With environmental awareness on the rise, more and more homeowners are looking for green and eco-friendly options when remodeling their bathrooms. An easy way to make your bathroom more sustainable is to choose a countertop material that is natural, renewable, or recycled. Here are some of the top eco-friendly countertop options for bathrooms.
Natural Stone
Natural stone like granite, marble, limestone, and soapstone make excellent green countertop materials. Stone is inert, long-lasting, and can be locally sourced. Look for granite and marble reclaimed from old buildings or soapstone quarried within 500 miles of your home. When possible, choose lighter colored stones that don’t need toxic dyes or sealers. Have your stone fabricator use water-based finishes.
Pros:
- Completely natural and inert
- Can last a lifetime with proper care
- Timeless, classic look
- Locally sourced stones have low carbon footprint
- Can be reclaimed or recycled
Cons:
- Quarrying stone can damage habitat
- Sealing required to prevent stains
- Can be porous unless properly sealed
Recycled Glass Countertops
Turning recycled glass into an eco-friendly countertop gives old bottles and windshields new life. The glass is combined with concrete or resin to create a countertop that has a sparkly, jewel-like appearance. Glass countertops are custom made for each home and come in endless color combinations.
Pros:
- Made from 100% recycled glass
- Durable and stain-resistant
- Endless custom color options
- Doesn’t require sealing
Cons:
- Higher cost than some materials
- Can scratch or dull over time
- Limited number of fabricators
Recycled Paper Composite
For a countertop with an earthy, natural look, recycled paper composite is a great choice. Paper composite contains wood pulp, recycled paper, and natural resins formed into sheets. The sheets can be made with up to 100% recycled content and are bonded together to create a durable countertop.
Pros:
- Made from recycled paper/wood pulp
- Warm, organic appearance
- Resistant to stains, scratches, and heat
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Limited colors and styles
- Prone to moisture damage if improperly sealed
- Not as durable as stone
Concrete
Pouring and molding concrete into counters gives bathrooms an edgy, industrial look. Seeded with recycled glass or seashells, concrete counters can have lower carbon emissions than natural stone. Be sure to use concrete mixes low in Portland cement. Consider concrete containing fly ash, a byproduct from coal plants.
Pros:
- High recycled content available
- Can be customized with organic materials
- Durable and heat resistant
- Lower cost than natural stone
Cons:
- Surfaces prone to staining
- Can be porous unless properly sealed
- Needs resealing every 1-2 years
Green and Clean: Ecofriendly Countertop Maintenance
Once you’ve chosen an eco-friendly countertop, be sure to care for it properly using green maintenance methods. Here are some tips:
- Use mild, non-toxic soap and water for routine cleaning
- Disinfect surfaces with diluted hydrogen peroxide or vinegar
- Reseal natural stone and concrete annually with water-based sealers
- Avoid harmful chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and acidic cleaners
- Prevent stains by using coasters and trivets under hot items
- For scratches, try a baking soda/water paste before abrasive polishers
Green and Clean: Countertop Selection FAQs
Q: Which eco-friendly countertop is the most durable?
A: Of the green options, natural stone like granite and quartzite tend to be the most durable and scratch-resistant. Recycled glass also rates very high on durability.
Q: Are there eco-friendly options besides the ones listed here?
A: Yes, bamboo, recycled copper, and recycled aluminum can also be used to create sustainable countertops. However, these tend to be less common and more expensive.
Q: What’s the greenest sink option?
A: Recycled copper sinks and low-flow ceramic sinks are two eco-friendly options. Avoid sinks with chemical coatings.
Q: Can you recommend any specific brands?
A: IceStone, PaperStone, EnviroGLAS, and EcoTop are all reputable brands using recycled materials. Also look for Caesarstone’s Eco line.
Q: How can I find a green countertop fabricator?
A: Online resources like GreenHomeGuide.com can help you find local fabricators knowledgeable about sustainable options.
Conclusion
Creating an eco-friendly bathroom starts with choosing countertop materials made from natural, recycled, or renewable resources. The greenest options include natural stone, recycled glass, paper composite, and concrete containing fly ash or recycled aggregate. Be sure to maintain your green counters with non-toxic cleaners and sealers. An eco-friendly countertop is a simple way to reduce your home’s carbon footprint one bathroom at a time.
