Butcher block and wood countertops have evolved to include a variety of looks and materials, yet still offer a timeless look in either traditional or contemporary styled kitchens, as well as in bathrooms.  To keep it eco-friendly, choose from reclaimed woods, FSC-certified woods, Kirei board (made from sorghum straw waste) or bamboo.

Benefits of wood surfaces include:  easy cleaning (with non-toxic products, vinegar solutions or soapy water) and scratches can be sanded out.  Periodic re-application of finishes is typically recommended.  To maintain good indoor air quality, be sure to have your new countertop, kitchen island or tabletop sealed with low VOC finishes.

Here’s where you can find these amazing works of art:

• Endurawood (based in Portland, OR) creates countertops utilizing several species of FSC-certified wood, reclaimed wood, Kirei board, bamboo and Richlite (a paper composite material).  They’re available in edge grain (classic butcher block appearance), end grain (parquet style) and face grain (plank style), all with low-VOC finishes.

• Proteak‘s plantations are FSC-certified and on reclaimed ranch land along Mexico’s Pacific coast (the closest quality teak source to the US).  Their “slow growth teak” are grown without the use of fertilizers or irrigation.  “A naturally high oil content gives teak its famous ability to resist moisture and maintain its appearance.  Countertops and islands are available in face grain, edge grain, or end grain styles (finished or unfinished).”

• Teragren‘s furniture-grade products are made with Optimum 5.5® Moso bamboo (allowed to mature to 5.5 or 6 years resulting in one of the hardest of bamboo) in several styles.  They offer food-grade mineral oil and beeswax finishes or you may opt for unfinished countertops.

• Windfall Lumber (based in Tumwater, WA) offers their creations made from new and reclaimed FSC-certified woods in two styles:  side grain (classic butcher block) or end grain for a hard work surface.  (pictured above)

• Raging River Counterworks (based in Norwich, CT) offers some FSC-certified wood countertops in Cherry, Quartersawn White Oak and Quartersawn Maple.  They also use salvaged butternut trees sourced from a grass-roots organization called Vermont Wildwoods.

Looking for low-flow, but high performance from your toilet?  The stylish high-efficiency toilets on the market now are sure to make your bathroom remodel, or selection of fixtures for a new home, more sustainable.

It’s important to conserve water considering we flush about 30% of a household’s potable water down the toilet!  Replacing an old toilet with a new efficient model is definitely a green stride!  You can actually save thousands of gallons of water, and lower your water bills or impact on your septic system, by making the switch!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) makes selecting a new water-efficient toilet easy by labeling such models with the WaterSense logo.  “Products are independently certified by a third party to confirm that they meet EPA’s criteria for efficiency and performance.”

You’ll find dual-flush toilets which use as little as .9 gallons per flush for “#1″ and 1.6 gpf for “#2″, as well as single flush models which use as little as 1.28 gpf!  Older toilets use between 3.5 – 5 gallons per flush!  The new high efficiency toilets are available in a variety of styles and price points by countless manufacturers, such as TOTO, American Standard (pictured above–Cadet 3 model), Glacier Bay, Kohler, Pfister, Sterling, Villeroy & Boch, and Zurn, just to name a few.

Quick tip:  Some local water utility companies even offer rebates for replacing old toilets!

Source:  EPA WaterSense

Whether you’re renovating an old house or upgrading in new construction, there are many options for new green flooring and wall tile.  A wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles, from traditional to contemporary, are available.

Tile not only adds value to your home, but it is long-lasting, easy-to-clean and attractive.  Plus, tile can be used in high traffic areas, many times outdoors, and of course in interior rooms.   It looks great in any room of the house, including kitchens (backsplashes, countertops, flooring), living rooms (fireplace surrounds, stair risers), baths and laundry rooms (wall surrounds, flooring) and foyers (flooring).

Many of the following tiles are made in the U.S.A and even qualify for LEED points if your project is adhering to the U.S. Green Building Council’s guidelines.

