Are you looking for ways to make your next kitchen remodeling project more eco-friendly? If so, then check out TheRTAStore’s list of 5 eco-friendly products to help give your kitchen a green make over.

Eco-Friendly Product #1: Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the oldest materials known to man. It’s an extremely eco-friendly material that can grow fast anywhere in the world. Unlike traditional hard woods that take about 60 to 70 years to reach harvesting age, Bamboo can be harvested in 3 to 5 years.

Bamboo looks like wood, but it’s not wood. It’s a fast growing grass that can be easily changed to look like light or dark wood species. Bamboo is an easy to maintain material that can be swept or vacuumed to remove debris. It can be occasionally mopped with a damp mop or bamboo floor cleaner.

Some types of bamboo are extremely hard and strong. Bamboo is also slightly more resistant to water damage and stains than traditional woods. But can warp if exposed to extreme moisture. Over time bamboo flooring can become discolored or scratched, but it’s easy to have it refinished.

Eco-Friendly Product #2: Recycled Glass

Recycled glass counters are an eco-friendly product that can add lots of fun color to any kitchen. Each blend of glass is unique, which means no two counters will look the same. Counters can be encased in either acrylic or concrete, and depending upon the way the glass is configured, it can look very traditional or contemporary.

Recycled glass counters are durable and will not easily chip. Both the acrylic and concrete types are easy to clean, but the concrete will require a sealer as it’s very porous, where the acrylic is non porous and will not need a sealer.

While these counters are very durable, if a lot of weight is placed on an edge or a corner it could crack. Certain acidic solutions such as orange juice or tomato juice and even harsh cleaning products can damage the surface if not cleaned right away.

Eco-Friendly Product #3: Cork

Cork is made from natural tree bark. It’s a very durable material and will last longer than traditional hardwoods. It’s available in lots of different natural tones as well as some man made colors. It has a nice soft cushiony surface and is easy to walk or stand on.

Cork is germ, mold, and mildew resistant; however, there are a few drawbacks. Cork is very sensitive to light exposure. Too much sun can cause discoloration in cork flooring. Cleaning cork flooring can also be difficult as this type of flooring does not allow for wet moping. Water absorption can damage cork, and spills need to be cleaned up quickly. Placing heavy objects like furniture on this type of material can cause imprints and damage cork flooring.

Eco-Friendly Product #4: Recycled Paper Based Counter Tops

Recycled Paper counter tops are composed of 100 % post-consumer wastepaper, nonpetroleum-based resins, and pigments. The mixture is then heated and compressed into a dense, monolithic slab. Recycled paper counter tops are available in medium to dark colors with a matte finish.

This easy to install material is non-porous, dense, and extremely durable. It’s stain resistant and easy to maintain. While it does have some nice qualities associated with it Recycled Paper counter tops cannot withstand very high heat like placing a hot pot on its surface. Unattended spills should be cleaned right away or you may start to notice a light ghostlike impression on its surface.

Eco-Friendly Product #5: Linoleum

Linoleum has been around since the 19th century. It’s made from 100% natural materials like Flax seeds, which are then pressed to remove the oils from the seed husks. The oil is then mixed with finely ground wood flour and pressed into sheets or tiles.

Linoleum is a bio degradable material that is available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and thicknesses. It’s extremely affordable, easy to install and great for kitchens or areas where spills are more common. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly product that’s easy to maintain, linoleum can be swept and damp mopped with a mild cleaner to remove any surface dirt.

Like any other material, Linoleum does have a few drawbacks. The surface can be easily cut or marred by heavy or sharp objects. If it’s not properly maintained it can start to yellow overtime.

We know we’ve only scratched the surface with these 5 eco-friendly materials for your kitchen, but we hope it will help you on your journey as you try to make your kitchen a more “green” environment. Tell us, what other eco-friendly products are you using in your kitchen and home?