If you’re planning to replace your kitchen countertops, you might want to consider a few sustainable options that don’t compromise on performance and style. These five kitchen counter materials are distinct in their design and have less of an impact on the environment than other countertop options.

1. Lapitec Sintered Stone

Lapitec produces a sintered stone slab with health in mind. Unlike engineered quartz and granite, Lapitec contains little to no crystalline silica in its composition. Sintered stone is created when natural minerals are exposed to extreme pressure and temperature. Lapitec’s sintered stone requires no binding agents, inks or dyes. This gives it almost zero porousness and makes it 100% recyclable and color stable. It is durable and long lasting; and resists heat and scratches, as well as acid and alkalis. Lapitec’s lack of porousness also makes it resistant to moisture, stains, mold and bacteria.

Lapitec can be used for indoor or outdoor kitchen counters, bathroom counters and floors, as well as internal or external cladding, interior flooring, exterior paving, stairs, outdoor swimming pools and even some facades.

This countertop material comes in nine finishes ranging from smooth and velvety to a rugged look that emulates natural stone and a wide range of colors.. The material can work within transitional, modern and minimalist design styles.

Being nonporous, you don’t need to worry about wiping up spills immediately. It has an antibacterial, antifungal surface. Cleaning is as simple as soap and water. No sealing or special cleaning products are required.

1. Altrock Solid Surface

Altrock is a solid surface that combines byproducts of marble manufacturing — marble dust, chips and chunks — with pigmented resin. Slabs are cast by hand in all shapes and sizes, then sealed with a wax oil that dries to a matte finish. The wax finish deepens and highlights the veining of the marble chunks. The result is a dramatic large-scale terrazzo look made of 87% reclaimed or recycled materials. Altrock’s wax finish provides a durable, waterproof finish that can handle heat and resist stains.

It can be used for kitchen counters as well as flooring, bathroom surfaces and dining or coffee tables.

Altrock can be made in a wide range of colors. The background can be customized to match your palette. Since the marble is reclaimed, some colors are rarer and subject to availability. This material can add drama to a minimalist design scheme or a layer of interest to an eclectic space.

Altrock should be cared for like marble. Acidic spills must be wiped up promptly. Use soapy water or a light multipurpose cleaner; no bleach. The sealant for Altrock is grease- and stain-resistant, and the resin terrazzo surface is nonporous, making it more stain-resistant than a cement-based terrazzo.

1. Durat Solid Surface

Durat is a solid surface that contains up to 30% recycled plastic collected from the medical and cellphone industries. The waste is granulated, giving Durat its distinct speckled look. The final product is also 100% recyclable. In fact, the company reclaims its own material from old client projects and uses it to make new slabs of recycled Durat. It is resistant to wear, heat, humidity and various kinds of chemicals and household substances. Scratches and other marks can be removed with a quick polish. Deeper scratches can be lightly sanded, and cracks can be filled to make the surface look like new.

Sheets of Durat can be used to create seamless surfaces tens of yards long. The seams can be sanded to become invisible, making this product a good solution for long kitchen islands or countertops. It can also be used to fabricate custom sinks, bathtubs, shower bases, backsplashes, shelves, tables and benches.

Durat offers more than 300 standard background colors in a range of textures and with different color speckles, as well as the option to create custom colors. The seamless look makes it suitable for modern and minimalist design aesthetics.

Durat surfaces should be cleaned with a mild soap-based solution. Window cleaning liquid or furniture mineral oil washed with a mild soap solution can increase the shine of a Durat surface.

1. IceStone Recycled Glass Countertops

IceStone is made from three core ingredients: Portland cement, recycled glass and nontoxic pigments. The recycled glass gives IceStone its terrazzo look. The manufacturer is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and is Cradle to Cradle Certified, meaning it’s rated for product safety, recycled content, recyclability and manufacturing processes. While IceStone is strong, it is not as durable as Durat or Lapitec. Acids and strong alkaline cleaning products will etch it.

It works well for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, desks and fireplace surrounds.

This product is available in 17 colors ranging from contemporary jewel tones to classic neutrals. Slabs are shipped in a polished finish but can be honed or sandblasted by a fabricator.

IceStone is porous like natural stone and must be periodically sealed. To protect the sealer and the surface, use trivets to guard against heat marks, and cutting boards to prevent scratches. Spills of coffee, wine, fruit juice and other acidic liquid should be wiped up promptly with a damp cloth. For regular cleaning, use a damp cloth and a cleaning product free of chlorine bleach, ammonia, acid and citrus scents.

1. Richlite Paper Countertops

Richlite is made from 65% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified recycled paper and 35% resin. Workers saturate rolls of paper with resin, then carefully stack and compress them under even heat and pressure. The process bonds the layers of paper together and cures the resin, resulting in a solid, stable material. It can withstand heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; is fire resistant and durable in high-traffic areas. Red wine, high-alkaline fruits or vegetables like papaya and red beets, and high alkaline soaps like dishwasher powder and oven cleaners may stain if left on the surface. It will show scratches and patina over time, much like stainless, wood or copper countertops. The scratches can be sanded and the material can be resealed to restore its smooth finish.

In addition to kitchen counters, Richlite can be used for bathroom counters, as cabinetry material and to make furnishings. It can also be used for wall panels, baseboards, molding, trim, shelving, doors and stair treads.

Richlite has a smooth finish and is available in three color collections, and in milled, leathered and honed finishes. It’s smooth, minimalist appearance makes it well-suited for contemporary, modern, industrial and eclectic kitchens.

Wipe Richlite surfaces with warm water and a sponge. Mild soap can be used to clean the surface. Avoid bleach products or abrasive powdered cleaners, as well as the abrasive side of sponges.