RECYCLED PAPER
What it is: Recycled paper in a resin base. Available in thicknesses ranging from ¼ inch to 2 inches; integrally colored in many hues. Heat- and stain-resistant with honed-surface look.
What makes it green: Uses postconsumer recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and nonpetroleum, formaldehyde-free resins, some made from cashew nut shell liquid. Can be cut and shaped with standard woodworking tools.
Cost and contact info: Low- to midrange cost and easy-to-work-with characteristics make it ideal for the budget-conscious home craftsman. PaperStone, Hoquiam, WA (pictured; from $30 per sq. ft.; 360/538-9815).
SUSTAINABLE WOOD
What it is: Butcher-block counters, some from reclaimed or recycled lumber, others from handsome but lesser-known tree species that have been sustainably harvested. Butcher blocks can be made from slender lengths or end-grain blocks.
What makes it green: Using reclaimed wood reduces need for harvesting new trees. Recycled old-growth lumber often has tighter grain and better quality. Underutilized species (such as Pacific madrone) expand the range of grain and color choices and offer high-quality lumber from managed forests.
Cost and contact info: Medium to high cost compared to traditional butcher blocks. Add cost of shipping. Endura Wood Products, Portland (pictured; from $50 per sq. ft.; 866/263-3939); Windfall Lumber, Olympia, WA (from $50 per sq. ft.; 360/352-2250).
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