Eco-friendly kitchen counters

RECYCLED ALUMINUM

What it is: Eleek uses 50 to 90 percent recycled aluminum to make countertop-depth pieces up to 3 feet wide with built-in front lip and backsplash, and to make tiles. Renewed Materials makes Alkemi, a solid-surface material containing postindustrial scrap aluminum in polymeric resin.

What makes it green: Eleek's products, which also include sinks, light fixtures, and hardware, are all made with recycled metals that can also be recycled at the end of their useful life. Metal products are finished with reusable abrasives and recirculated water. Clear-coat finish is food-safe and nontoxic.

Cost and contact info: High cost makes it comparable to upper-end granite. Eleek, Portland (pictured; from $95 per sq. ft.; cost includes custom fabrication; 503/232-5526); Renewed Materials, Cabin John, MD (from $39 per sq. ft.; 301/320-0042).