Celebrating Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary: Making the Switch to Eco-Friendly Products

Last Updated on April 21, 2020

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Since April 22, 1970, this movement toward environmental awareness and consciousness has grown exponentially and has led to a global movement to make our planet a safer and healthier place to live.

While some are already living an eco-friendly lifestyle, others may not be on board with it yet. The good news is it’s never too late to start. Now is a great time to learn more about how we all can make a difference. What are you doing to live an eco-friendly lifestyle?

This month, Granite and TREND Transformations would like to reintroduce you to its commitment to implementing real-word processes that protect and preserve our planet’s resources. For decades, the company has been at the forefront of promoting environmentally-friendly manufacturing practices. In celebration of Earth Day 2020, we would like to walk you through how our variety of products – including etherium® by E-Stone surfaces – are made from the highest-quality materials that are safe for your home. But first, let’s start with some easy ways to incorporate eco-friendly products into your home.

Energy-Saving Ceiling Fans

Running your air conditioning unit can be expensive, especially during the summer months. You can reduce your energy costs by installing an energy-saving ceiling fan. Did you know ceiling fans use about 75 percent less energy than it takes to run your air conditioner? Whether you install one ceiling fan in your main living space or choose to install more around your home, you could be saving big on money and energy.

Reusable Water Bottles

Did you know Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles (that’s billion with a “b”) every year? And, that number is growing by the day.

By not recycling those bottles, a good portion of them will end up in landfills – or worse yet – our oceans, posing a threat to marine life and the health of our water ways. Using a reusable water bottle is the easiest way to reduce the amount of plastic we use and waste every day. Plus, they come in a variety of fun shapes and sizes that can keep water cold for hours.

Solar-Powered Chargers

Seeing the low battery notification on our mobile devices can put us all in a state of panic as we scramble to look for an electrical plug. Solar-powered battery packs are a great eco-friendly way to charge your devices by letting the sun to do all the work. This not only saves the earth but can save you money on your electric bill.

Reusable Straws

If you’ve been to a restaurant lately, you may have noticed the shift of how some establishments now use paper straws – or offer no straws at all. Some are even offering you the option to purchase a metal straw with proceeds going to an eco-friendly foundation. If you’re someone who prefers drinking from a straw, then you may want to purchase your own metal straw or stock up on bamboo or paper straws.

Glass Storage Containers

Want to know an easy way to ditch the plastic? Simply switch from plastic to glass storage containers. They are not only better for the environment, but they won’t stain, they’ll last longer than plastic, and are very convenient when it’s time to heat up leftovers. Just be sure to buy the kind of glass storage containers that have tight fitting lids to keep your food fresh.

Cloth Napkins

Yes, we’re serious. And no, you don’t have to iron them. Cloth napkins don’t have to be just for company. You may not be aware of this when you’re using them, but paper napkins will most likely end up in a landfill. If you’ve never used cloth napkins, it’s time to give them a try. Choose one made from organic linen or unbleached cotton (if you can find them). You’ll love how this type of napkin brings a touch of class and elegance to your kitchen – not to mention your dining experience.

Glass Spray Bottles with Eco-Friendly Cleaner

Take inventory of your household cleaners and there’s a good chance most of them are packaged in plastic. Switching to a glass spray bottle is an easy way to reduce plastic. But what do you do about the cleaner? Here’s an easy toxic-free surface cleaner you can make at home:

Combine:

• 2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar
• A few drops of your favorite essential oil

Add the mixture to your glass spray bottle and you’re ready for toxic-free (and plastic-free) cleaning.

Reusable Shopping Bags

If you thought the number of plastic water bottles was staggering, you’ll be shocked to hear this: Americans use about 102 billion plastic bags each year! (Again, that’s billion with a “b.”) Some states have already banned the use of plastic bags, urging customers to purchase reusable shopping bags or totes to load their groceries and personal items. The good news is that some grocery stores are selling reusable bags as a convenience to the customer. Or, these bags can be purchased inexpensively at other outlets.

We’ve talked about making the switch to things you can see, touch and use to make your home eco-friendly. But, what about the dangers you can’t see? Saving the planet is so much more than not using plastic straws and water bottles. While we are of course mindful of those things, there are other invisible dangers lurking in your home that you may not be aware of. They’re called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and they could be in your home right now.

What are Volatile Organic Compounds?

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids that include a variety of chemicals that have been found to cause both short- and long-term adverse health effects. Some common household products that contain VOCs include:

• Cleansers and disinfectants
• Paints, paint strippers and other solvents
• Aerosol sprays
• Dry-cleaned clothing
• Hobby supplies
• Office equipment such as copiers and printers

When you choose Granite and TREND Transformations for your kitchen or bath remodel, you can rest easy knowing our surfaces do not produce VOCs. It’s part of our commitment to ensure our products are safe for your home. Our belief is simple: Great style and beauty do not have to be sacrificed in the pursuit of corporate responsibility. That’s why our products are designed specifically to consume fewer raw materials and to extend durability.

Our Certifications:

Granite and TREND Transformations is proud to be recognized among numerous organizations that are committed to providing health, safety and eco-friendliness standards for companies across the world. These organizations include U.S. Green Building Council, GREENGUARD and NSF.

The company’s development of new product lines has set an industry benchmark for the use of post-consumer recycled content in agglomerate and glass tile products that have reached levels as high as 78 percent. Additionally, our innovative engineered surfaces require 60 percent less raw materials and incorporate both geologic waste and recycled glass which would otherwise end up in landfills.

Here are some ways to show how Granite and TREND Transformations is sensitive to the environment and committed to the safety of its customers:

• Our manufacturing facilities were designed with sophisticated water recycling systems to significantly reduce water consumption and the proliferation of pollutants.
• We use recycled or reusable packaging to reduce the consumption and cost of packaging materials.
• The overall waste produced at our manufacturing facility, located in Sebring, Florida, has been reduced by over 22 percent.
• The company collaborates with the world’s leading environmental organizations, architects and designers to promote sustainable building practices.
• Our green product lines contribute measurably to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ratings based on credits for Material and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation and Design.

How will you be celebrating Earth Day this year? Making small changes can lead to a big impact on our planet’s health – and yours.

Interested in learning more about an environmentally-friendly kitchen or bath renovation from Granite and TREND Transformations? Contact us today for a free in-home design consultation and see how our beautiful and eco-friendly etherium® by E-Stone surfaces can look in your home.