Which Countertop Surface is Right for Me?

Ask theses questions when shopping for countertop materials.

By Lori Tobias
March/April 2009
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EcoTop Surfaces countertops are made with a blend of bamboo and post-consumer recycled paper fibers.
Photo Courtesy EcoTop Surfaces.
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Natalie Freidberg, a green building consultant with All Shades of Green, a sustainable living center in Los Angeles, suggests asking yourself the following questions before you buy any material.

■ Where is it made? “You want to find, if possible, things that are sourced and manufactured locally,” Freidberg says.

■ How will you use it?  Are you willing to use a chopping board or put a drip tray under a bottle of olive oil or red wine?
 
■ Is it potentially toxic? “Make sure it’s nontoxic and not outgassing anything into your home,” Freidberg says. “It doesn’t matter how beautiful it is if it makes you sick.”

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Archived Comments

  • Catherine_2 5/21/2010 4:31:57 AM

    Right you are Michael G. The 3 questions are good, but is that all there is to the article? Any research, choices, or answers?

  • michael goins_1 3/5/2009 9:25:36 AM

    This article is pretty much useless. Little to no information that is new and no choices betwen posibilities - pressed paper, naturaal stones, etc.

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