Walking on (recycled) broken glass
I have a special surprise for you all today! Jennifer Villamere, our senior web editor here at Canadian Living, is guest blogging. Read on to learn about what she has to say about eco-friendly countertops.
Call me docile and domesticated, but the countertop at my local coffee shop really turns me on. The flecked, faux marble finish brings back memories of the circa 1970s flooring at my elementary school, yet its funky, random pattern looks so fresh in this modern interior (see below).
A little web research revealed that my countertop crush was made of terrazzo. It's a beautiful, low-maintenance material that has a myriad of potential applications around your home, from countertops and flooring to fireplace surrounds and kitchen sinks.
Of course, the best part of terrazzo is that it is environmentally friendly. The material's fancy flecks are courtesy of crushed recycled glass, which is set in durable resin.
And because you can choose the colours and sizes of your crushed glass and pick a coordinating resin colour, you have endless options for combinations to complement your home's decor.
Although the Romans perfected the process, the material enjoyed a modern rival in the 1970s with the introduction of polymer-based resin. It was incorporated into many of the era's schools and hospitals because of its durability and easy maintenance.
Because of its retro style and eco-friendliness, terrazzo's making a come back in a big way. It's a recycled style that makes recycling stylish. Now that's a turn on.
Question of the day: What have you done to make your home decor chic and eco-friendly?
