Sure, granite counters and backsplashes are lovely. But these days they're so...ubiquitous. For our next renovation, we're seriously digging the hot new thing in kitchen materials: sustainable surfaces made from recycled glass. These three eco-conscious companies get it just right.
Vetrazzo Ever wonder what happens to that empty beer or vodka bottle after you blue-bin it? California-based Vetrazzo breaks such products down and turns them into smooth, mosaiclike countertops. We love the haphazard, expressionist feel of the surfaces and the way the shards of glass reflect natural light. Get pricing and installation information through your local retailer.
Bedrock Industries These tile-makers craft their earthy wares by hand from 100-percent-recycled window glass, wine bottles, etc.--all collected within 20 miles of the Seattle plant. Though the full Blazestone collection is gorgeous, our favorites are the irregularly shaped and circular tiles, all available for order online and with pricing upon request.
Modwalls We've long loved this tile company for its artist collaborations and custom ceramic blends. Their new glass-made sustainable offerings--from the cloudy-green Viridian Brix Apple ($17 for 450 tiles) to the shower-ready faux pebbles ($26 per square-foot sheet)--are equally lovely and utilitarian.