• American Olean’s Greenworks line offers tiles composed of varying amounts of pre- and post-consumer recycled materials.
• The color range of Aurora Glass recycled glass tiles varies from amethyst, apricot, colbalt, emerald, aqua blue and clear.  Square field tiles and rosette tiles are offered by this non-profit company.
• Bedrock Industries‘ handcrafted glass tiles (pictured above) are made with only post-consumer and post-industrial recycled glass.  The company’s BlazeStone Tile is available in decorative and field tiles in a myriad of shapes and sizes.
• Coverings, Etc. manufactures Eco-Terr tiles made from natural re-cycled stone components.
• Crossville, Inc. offers many choices for tiles containing recycled content.  It’s Mixology and Urban Renewal lines have a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled content.  The company has implemented a Tile Take-Back program where consumers, designers, anyone, can give Crossville sample tiles, as well as previously installed ceramic and porcelain tiles!  They take back tiles for free, but you’ll need to pay for shipping.
• Eleek Inc. offers cool metal tiles made from “recycled aluminum (100% recycled, with 70—100% post-consumer content) or bronze (at least 90% recycled and at least half of that post-consumer material)”.
• All EnviroGLAS products contain post-consumer recycled glass and/or post-industrial porcelain.  The company’s unique EnviroPLANK line comes in 6″ x 36″ x 1/2″, 12″ x 36″ x 1/2″ and 24″ x 36″ x 1/2″ sizes.  They also offer shower walls measuring 60″ x 72″ x 1/2″.
• FireClay Tile‘s Crush 100% Recycled Glass Tile is a handcrafted glass tile created from 100% pre-consumer (with a goal to convert to 100% post-consumer) recycled glass.  Its Debris Series comes in 112 glazed colors containing over 60% recycled content (pre- and post-consumer).
• Innovative Ceramics uses 55% or more recycled glass from post-consumer (bottles) and post industrial (car windshields) in their wide array of beautiful, durable Vision Recycled Tiles.
• Oceanside Glasstile creates iridescent and translucent decorative, field and mosaic glass tiles.
• TerraGreen Ceramics has been making recycled content tile since the 1970′s!  Today’s tile has over 55% recycled content.

Natural stone countertops certainly add a luxurious feel to any kitchen or bathroom.  In addition to their beauty, they are also very durable and long-lasting.  Natural stone, when sealed with low VOC finishes, add to good indoor air quality and low maintenance needs.

Most stone is imported, adding to the environmental impact, but I’ve found a few good resources here in the U.S. for locally quarried slate, soapstone and marble countertops. 

SLATE is a beautiful, dense, heat & stain-resistant stone and is recognized as the leading chemistry lab countertop material (along with soapstone).  It is typically found in blue-black colors, but other colors are available.  Honed, sand-rubbed, machine-gauged or natural cleft finishes are available, as well as a variety of edge profiles.

• Penn Big Bed Slate Company, PA.  The slate from this company comes in slabs or tiles in two forms:  clear grade and ribbon grade.  Clear slate is blue-gray to blue-black in color, but when sealed or oiled, it is jet black in appearance.  Ribbon slate has bands of varying widths of darker shades streaming through it.
• Sheldon Slate Products, NY & ME.  This company quarries green, purple and red slate.
• Vermont Structural Slate Company, VT.  Countertop colors are available in green, mottled green & purple, red, purple, gray and black.

SOAPSTONE makes stunning countertops and sinks in dark greens and blues, which are denser than the lighter colors typically used for sculptures.  Soapstone slabs may contain stunning variations of colors with mottling or veining.  It is heat-resistant and doesn’t even need sealing, yet it’s natural state is impervious to liquids/stains.

• Sierra Hills Stone, CA
• Alberene Soapstone Company, VA
• VA Soapstone, VA
• Woodstock Soapstone Company, NH (soapstone quarried in Quebec, Canada)

MARBLE is gaining in popularity in the U.S. for the timeless elegance it offers.  It comes in polished or honed finishes which offer easy cleaning with a mild soap.

