Renovations are terrible for the enviroment, but there are some counters that are made from recycled materials such as the glass inclusions or some compressed paper counters. This article might help:

http://www.sunset.com/home/natural-home/eco-friendly-kitchen-counters

Just like with "sustainable" wood floors, you need to know the real sourcing of the particular manufacturer that you find, since some really aren't.

Check out PaperStone - they have some really great colors and textures. http://www.paperstoneproducts.com/

You might also look here http://greencountertopsdirect.com/

Thank you! I will look into these options! I agree construction is so wasteful, we are moving towards sustainable remodeling so any information helps!

I got a call from these people today http://rebuildingexchange.org/

They collect reusable materials from construction sites for new projects. They're here in Chicago, so maybe check if they have something like a sister branch near you.

Another angle to remember is that although a product might be "sustainable" at manufacture, it might be problematic to recycle/reuse/dispose of at end-of-life.

My personal belief is that bamboo is the most sustainable choice, as it is a fast-growing renewable resource that contributes positively to air quality during its life, it can be installed without the use of any chemical adhesives, resins, stains, glues, etc., and at the end of it all it can be repurposed or lacking that, sold as firewood!

Yeah, but every stick of bamboo takes a ride half way around the world in a diesel burner to get here. There are always tradeoffs.

Definitely. Bamboo would grow in NA too, if farmers (foresters?) had a strong market for it and consumers were willing to pay the price for ethically treated workers.

You're right, with any decision there are always trade-offs!

http://www.countertopspecialists.com/products/green.php

Here's a resource.

Try going to some architectural antique shops that carry wood items from teardowns and recycle some wood doors. Some of these doors are amazing. And they are just there for the picking. With proper care in treating they can make beautiful countertops.

Well if we're quibbling "it can be installed" and "it is manufactured" are two different statements. I meant precisely what I wrote.

The truth is there are problems with ANY manufactured product and we exchange energy output for temporary convenience. The entire construction industry--and particularly renovations on perfectly functional 'outdated' homes--could use a shake-up toward more sustainable products and practices. But I don't want to be out felling my own trees, hewing the logs, and building my log house with counters of hand-planed native fir, so I buy bamboo. (ETA: I actually kind of do want to be doing that, but obviously that's not a practical choice for most people, myself included)

OP seems to want to head in the direction of 'sustainability' (related to but not equal to 'ecologically less impactful') and the discussion certainly need not devolve into a bicker fight that no one can win, because there is no way to quantify the myriad factors involved.

I've had several clients use cork glue down flooring tiles as counter tops. Mainly for use in RVs, boats, Tiny Houses or converted vans....but still it is an option if sustainable, renewable, VOC free adhesives and easy to install are top of the list. Just an out of the box thought that has been successfully used as counter tops.

www.icorkfloor.com

Just in case that interests you.

Elite Improvements, what did you end up using for that kitchen? I'm looking for sustainable alternatives for our gut renovation wherever possible, but it is challenging! I have to give you guys high praise, though; for going more sustainable in your remodels. We need more contractors like you!!

I am trying to reuse my corian countertop in a renovation of our kitchen….. but so far can find no company that will do it.

I know this is an old thread but my neighbor has an old Mediterranean revival house from the 1920’s. She used the cork tile flooring as a countertop many years ago. Many decades ago. It still looks fantastic. Maybe a couple places by the sink aren’t pristine. But overall a really good choice.

"I am trying to reuse my corian countertop in a renovation of our kitchen….. but so far can find no company that will do it."

That's because you haven't convinced potential contractors that they can charge you enough to make it worth their while. I've recycled tops many times; it isn't cheap.

We just turned an unused granite desk top into a bar end addition. The customers had an arch removed and needed the bar to extend. They could have had a contrasting bar installed for what we charged to fabricate and install the piece, but they didn't want the contrast. Pictures are loading.

Wow that looks great!