Mandated curbside recycling, solar panels and energy-saving appliances and light bulbs. All of these are signs of an evolution of mindset. For years reduce, recycle and reuse seemed to be limited to the recycling and reuse of food-related materials, but the movement is expanding, with beautiful results, into the realm of building materials.
Pick up a magazine on travel, food or home decorating and you’re bound to find a reference to the use of reclaimed materials. Inventive decorators are using everything from old belts for flooring to breaking down old building structures for walls, floors and even furniture. Because of its popularity, it’s easier than ever to find sources for reclaimed supplies such as Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore outlets. The stores sell gently used furniture, home accessories and building materials, all ready for a new reincarnation.
This movement not only keeps materials out of the landfill, it also offers a hint of luxury on a tight budget. Granite manufacturers are also a key part of this recycle, reuse movement selling granite and natural stone remnants for a fraction of the price of a slab. For those who love the look of granite and natural stone but find its price outside the comfort zone, this is a win-win scenario for all involved.
Keeping Options Open
Acquiring granite remnants is as easy as talking to your local granite manufacturer or supplier. Small remnants left over after cutting a hole for a sink or countertop are up for grabs. After acquiring the remnant, only your imagination can limit where to go next. A quick Google or Pinterest search profiles a number of amazing projects from garden paths and courtyard mosaics to decorative stepping stones. Inside the house, rough pieces of granite are being repurposed as serving trays, cooking stones for steak and pizza and upscale window sills and moveable island features. Best of all, the variety of granite remnants allows a homeowner to showcase the beauty of the natural stone at a fraction of the cost.
While granite and other natural stone materials are an especially durable material, it’s important to provide the small remnants with the same care as a larger slab used in a countertop or floor. For smart multi-tasking, try Rock Doctor Granite Cleaner for cleaning granite, marble, quartz, natural stone and stainless steel. Non-abrasive and non-acidic, Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Cleaner is free of harsh chemicals and cleans stains and soil from stone surfaces and stainless steel, leaving behind a clean, fresh scent. Further protect the surface from stains with an application of Rock Doctor Granite & Stone Sealer every 12 to 18 months. One can covers approximately 100 square feet of stone. Earn a $2 mail-in rebate with the purchase of each Rock Doctor Item. Just scan the original receipt and email it to Rock Doctor at lauraj@apexprod.com
This article was brought to you by Rock Doctor, which offers a line of specially-formulated stone cleaner, stone polish, and stone sealer products. Rock Doctor stone care products can be purchased through a number of fine retail stores, including Wal-Mart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ace Hardware, Do it Best Hardware, Hy-Vee, and Wegmans.
