February 20th, 2009
The organization’s goal is to reclaim parts of the city’s wide, paved sidewalks for green space and plantings.
“Using crushed rock is especially good for drought-tolerant plants,” she said. “It holds the moisture in the ground and won’t blow away like wood chips.”
Plant*SF uses crushed rock and decomposed granite for pathways as part of its solutions to replace impervious concrete with permeable groundcover. Impervious surfaces such as concrete prevent water and air from penetrating the soil. As a result, storm water runs off, contributing to flooding problems and pollution of waterways.
“The goal of our project is beautification and restoring natural hydrology,” Ms. Martin said. “Using locally-produced rock or stone meets that criteria and is a sustainable solution.”
Besides garden paths, crushed rock or gravel can be used as a substitute for concrete in driveways or even patios. Other products that would allow water and air to penetrate the soil but offer a flatter, concrete-like surface include Uni Eco-Stone or Eco-Priora; Net Pave 50 Porous Paver; and Pervious Concrete (pictured).
Rock or stone are also useful for landscape borders, retaining walls stacked waterfalls and decorative ground cover. Landscape suppliers, such as Lyngso Garden Materials or Broadmoor Lumber in the Bay Area are examples of those that carry a wide selection. To scout out local rock in other areas, ask your building or landscape supplier to explain how materials have been sourced, or speak to builders to find nearby rock yards.
For indoor projects, stone and rock are popular choices for fireplace mantels, surrounds, countertops and can replace tile on floors or in bathrooms.
Despite debate over the greenness of quarrying and transporting large pieces of granite, Ms. Martin said those processes need to be weighed against introducing potentially toxic binding-materials, such as glue, in synthetic composite co
untertop products.
“Granite is a natural material and it could last a lifetime,” she said. “That would make it more sustainable than a laminate that doesn’t wear as well and is likely to be frequently replaced.”
Eco-friendly alternatives to solid stone slabs that have a similar appearance, include products made up of recycled glass and concrete, such as IceStone, Vetrazzo (pictured) and Ceasar Stone.
If a stone fireplace mantel, range hood or other architectural accents are part of your home improvement plans, an eco-friendly product called Scagliola Stone looks like the real thing but is produced as a blend of crushed travertine, limestone or marble requiring no quarrying.
There are no certifications for eco-friendly stone comparable to the certifications that have been developed for wood and paper products, which are vetted for sustainability by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), or for green cleaners, which apply for certification from Green Seal.
Still, many believe that stone has a secure place in green building. It’s certainly got durability in its favor, and standards are being developed that will assist buyers. The Natural Stone Council created an environmental advisory committee in 2007 to look more closely at the life cycle of stone mining and fabricating.
The NSC is trying to position itself in the competition for green clients by improving the environmental record of the industry. It’s also more actively marketing itself as potential green fodder; the NSC recently trademarked the name “Genuine Stone” to set its products apart from the faux stone countertops and building supplies that were trying to seize the green mantle.
Copyright © 2009 Green Right Now | Distributed by Noofangle Media
Pages: 1 2
