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Snohomish County : Built Green REsource update: Green counter top options

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with First Choice Reatly, LLC 20017

Wow, glass countertops offer a sleek, modern style! You can find various colors and different textures to give it some distinction. Glass countertops are sturdy, but you'll still want to be sure you avoid dropping large, heavy objects on top of it. Eco-Friendly: made from recycled glass

Concrete countertops may be a good alternative, if you have a counter in an unusual shape as it's often cast right in the kitchen. Unfortunately, it comes with a high price tag, so this is not the budget conscious.  Make sure to have the concrete surface sealed with low-VOC sealers. Concrete is heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative.  Be careful cracking is possible; it also can look somewhat industrial. Green:  The aggregate mixed with cement and water should be recycled for concrete to count as green. 

What is VOC?

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) - Low-VOC sealers: Any organic compound which evaporates readily to the atmosphere. VOC's contribute significantly to photochemical smog production and certain health problems. LOW IS BETTER!