• Tennessee Marble Company, TN.  Earth tones of pink, brown, gray and beige marble countertops are offered by this company.
• Vermont Quarries Corp, VT.  This company quarries Vermont Danby Marble®, a white marble with gray, green and gold veining, which has a low absorption rate of .07% (lower than many granites).
• Vermont Verde Antique LLC, VT (pictured above).  The marble by the same name Vermont Verde Antique® is a rich, dark green marble that is harder and less porous than many types of granite.  It is available in both slab and tiles.
• Other options include Vermont Champlain Black Marble, which is actually a limestone, and a variety of Vermont red marbles.

If you have an outdated or water-wasting bathroom, this series of posts is for you.  In Part One, I focused on the bigger ticket items, such as cabinetry and flooring.  In this post, I’ll talk about the finishing touches and some must-haves for any eco-friendly renovation.  The following suggestions work well whether you’re creating a high-end spa-like retreat or just a beautiful bath.

• FIXTURES:  Highly-efficient WaterSense labeled sink faucets, showerheads and toilets conserve water yet provide excellent performance.  You may even find a rebate to help offset the cost of your new stylish fixtures.  Read my previous post about the many reasons why it’s important to save water.
• SINKS and FAUCETS:  Recycled metal makes amazing sinks and faucets.  Take a look at those from Enviro Bath, Eleek, and Rocky Mountain Hardware.  Or, how about a recycled glass vessel sink like those from GleenGlass?
• LIGHTING:  Look for the Energy Star label for bathroom sconces, vanity lighting and ceiling fixtures.  These products will save energy and save you money on electricity bills.  Here’s my post about the top 5 reasons to conserve energy.
• PAINT:  Your favorite manufacturer of paint likely makes a low-VOC version to help maintain indoor air quality in your home.  If you want to go a green stride further, check out these amazing non-toxic paints.
• HARDWARE:  From cabinet door knobs and pulls to towel bars and accessories, there are tons of chic styles to choose from that are made from recycled metal (aluminum or bronze), or recycled glass.
• SHOWER DOORS AND CURTAINS/LINERS:  How about a recycled glass shower enclosure?  If shower curtains are more your style, choose options such as machine-washable organic cotton, hemp or bamboo, which don’t off-gas harmful chemicals into your home, like vinyl.  If you can’t break that vinyl habit, choose products made from chlorine-free PEVA vinyl which is slightly more environmentally-friendly than vinyl (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC).
• TOWELS AND BATHROBES:  Soft & cozy options include organic cotton, linen, hemp or bamboo.
• SOAPS:  Natural soaps are healthier for you and the environment.
• CANDLES:  Soy-based candles scented with natural essential oils can create a serene scene.
• TOILET SEATS:  Can you believe it?  Even toilet seats can be eco-friendly!  Those made by Bemis are made with recycled wood and plastic.

photo of a bathroom by Living Emotions Designs

Planning a bathroom remodel to transform your tired, old space into a sustainable serene spa?  Today’s marketplace has just about everything you need to create an eco-friendly, luxurious lavatory, from design details to construction components.  In this post, I’ll concentrate on the latter, with a future post focusing on the finishing touches.

Please donate usable items from your bath to a place like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore or an architectural salvage yard.  Animal shelters are always in need of old towels, if those need replacing too.

• CABINETRY:  To maintain healthy indoor air, look for cabinets made with adhesives, binders and finishes that are free of urea formaldehyde and VOCs.  For the most environmentally-friendly options, choose companies that source wood locally and responsibly.  Constructing your cabinetry from reclaimed wood, FSC-certified/responsibly harvested wood, cool bio-composites or recycled metal are also great options.  See my earlier post here about green cabinet makers.

• FLOORING AND TILE:  Eco-conscious companies use recycled materials to create endless options for durable flooring and tile.  Great sources include TerraGreen Ceramics,  FireClay Tile (pictured here), CoveringsEtc, EnviroGlas, Innovative Ceramics, Crossville, and American Olean.

• INSTANT HOT WATER SYSTEMS:  Tired of wasting water while waiting for it to heat up?  These gadgets are the answer!

• VENTILATION FANS:  Steamy showers?  Be sure to install an Energy Star-rated ventilation fan that vents to the outdoors to help prevent mold and mildew.

• DRYWALL:  Mold-resistant EcoRock by Serious Materials is 5 times more environmentally friendly than conventional gypsum.

