Sustainable Stone Choices: Exploring the Eco-Friendliness of Granite Worktops

Introduction 

Sustainability is now longer a seat believed to be entrenched as a trend; it is a must have wording with interconnection With the current phenomenon of going green thus by consuming products that are eco-friendly when it comes to constructing and remodeling structures for homes, more people have embraced what they consider to be eco-friendly structures for their homes. Marble is definitely a kind of natural stone and also well famous for it is usable in constructing some buildings, strength as well as mellifluous look. What about granite, then, for the level of sustainability? This article is more centered on the environmental aspect of granite worktops and is a look at why this natural stone is environmentally friendly and can go a long way in making homeowners more environmentally friendly. 

Granite: 

However, it is necessary to point out that sugar is a renewable material in the natural sense that cane can be renewed in 3 years after planting while other materials take several years in renewing themselves. Among several factors that we can someday associate granite to as environmentally friendly, include the fact that granite is an original rock, and it is one of the most abundant types of rocks. Granite is formed from the cools and hardens of magma below the surface of the planet Earth. This process takes slightly longer but it brings life into the replenishable stone because granite source is replenished in the granites. Regarding synthetic materials which are produced from such resources as petroleum or in case with which heavy industrial processing is required granite is extracted directly from the earth surface. It means that in the extraction of raw material in making the flooring the impact is so little as compared to other synthetic products like quartz or laminate. That means once it has been quarried granite can be shaped, polished and applied without much chemical what in what consequently reduces pollution.

Durability and Longevity: One such sustainability critical success factor is discussed below:

Granite is known to be very hard-wearing, and this perhaps is some of the reasons why the material is referred to as being sustainable. Granite worktops if they are properly maintained then the lifespan is talking of ages as in hundreds of years. The heat, scratch and stains – resistant nature of this natural stone ensure that there are limited occasions of homeowners replacing or repairing granite worktops, hence, minimal additional resources are required.

Use of Energy and Resources in Quarrying 

Notably it is true that as in the fashioning of any other stone or rock, some energy would be needed in the quarrying of granite though as indicated earlier given the current changes in technology and work flow the extent of this impact need not be draconian. Some of the quarries have installed energy efficient technologies and besides adopting innovation practices which include; water recycling and waste management. In addition, local acquisition of the granite leads to reduced degree of emissions of carbon due to transport. The substance that it emit into the air is low and we also know that it is non toxic. Such material is genuine and thereby does not emit any dangerous gases or organic volatile compounds more so like the laminates or composite stones. Granite is also a non toxic product and thus its use in the home enhances the indoor air quality since it does not off gas and poses health risks to the occupants of the house. End-of-Life Recyclability 

It is important to state that granite in its best uses can be recycled and reused and not disposed on the landfills such as most other products. Granite can also be recycled in case it is taken from countertops or buildings, for it can also be used again in activities like landscaping, construction of roads among others. It is also biodegradable since it’s made from natural products and this also makes it easier for recycling hence the environmentally friendly product. For instance, laminate material or composite stone always has the adhesive or resins as a component of the product and as such they may hamper the recycling process to produce more waste. Granite is recyclable, so that make it as one of the main advantage because using recycle product help to minimize wastage.

Global Aspects Of: What an Asset! The Aesthetic and Economic Value of Granite

Aside from sustainability, granite has a lot of aesthetic value that also contributes to its longitivity or longevity of its use. The natural formation of granite and variations of colors mean that the product does not look ever dated. It is this timeless appearance which then suggests that homeowners are less likely to replace their granite worktops for cosmetic purposes alone, which also prolongs the materials use and diminishes waste.

Also, durable economic rewards that come with the material add up to the fact that granite is worth the investment. Even though granite may be more expensive than the other types of material available for countertops, the end cost is low because the material has a longer life span and does not require any frequent maintenance. Another aspect that homeowners ought to consider is the ability to add value to the house because of the enhanced appearance of the granite which is consequently a worthy investment.

To decide on the best sustainable choice with granite worktops.

Thus, when choosing granite as an environmental friendly product for use in home, there are other ways of minimizing the effects of the material on the environment. Selecting domestic granite reduces the energy used in transportation, whereby the energy use is high. This is also true when choosing stone colors as simple shades of lighter color reflect natural light and therefore uses less energy in lighting.

Also, it becomes necessary to guarantee the kind of granite available from environmentally friendly quarries. Some of the quarries and suppliers have gotten involved in certification with a view of showing that they are in compliance with the sustainable extraction business hence making it easier for the consumers to make ethical decisions.

Conclusion: 

All in all, Granite worktops is a hard surface with low emission rates and known to be recyclable thus providing some environmental advantages. It is an environmental friendly product since it is naturally derived from marble and is long lasting for the homeowners to use in their worktops. Thus, where obtained appropriately, granite is one of the sustainable and eco-friendly materials to be used in homes. This paper uncovers how through the process of kitchen remodeling or constructing new homes aged granite remains a fashionable and environmental option for today’s society.

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