The New York Times reports that granite tops are imported from 63 countries, and various studies have suggested some prices might be mildly radioactive and could emit low levels of radon.
The bigger issue with granite? As treehugger.com says, "it's the cherry on top of the McMansion sundae; it's heavy, expensive and costs a lot to ship." The green credentials for granite? It should last hundreds of years so that has "green" points to it however, only if it remains in use.
New research sponsored by the Natural Stone Council, and the Center for Clean Products at the University of Tennessee may help us understand how the stone is mined, how far it typically travels, and how long it is kept in service.
As for it's alternative at INDIGO, we have locally produced cement/concrete/recycled glass countertops that have a smaller footprint because they contain up to 85% locally sourced material-much of that recycled-and travel a smaller distance to it's installation. Check out INDIGO's other sustainable countertop options here.
source: GreenBuilder magazine

These pictures were really disturbingly beautiful so I thought I would share them with you. What was particularly illuminating was that a single flight across the Atlantic generates 140 tons of CO2 which would take the average motorist 50 years to equal. What does the oil used in the US in two minutes actually look like? Or a million disposable plastic cups? Photographer Chris Jordan illustrates the staggering scale of human consumption.
check it out here

Come join your community Thursday February 12, from 7-9pm at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church for this historical community stakeholder meeting for Sustainable Alachua County.
click here for details.