• INSULATION:  In case of a gut remodel, stay cozy with green insulation behind your walls with soy-based foam; recycled denim, cellulose or fiberglass insulation.

• TRIM AND MOULDINGS:  Opt for those made with recycled materials, such as those from Timbron and Spero.

• SKYLIGHTS AND SOLAR TUBES:  Brighten your bath with Energy Star-rated skylights, windows and solar tubes.

• COUNTERTOPS / SHOWER SURROUNDS:   Find sleek, solid surfaces in a wide variety of natural and recycled materials.  Again, look for products that use VOC-free sealants and binders.

Recycled Glass Countertops (some also contain cement or concrete):  IceStone (New York-based), Vetrazzo (Georgia), Green Field Stone (Iowa), Gilasi (Illinois), EnviroGLAS (TX), Trinity Glass Products (WA), UltraGlas (CA), Fuez (OR) and meldUSA (NC).

Recycled Paper Composites:  ShetkaStone (WA), RecycleTop by KlipTech (WA & WI), PaperStone (WA), and Richlite (WA).

Recycled Plastic Countertops (high density polyethylene from post-consumer milk and detergent bottles):  Origins by Yemm & Hart (MO) and 100 Percent by 3form.

Natural Stone:  You may find remnant slabs of soapstone, slate or marble at your local supplier.  Be sure to purchase ones that have been quarried locally and responsibly.

This part of my series on eco-friendly makeovers, I’ll focus on another substantial element in any kitchen or bathroom:  cabinetry.  Whether you’re looking for something sleek and streamlined, or cabinets with a traditional flair, the green options available today will modernize and beautify these much-used rooms.

• Alter Eco’s featured material is bamboo due to its ‘aesthetic appeal, its structural integrity and its environmental benefits’.  Currently, its custom cabinetry is available exclusively in the San Francisco Bay area.
• New York-based Breathe Easy Cabinetry uses responsibly-harvested solid wood, formaldehyde-free plywood boxes, and non-toxic water-based glues and finishes.
• Reclaimed barn wood makes beautiful, timeless kitchen islands.  Recently, I admired some wonderful pieces while visiting Cherry Acres Furniture in the quaint town of Lititz, PA.  They also handcraft kitchen tables.
• Codfish Park Designs, of Madison, NJ utilizes North American hardwoods, eco-friendly plywood, and low-VOC finishes in its custom cabinetry.
• Citilog, based in NJ, uses reclaimed wood to build its custom cabinetry (pictured here).  Upon request, they will even remove trees from your site to use in your project.
• Green Leaf Cabinetry’s semi-custom and custom cabinetry is made from FSC-certified wood and is finished with low-VOC paints and stain.  The company is out of Cleveland, Ohio.
• The doors and drawer faces at GreenTech Cabinetry are FSC-certified wood species; the drawer boxes are bamboo; and finishes are zero-VOC.
• Portland, Oregon’s Neil Kelly Cabinets uses FSC-certified woods, no-added formaldehyde agriboard case & drawer materials, and low VOC glues, adhesives and finishes.  Dealers are located in 26 states.
• Terra Cabinets crafts its stock and custom cabinetry with FSC-certified wood, bamboo and low-VOC and zero-VOC materials.
• Young Furniture offers, throughout the Northeast, unfinished cabinets in FSC-certified Maple, Poplar and Pine.

So far, I’ve written about easy green makeover ideas, energy- and water-saving tips, and eco-friendly countertop options. In this post, we’ll explore the ever-growing choices for stylish and functional flooring in the kitchen and/or bathroom.  Can you guess which type of flooring is shown here?  Wood?  Cork?  Linoleum?  Tile?

