If you're searching for something new — maybe as a back splash, wall accent, or decorative element — give Slate-ish a look.  Slate-ish tiles come in seven colors and are made from reclaimed scrap from the fabrication of Richlite and PaperStone countertops.  This is 100% post-industrial waste paper laminate cut into strips, squares, bars, and cubes.  Slate-ish tiles are light, non-porous, and provide an interesting alternative to stone applications. 

5-6-09 Update: Slate-ish tells us most tiles are under $20 psf loose, with a range of $15-40 psf.  Backed tiles on pre-mounted panels run about $20 psf extra.  Read more about Slate-ish …

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Cosentino, the world’s largest maker of quartz, has just launched an eco-friendly countertop called ECO by Cosentino.  The new countertop is the embodiment of six million dollars of research over a three year period.  It’s available nationally through Lowe’s at a price of $68-$118, depending on thickness and color.  ECO contains 75% post-consumer and post-industrial recycled raw materials and 25% natural elements.

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Once voted Product of the Year by Interior Design Magazine, Wall Flats offer a super modern and green alternative to wallpaper.  This 3D product is made from 100% bamboo pulp, is chemical-free, and 100% biodegradable.

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We’ve heard that the value of green construction starts could reach $140 billion by 2013, but what about the market for green building materials?  Thanks to a report by the Freedonia Group, Inc., we have some numbers to look at.  According to the Green Building Materials to 2013 report released in February 2009, U.S. demand for green building products is expected to reach $80 billion by 2013.  The market is currently at $57 billion, representing a whopping average 7.2% annual increase over the next five years.

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Ecolect, a website that helps designers, architects, and builders discover eco-friendly material alternatives, has launched an interesting service called GreenBox.  GreenBox is an annual subscription of green material samples that's shipped right to your door every three months.  Each GreenBox delivery includes 8-12 material samples, material information, sustainability specs, performance overview, cost profiles, and distributor information.  And it's all neatly designed to hang on the wall or cubicle or any other place you have in mind. 

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