Some countertops can be very eco friendly; you simply just need to know where to look. Many countertops are not eco friendly and it can be difficult to install them in your home when you know there are other green options. There are five types of eco friendly countertops that really stand out on the marketplace not only because they are green, but because they are generally affordable and additionally durable. In addition to countertops, there are a wide variety of furnishings and accessories that can be eco friendly as well. The first type of eco friendly countertops recommended are those made of recycled glass. To make these countertops, recycled glass is mixed in with cement, concrete or resin. The color of the glass can be customized and all of it is recycled. Even the concrete or cement can be green as it is usually mixed with fly ash. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal burning that is usually thrown away and ends up in landfills. Using it in this method also allows for reduced greenhouse gases emitted during cement production. This is one of the most beautiful eco friendly countertops, but can also be on the pricey side.

The second type of eco friendly countertops is made of bamboo. Bamboo acts very similarly to wood and shares many of the same properties, so it is a great replacement for wood. Usually bamboo block are made in squares and the squares are glued together with low gas glue. Not only are bamboo countertops eco friendly to install and use, they are also renewable. Bamboo countertops are cheaper than recycled glass, but at this time only come in brown and green, so if you are looking for bright colors, this probably isn't for you.

The third eco friendly countertops available are made of recycled paper. It is actually recycled paper that is in a resin base, which makes it quite strong and durable. Recycled paper countertops are made from postconsumer recycled paper and are durable and heat resistant. The resin it is mixed with is nonpetroleum and is available made with cashew nut oil, making it strong and very green. This is the cheapest countertops in the eco friendly arena in most cases and is available in a very wide variety of colors.

The fourth offering is sustainable wood. These are basic butcher block countertops that have been reused and recycled from other lumber sources. Since you are reusing wood, less wood needs to be harvested from standing trees. This option can be a bit expensive, but maintenance is usually very minimal and they can look brand new for years.

Recycled aluminum counters are the fifth type of eco friendly countertops. These are great for those who like a sleek and modern look in their kitchen, but still want to stay as green as possible. Depending on the countertop you choose, they are made from 50 to 90% recycled metal. If you really want to make your kitchen eco friendly, you can also purchase cabinets, sinks and many accessories made from recycled aluminum in addition to your counters.

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