Recycled Glass Countertops

Granite, Marble, and Recycled Glass

The recycled glass counters perform well when compared to other surfaces. Their durability can be compared to granite or marble.

Granite

A big difference between the recycled glass and granite is that, while both are very durable, the granite is not a sustainable material. If Fair Trade shopping is important to you then you might want to consider how granite arrives at your home.

Granite is quarried from the earth. Once removed it cannot be replaced, and it does not grow back. Most of the granite that is used for countertops in the United States is quarried in Brazil, Turkey, and China. The workers often labor under poor conditions. The pay is extremely low, and often the workers become so indebted to their employers that it creates bonded, or slave, labor. The governments of these countries offer little protection for the workers, who often are subjected to harsh and dangerous conditions with no compensation for injury, accident or death.

Once the granite is removed from the earth it is shipped long distances at great expense both from financial, and environmental aspects. Long distance transportation contributes to greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. On the other hand, the recycled glass uses a post consumer waste product and produces a beautiful surface. By doing so, the glass is not clogging up the landfills, or littering the roadside. It is American made, and the workmen that create these recycled glass countertops are paid a fair wage, as well as being protected by law. Working conditions are much more ethical.

Marble

The recycled countertops are also comparable to marble in look and feel. They are more durable because of the less porous surface, and less prone to scratching or cracking. Marble, like granite, is not a sustainable material. Most marble is quarried outside the United States, and so the environmental factors that were true about granite tend to be true about marble.

Colors and patterns in marble can vary quite a bit, even in the same piece. Marble is easily stained because of the porousness of it, and can be etched and ruined by citrus juice, rhubarb, vinegar, or other acids. Marble can chip, and some types chip more easily than others.

The Benefits of Recycled Glass Countertops

There are many benefits to the recycled countertops. The countertops compare in cost to granite, marble, and Corian, but it is the features of these materials are making them increasingly popular. They have some of the same color characteristics of recycled glass tile, but are formed in a single slab.

They are made with 80-95 % post consumer recycled materials. In the case of some manufacturers this figure can be closer to 100%. The counters are a zero VOC material that is sustainable, durable and beautiful. Verazzo, for example, reports that each countertop panel created in their manufacturing plants, uses more than 550 pounds of crushed recycled glass. That glass comes from several sources, including traffic lights, windshields, and beverage bottles. Some of the glass is difficult to recycle and would normally end up in the landfill.

Caring for the surface is simple as well. It is easily cleaned with any earth friendly cleaners. Like any surface, it is best to use a cutting board when preparing foods that need to be cut or chopped. Since they are heat resistant, scorching is not a concern and the countertops perform very well near stoves and ovens.

By using the recycled glass countertops it is possible to avoid the toxic laminating glues used when adhering materials, as with plastic laminates. There are no impacts on the air quality of your home when using these products. When the long life cycle of your countertop is over the material, can be recycled again into another countertop or other product because it is 100% recyclable. This material passes the standards for materials for the American Disabilities Act, as well as helping homeowners to acquire the Leeds Qualification.

Where to Find More Information

• Enviroglas
• IceStone
• Vetrazzo
• IceStone Countertops: A Green Alternative
• Healthy Home Plans
• Bio-Glass
• Trinity Glass

Studies show that kitchen renovation is one of the best home improvement investments that a homeowner can make. Using beautiful, recycled glass products in your countertops makes a statement to everyone that enters your home. It says that you care about beauty and quality, as well as the environment. With such a vast selection of colors and styles you can create the kitchen that your dreams are made of.