Green Countertops and Millwork

Countertops are one of the easiest and chic ways to be eco-friendly when undertaking green projects. EnviroCitizen.org has found that there are many materials and possibilities that you can use. Countertops and millwork can be made from anything from recycled glass to bamboo to even paper. It simply is a matter of what you like and how you want to use it.
Colorful recycled glass counters are mixed into cement, concrete or resin for a base. The counters can be colored or stained for more variation and color coordination with cabinetry or painted surfaces.  Glass is one of the most sustainable materials to use because it is so veratile. When you buy recycled glass, you take glass away from going to waste. As a bonus, the cement in some counters is mixed with fly ash, a waste product of coal-burning that would otherwise end up in landfills; this also reduces greenhouse gas-producing cement manufacturing.

Bamboo is one of the most flexible materials on Earth. It can be used for anything from cloth to flooring or countertops. It is also a renewable resource. Bamboo is a great substitute for wood because its fast growth makes it more renewable. It can be made with low off-gassing glues that don't affect indoor air quality. It is also great for those who prefer to do their own work because it is widely available and can be cut with standard woodworking tools.

For those who still prefer the look of wood, there are wood counters that can be done with an eco-friendly consciousness. One to try out is the butcher-block counters, some from reclaimed or recycled lumber and others from handsome but lesser-known tree species that have been sustainably harvested. Butcher blocks can be made from slender lengths or end-grain blocks. Using reclaimed wood reduces need for harvesting new trees. Recycled old-growth lumber often has tighter grain and better quality. Less used species expand the range of texture and color choices and offer high-quality lumber from managed forests. If you want to make sure your wood is truly sustainable, check to see if it is FSC or has any other third-party certifications to ensure that the wood was brought to you in best practices.

If you are into the sleek look of modern kitchens, recycled steel and aluminum may be worth a try. Some places can have their product made with 50% to 90% recycled material that is mixed with a resin. Many places are even going as far as to make their finishes non-toxic so the countertop is green and healthy in every way possible.

EnviroCitizen.org has found that contacting your local green building supply store will show you what varieties you can find in millwork and counters. It can be made from anything from sunflower seed hulls to just about anything else. Imaginative concepts and innovation can lead to not only green solutions, but new beauty as well.
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