Countertops

Traditional - Granite countertops are the rage these days and frequently found on homeowners' wish lists.   Mining granite destroys natural habitats and many quarries are in remote locations, such as Brazil, India, and China.  Shipping the heavy slabs requires the use of fossil fuels.
Traditional - Laminate (plastic) counters are typically bound on particleboard bound with formaldehyde.  The product is generally not made using recycled plastic and is not recyclable.

Green – Paperstone counter tops are made from recycled paper.  The paper is bound using a non-toxic resin and produced in a socially responsible manner.  It has stone-like beauty and it can be worked like fine hardwoods and is hard and resistant to staining.  PaperStone is innovative and cost competitive and one of the “greenest” architectural products in the industry.
Green - IceStone surfaces use glass from bottles and jars from neighborhood recycling programs across the northeast U.S.. The glass is then embedded in a non-toxic concrete base. The surface is strong like granite, not as porous as marble, and heat-resistant like stone, and available in 25 patterns. IceStone has a “Cradle to Cradle” certification based on its attributes for human health, environmental health, energy and materials use, and social responsibility.

Ceramic Tiles

Traditional - Ceramic tiles are made from mixtures of clays, sands and other natural substances. While it is a traditional art form the materials are mined from natural resources. Tile glue and sealers are usually made from toxic chemicals.

Green - Terra Green Ceramics manufactures with over 55% recycled glass. Each product line has its own unique appearance, characteristics, and color choices.