertops can be recycled after use.
5. CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS: CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS ARE MADE WITH SAND, ROCK, AND CEMENT. CONCRETE IS THE ONLY MATERIAL THAT ALLOWS YOU TO CUSTOMIZE JUST ABOUT EVERY ASPECT OF IT, INCLUDING COLOR, SHAPE, THICKNESS, AND TEXTURE. http://www.mojoconcrete.com/Images/contertops%20-%20kitchens/high_res/2226.html
6. CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS Cost: $65-$135 per square foot Performance: VERY DURABLE, long lasting, and heat resistanceuse: residential and commercialmanufacturing: OVERALL, THE PRODCUTION OF CONCRETE HAS A HIGH EMBODIED BILL, WHICH MAKES IT IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT COMPANIES WHO USE LESS ENERGY, AND WHO USE WATER BASED SEALERS, AND OR FINISHES WITH LOW OR NO voc’S.maintenance: CLEAN WITH NON-ABRASIVE, NON-AMMONIA SOAP FOR DAILY CLEANING. CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS SHOULD ALSO BE RE-SEALED AS OFTEN AS NEEDED. Concrete countertops should not be cut on to prevent cracking in the sealer. lifespan: ONCE ISTALLED AND CARED FOR WELL, YOU MAY NEVER NEED TO INSTALL ANOTHER COUNTERTOP AGAIN.disposal: INVOLVES BREAKING, REMOVING, AND CRUSHING CONCRETE, WHICH THEN MAY BE REUSED AS AN AGGREGATE IN NEW PORTLAND CEMENT.
8. RECYCLED METAL COUNTERTOPS Recycled metal countertops are made from 60%-70% post consumer products, including recycled aluminum or recycled soft alloy aluminum scrap flake fillers with a honed or classic finish. http://www.renewedmaterials.com/products/colors_specs.html#
9. RECYCLED METAL COUNTERTOPS COST:$100-$175 a square footPERFORMANCE:very durable, stainproof, heat resistantUSE: residential and commercial, indoor use onlyMANUFACTURING: They finish the manufacturing process with reusable abrasives and recirculated water, some are even factory finished requiring no sealing or coating. MAINTENANCE: require low mainteneceDISPOSAL: They can be recycled again, and even get matching sinks, light fixtures, and hardware.
11. RECYCLED PAPER COUNTERTOPS recycled paper countertops are made from either 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard or 100% post-consumer recycled paper content and a non-petroleum phenolic resin derived in part from a natural phenolic oil in the shells of cashews. http://www.paperstoneproducts.com/ps_warranty.php
12. RECYLED PAPER COUNTERTOPS COST: $35 to $90 a square foot (depends on company)PERFORMANCE: very durable, stain resistant, and heat resistant USE: residential and commercialMANUFACTURING: finished with a natural waxes (bee and carnauba) and food grade mineral.MAINTENANCE: clean with a non-abrasive cleaner, if scratches occur, the surface can be sanded down and re-stainedLIFESPAN: long lifespan, due to the touch fibers, that will not cause the material to break or bend.