Bamboo

Bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource that grows faster than almost any other plant, has found its way into many products, most notably, flooring. Dan Smith, president and founder of Smith & Fong Co., makers of Plyboo, remarks that “Bamboo easily passes the envi- ronmental test, but it’s also aestheti- cally and tactilely pleasing as a finish product.” To ensure quality and sustainabil-

ity, select bamboo flooring that carries reputable third-party certifications of compliance with high environmental and indoor air quality standards.

Some reputable sources include Plyboo.com and Teragren.com.

Cork

Cork flooring is made from either the bark of a cork oak tree or recycled natural cork wine stoppers. The former renews every 10 years; the latter, each time we uncork a bottle of wine. As long as cork is harvested correctly, the cork tree is unharmed and regener- ates bark 20 or more times during its lifespan.

Cork is strong, resilient and re- duces noise, making it an ideal choice for many home applications. Look for formaldehyde- and PVC-free products.

Intriguing sources include NaturalCork. com and Jelinek.com.

Natural linoleum

Natural linoleum flooring is made from renewable raw materials such as linseed oil, pine rosin, wood flour and jute. Marmoleum, produced by Forbo, comes in so many different colors that the design possibilities are limitless. But its color palette is just the beginning of the allure: “Marmoleum actually becomes stronger with age, as the linseed oil oxidizes,” explains Melanie Valerian, the company’s product line manager, “and its natural anti-static properties repel dust and dirt, making it easy to clean and maintain.”

Visit TheMarmoleumStore.com.

Make Over Countertops

Got peeling laminate or stained grout? Resist the popular choice, granite,

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which is nonrenewable and requires significant energy to extract and ship. Instead, try a renewable countertop material that rivals or surpasses gran- ite in beauty and performance for the kitchen, bar or bathroom.

Recycled composites

Countertops made from recycled paper or glass are desirable for far more than their renewable status; among their fine qualities are strength, durability and a stone-like appearance. Another advantage is the ease of workmanship involved, making the installed price often lower than that for stone.

Good sources include PaperStoneProd-

ucts.com and IceStone.biz.

Low-impact concrete

This versatile and beautifully distinc- tive material can be poured in place, molded into any shape and comple- mented with decorative accents to cre- ate custom looks.

Mining aggregate is disruptive to

the landscape and producing cement for conventional concrete is energy inten- sive. It’s better to choose a local fabrica- tor that uses recycled, locally sourced aggregate and industrial waste byprod- ucts to replace some of the cement.

More information at ConcreteNetwork. com/Sustainable-Countertops. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40