The idea that a home must have exotic stone countertops has become very common in recent years. In fact, it is one of the most popular upgrades. There are wide varieties of stone from around the world, including Europe, India and South America. While these products are attractive and long lasting, they can have a very unattractive impact on our environment. There are at least two important concepts that should be considered when pondering products -- embodied energy and life cycle analysis.

Embodied energy is simply the total amount of energy it takes to mine, transport, manufacture, install and maintain a product. Life cycle analysis looks at the entire impact of a product over its useful life, from cradle to grave so to speak. The ideal scenario is to minimize embodied energy and create durable products that minimize environmental impact, all while serving our needs for function and aesthetics.

Stone countertops certainly meet the criteria for durability, but the amount of energy they embody can be tremendous. Stone from a local quarry has the least embodied energy. Extraction of raw materials from the earth always has an impact and is something we should seek to minimize. Fortunately, there are a variety of countertop materials with environmental advantages.

One such product is called PaperStone. This is a dense, hard, water-resistant product that is similar to other solid surface materials. It is made with phenolic resin and cellulose fibers. The resin is derived from cashew shells, not oil or coal. The fibers are up to 100 percent post-consumer recycled content and carry the Forest Stewardship Council's recycled-content label.

PaperStone has a warm, rich look and comes in various shades.

According to the manufacturer, a single sheet of PaperStone Certified (its top-of-the-line product) saves 1,233 gallons of water, 2.03 million BTUs of energy, 131 pounds of solid waste, 254 pounds of greenhouse gases, 55 pounds of petroleum-based phenol and 22 pounds of natural gas-based methanol, compared to a regular phenolic composite manufactured from virgin fiber and a regular, commercially available, solvent-based resin.

This is a great example of how our choices can have a positive impact on the world. By voting with our dollars for green products, we help the environment while supporting companies that are working hard to create viable solutions. More information on PaperStone can be found at >www.paperstoneproducts.com

Another interesting countertop alternative is IceStone, a recycled glass and cement composite. This terrazzo-like countertop material consists of a minimum of 75 percent recycled glass. Turning an abundant waste material into new, long-lasting and attractive products is exactly how we close the cycle of waste (cradle to grave) and create a cycle of life (cradle to cradle).

IceStone is less porous than marble. It is nearly as strong and heat resistant as granite. Check out IceStone at www.icestone.bi

The idea that a home must have exotic stone countertops has become very common in recent years. In fact, it is one of the most popular upgrades. There are wide varieties of stone from around the world, including Europe, India and South America. While these products are attractive and long lasting, they can have a very unattractive impact on our environment. There are at least two important concepts that should be considered when pondering products -- embodied energy and life cycle analysis.

Embodied energy is simply the total amount of energy it takes to mine, transport, manufacture, install and maintain a product. Life cycle analysis looks at the entire impact of a product over its useful life, from cradle to grave so to speak. The ideal scenario is to minimize embodied energy and create durable products that minimize environmental impact, all while serving our needs for function and aesthetics.

Stone countertops certainly meet the criteria for durability, but the amount of energy they embody can be tremendous. Stone from a local quarry has the least embodied energy. Extraction of raw materials from the earth always has an impact and is something we should seek to minimize. Fortunately, there are a variety of countertop materials with environmental advantages.

One such product is called PaperStone. This is a dense, hard, water-resistant product that is similar to other solid surface materials. It is made with phenolic resin and cellulose fibers. The resin is derived from cashew shells, not oil or coal. The fibers are up to 100 percent post-consumer recycled content and carry the Forest Stewardship Council's recycled-content label.

PaperStone has a warm, rich look and comes in various shades.

According to the manufacturer, a single sheet of PaperStone Certified (its top-of-the-line product) saves 1,233 gallons of water, 2.03 million BTUs of energy, 131 pounds of solid waste, 254 pounds of greenhouse gases, 55 pounds of petroleum-based phenol and 22 pounds of natural gas-based methanol, compared to a regular phenolic composite manufactured from virgin fiber and a regular, commercially available, solvent-based resin.

This is a great example of how our choices can have a positive impact on the world. By voting with our dollars for green products, we help the environment while supporting companies that are working hard to create viable solutions. More information on PaperStone can be found at www.paperstoneproducts.com.

Another interesting countertop alternative is IceStone, a recycled glass and cement composite. This terrazzo-like countertop material consists of a minimum of 75 percent recycled glass. Turning an abundant waste material into new, long-lasting and attractive products is exactly how we close the cycle of waste (cradle to grave) and create a cycle of life (cradle to cradle).

IceStone is less porous than marble. It is nearly as strong and heat resistant as granite. Check out IceStone at www.icestone.biz.

There are other alternatives becoming available all the time. These are just a couple of examples of how we can shift toward sustainability by lowering embodied energy and extending the life cycle of the materials we use.

Businesses are finding that environmental responsibility is very compatible with the bottom line. Always be sure to do your homework and make sure the products you select are truly green and not just labeled as such. Some businesses take advantage of the trend toward environmental responsibility by green-washing their products, calling them green when they really aren't. Buyer beware.

Awareness is the key to making smart choices.

Steve Rypka is a green living consultant and president of GreenDream Enterprises, specializing in renewable energy, green building, alternative transportation and lifestyle choices for both residential and commercial clients. The company is committed to helping people live lighter on the planet. Steve can be reached via email at steve@greendream.biz or at >www.greendream.bi