• Cork is easy to clean, is comfy underfoot and can last up to 80 years!  It is also available in many styles.  (Globus cork flooring pictured above).
• Real Linoleum, not vinyl, is made entirely from all natural ingredients and is ideal for those who suffer from asthma and allergies.  From contemporary to traditional looks, this easy-to-care-for flooring comes in a wide array of colors and is available in sheets, tiles and click-in-place planks.
• Ceramic, porcelain or glass tile made with recycled content is a long-lasting, durable option.
• Hardwoods have increased in popularity in America’s kitchens in recent years due to the longevity and durability of the product.  The most environmentally-friendly hardwood is an old one which has been refinished with non-toxic sealers.  For new installations, reclaimed wood floors add instant charm.  FSC-certified, or sustainably-harvested, North American hardwoods are also an excellent option.
• Bamboo, a fast-growing grass, is a great alternative to hardwood and comes in several styles, grains and colors.  Look for those made with formaldehyde-free glues.

If you’re looking for a quick fix to spruce up your kitchen or bath, check out my previous post, Part I of this series.  For information on saving energy and water with new appliances and cool gadgets, click here to see Part II.  In the remaining posts for this series, I’ll delve into options for more substantial replacement items such as countertops, cabinetry and flooring.  It’s getting easier to integrate some of the many greener options that will modernize your kitchen or bath with style.

Countertops:

• Recycled paper countertops such as PaperStone, EcoTop, Richlite, Shektastone are very durable and resist water, stains and scratches.  They’ll help you maintain good indoor air quality too, as they do not offgas toxic chemicals into your home.
• Butcherblock countertops made from bamboo, FSC-certified wood or reclaimed wood will add instant warmth and appeal to any kitchen.
• Recycled glass mixed with concrete or other binding agents creates surfaces similar to granite and quartz.  Available in a wide range of colors and styles, these colorful countertops are sure to jazz up your kitchen or bath.

pictured here:  Gilasi countertops

APPLIANCES:  When your old appliances are consuming significant amounts of energy (and money), it may be time for replacement.  The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) promotes the Super-Efficient Home Appliances Initiative (SEHA).  SEHA appliances are the most efficient ones of the Energy Star program and are available by most appliance manufacturers.

• Refrigerator:  The refrigerator typically consumes the largest amount of energy in most households.  If you currently have a model made before 2001, it’s not nearly as efficient as it could be.  Here’s a pdf of the CEE’s Refrigerator Qualifying Product List which includes brands, model numbers, sizes, and kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity used per year.  (Tier 3 in the table lists the most efficient refrigerators).  Remember not to locate the fridge next to a stove or dishwasher.
• Stove/Oven:  The most efficient models are those with induction elements which transfer electromagnetic energy directly to the pan, leaving the cooktop cool (an added safety bonus).  The next most efficient electric cooktops are ceramic glass units with halogen elements as the heat source.  Also, self-cleaning units are more insulated, but you’ll want to use a little ‘elbow grease’ instead of the self-cleaning feature since that does consume a good amount of energy to run.
• Dishwasher:  Check the Energy Guide label for an Energy Factor (EF) of less than .65, or an estimated energy use of less than 340 kWh/year.  Some models have an energy-saving no-heat drying feature that uses fans instead of a heating element.
• Microwave:  Look for a good warranty as well as a smaller model since this will use less energy.
• Instant Hot Water Heaters:  These devices will provide hot water immediately and will save water and energy.
• Light Fixtures:  Energy Star rated models save energy and are available in a wide variety of styles.  Solar Tubes are great options too and are less expensive than skylights.
• Bathroom Sink faucets:  Brands carrying the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label will use about 20% less water without sacrificing functionality.
• Showerheads (wall-mounted or hand-held):  Again, look for the WaterSense label or “low-flow” versions.  These showerheads still retain water pressure, but use much less water.
• Toilets:  If your toilet was installed prior to 1980, it uses 5-7 gallons of water per flush!  Between 1980 and 1993, it uses 3.5 gpf; and those made in 1994 and later, use 1.6 gpf (check the date which is typically stamped in the toilet tank).  High-efficiency WaterSense labeled toilets save 20% over current federal standards and have been independently certified for equal or superior performance.  Dual-flush models can save even more water.
• Exhaust Fan:  When properly-vented to the outdoors, these devices remove moisture, steam and humidity which prevents mold and mildew build-up.  Look for an Energy Star rated model which will use 70% less energy and has a low noise rating.  Some models integrate a light fixture.

photo courtesy of HGTV