Countertops (cont'd)

Recycled glass countertops are also gaining popularity as a green alternative to natural stone, althought they are among the most expensive on the market. About 50%-85% of the content is recycled glass and the fillers are either resin or concrete. You best bet currently is to go with the products with the resin filler like Zodiac's Terra Collection or Alkemi which contains curled shavings of scrap aluminum. The countertops that contain concrete fillers (e.g. Vetrazzo and Icestone) can etch when spilled with acids like red wine, lemon juice, and vinegar. Although these two companie produce a sustainable product and are environmentally responsible through their manufacturing processes, the warranties and longevity of the product are not quite perfected as of yet.

Several solid surfaces and quartz surfaces are considered to be GreenGuard Certified (indoor air quality), but not sustainable as far as their content or recyclability. The upside is that they are quite a bit lower in cost. Some of these products are" Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone, Zodiac, Corian, and Hi-MACS. There are serveral other ways to "go green" when remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, including energy efficient appliances, low flow plumbing fixtures, and choosing other environmentally friendly materials for your backsplash, walls, and floor. Jan Merrell Kitches is located in the Old Davis Building at 901 Jefferson Ave. in downtown Toledo, OH. Please visit janmerrellkitchens.com to see a photo gallery of past projects, and don't forget to contact one of our designers for your next kitchen or bath project.