The Environment Impact of Granite Countertops

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The desire to improve the home is a natural one for homeowners. Undertaking upgrades such as replacing kitchen countertops. For example, is an easy and cost-effective way to increase function, enhance design, and improve value of the home. However, many people are questioning the impact on the environment of bringing new materials into the home.

In response to this growing urgency to integrate social consciousness into one’s lifestyle, many people are scrutinizing the eco-friendliness of many of the products they purchase. They are more likely to patronize a product they consider “green.”
That said, it is easy enough for manufacturers to claim their products are friendly to the environment. It is up to the consumer to determine if the claims are valid or not. Some believe that natural products are automatically eco-friendly, but this is not always the case.

In the case of granite and other natural stones, they are generally eco-friendly in themselves. However, discerning homeowners might question if the process they go through to get from the quarry to their homes hurt the environment in a significant way. Granite, in particular, is a top favorite for kitchen countertops, so it might be a good idea to take a closer look at the environmental impact of granite countertops.

Defining what is “green”

The environmental impact or carbon footprint of any product depends on a multitude of factors. To say that something is “green” or eco-friendly, it is necessary to look into all these factors. In general, you need to know:

• The origins

• The manufacturing process

• The means of transportation

• The packaging and installation

• The maintenance required

• The means of disposal

The origins

Granite is not a renewable resource. It comes from quarries all over the world, and it takes millions of years to produce more of them. Technically, the world can run out of granite if enough comes out of the ground. However, in the centuries that people have used granite for various reasons, they have barely scratched the surface of the granite supply. It is the most abundant type of stone on Earth, making up about 80% of the surface. It is unlikely that we are going to run out of it anytime soon.

The manufacturing process

Granite producers do not actually make granite. They quarry it from the ground in huge blocks, and then cut them into different configurations for a variety of use. The quarrying itself represents the biggest impact on the environment in the process because it requires the use of heavy machinery that run on gasoline. Cutting the granite blocks also requires machinery that runs on electricity and uses quite a lot of water. However, the carbon footprint of these activities is comparable to that of harvesting and cutting wood from sustainable sources.

The means of transportation

Most of the granite slabs for use in US homes are imports from other countries. Granite from local quarries is available, but these are usually more expensive because of limited availability and high cost of labor. As a result, a majority of granite countertops in the US are the source of greenhouse gas emissions because of shipping and transportation. Other types of countertop materials such as wood most like undergo some form of transportation as well. These emissions are significantly less so when the granite comes from relatively nearer sources, such as Brazil.

The packaging and installation

Granite suppliers ship the products as slabs secured to reusable pallets, so waste products from packaging is not an issue. Retailers do have to cut the slabs prior to installation, and that kicks up a lot of stone dust and volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. However, reputable countertop suppliers have modern facilities and observe health and safety regulations when performing this task, reducing the environmental and health risk to insignificant levels. They also use non-toxic adhesives during installation, further reducing the carbon footprint of granite.

The maintenance required

The environmental impact of keeping granite countertops in top condition is the same as washing a few dishes. You only need diluted or mild dishwashing soap and a soft rag to keep it clean, and the occasional swipe with an isopropyl alcohol solution to disinfect. It does not require any special cleaning products as they do not easily scratch, stain, or chip under ordinary use. Grime, grease, and dirt slide off the polished surface. Some granite countertops do require sealing after installation, and resealing every few years with frequent use.

It is worthy to note that the popular belief that granite give off lethal levels of radon gas is not true. Radon gas is a substance given off by many natural materials, including soil and water, identified as a possible cause of lung cancer in people exposed to high level for an extended period. Granite does give off minute amounts of radon gas, but certainly not at levels that make it a health risk. A person living in a basement or any enclosed area near soil is much more likely to receive higher doses of radon gas.

The means of disposal

Granite lasts for a very long time and, while it may sustain damage from misuse, it is reparable. It is unlikely that you will need to replace your granite countertops for many years. Because it is no longer usable. If you do decide to replace your granite countertops for whatever reason, the material lends itself easily to repurposing and reuse in your home or someone else’s. Many people sell their old granite countertops with great success. In this respect, granite is the ultimate “green” product because it is unlikely to end up in a landfill.

Conclusion

If you want to lead a “green” lifestyle and have only products that are friendly to the environment in your home, granite countertops are just the right ones for you. Your next consideration is to find a responsible and reputable countertop company to give it to you. Keystone Marble and Granite is the top contender for this role in the areas of Columbus, Ohio, Delaware cities, Lancaster and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
We are experts at fabricating and installing engineered stone and granite countertops, so you can be confident that you will get the very best in product and service quality.

We have showrooms in Lancaster and Horsham, Pennsylvania as well as New Castle, Delaware and Columbus, Ohio. Also we will walk you through each slab and explain how each can benefit you in your kitchen or bathroom remodel. If you prefer engineered stones, we also carry the top brands in the industry such as Cambria, Caesarstone, Silaestone, and MSI, all with manufacturer warranties.

Once you have chosen your slabs, we provide free professional design consultation and quotes so you know exactly where you are before committing. We also have a quick turnaround, so you will get your products on time and on budget.
Give us a call or send us an inquiry through our website to set the ball rolling!