Caption: Photo by Houzz, Cathy Stathopoulos, CKD 

In some circles, natural stone gets a bad rap when it comes to being “green.” But at Marble & Granite, Inc., we view natural stone, such as granite, as a “socially friendly” material and do our best to educate consumers about the green side of granite.

Some argue that the process of getting granite from the quarry to the end user has a negative impact on the environment, but the natural stone industry is constantly working to reduce environmental impact, minimize waste, prevent pollution and conserve natural resources. The Natural Stone Council  has put many best practices regulations into place to make sure that the mining process does the least amount of harm as possible to the environment. One way for consumers to feel better about their granite countertop being an eco-friendly choice is to choose the most local granite source possible. This helps to cut down on transportation costs as well as reduce fossil fuel emissions. It also helps support the local economy financially.

Another aspect that makes granite  “greener” than you might think is that, once it’s removed from the quarry, it requires no further production. No energy, chemicals, or fuel is required to prepare the stone for use. This makes granite more environmentally friendly than other building materials, which might require extensive preparation.

Yes, granite must be sealed. But today, there are many sealant options available in the marketplace, which use very few chemicals. Companies know that consumers are paying attention to the chemicals they’re bringing into their home…and they’re making a difference. Speaking of chemicals, granite doesn’t require harsh chemicals for cleaning. A little soap and water goes a long way for cleaning up even the messiest countertops.

Natural stone, especially when used as a countertop material, has a very lengthy life cycle. Not only are granite surfaces enduringly durable, but they’re also 100-percent recyclable when they’ve reached the end of their life cycle. There are a lot of granite recycling companies out there that will pick up old tops and turn them into granite tiles or pavers.

Want another good way to go if you love the look of granite as much as you love Mother Earth? Choose a remnant slab. Using up excess pieces can help reduce landfill space as well as cut own transportation costs. 

Come and browse the remnant options at Marble & Granite, Inc., and check out the broad spectrum of granite options we offer.  We’ll help you see why granite is a choice you can feel good about.