Do you know what a backsplash is? Backsplash is a slice of material that you normally mount behind a stove or sink to avoid water, food and other materials from flapping and discoloring the walls of your kitchen. Traditionally, backsplashes are made from a number of water resistant materials. But due to the impact of global warming, nowadays, eco-friendly backsplashes are occupying every kitchen which adds to greener living. Backsplash in addition to avoiding discoloring of walls can bring in elegance to your kitchen. In this article, you will find Eco friendly backsplash ideas for your kitchen.
Recycled Aluminum
Recycled aluminum backsplash tiles are made from scrap industrial and consumer remnants and shreds from aluminum based industrial processes. These tiles are available in a variety of colors and sizes and possess a checkerboard type finish. These backsplash tiles are easy to maintain and can easily be cleaned using water and detergent.
Recycled Ceramic
Recycled ceramic backsplash tiles are made from a blend of stone, dust, dirt, glass, plastic and other allied products. These substances are assembled in the vicinity and grinded into fine powder and then made into tiles by a casting process. The recycled ceramic tiles are certified by a regulatory authority and you should make sure that the recycled ceramic tiles that you purchase have the regulatory certification. The only negatives with these tiles are that it requires a lot of energy to fervor these tiles. Recycled ceramic tiles are available in all sizes and shapes and may be painted in your preferred color.
Recycled Glass
Similar to recycled aluminum backsplash tiles, recycled glass backsplash tiles are made from scrap industrial remnants and shreds from glass based industrial processes. These backsplash tiles differ from recycled aluminum tiles in color and also in finishes. Normally, recycled glass backsplash tiles possess the color of ordinary glass. They are made in a number of shapes and sizes. It is important to know the density of recycled material used in these tiles since it will determine the life of these tiles.
Scrap Wood
Backsplash can be made from unwanted or unused woods such as teak, ash or oak. You should coat the backsplash made from scrap wood with varnish or lacquer to make it water resistant. Make sure that you use a varnish or lacquer, which is low on volatile organic compound emissions, which are detrimental to the atmosphere. Scrap wood backsplashes should be maintained properly to avoid worn out or peel off. You can also change the color of the scrap wood backsplash once in a while to a color of your choice.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another environmental friendly material, which can be used to make backsplashes for your kitchen. Backsplash made from bamboo has a longer life compared to a backsplash made from scrap wood. Bamboo backsplash has lesser risk of plant depletion compared to scrap wood backsplash. Similar to scrap wood, bamboo backsplash should also be coated with a layer of varnish or lacquer to make it water resistant. Ensure that you use a varnish or lacquer with low volatile organic compound emissions. Similar to scrap wood, you have the option to choose the color for the bamboo backsplash. It is important to maintain the bamboo backsplash cleanly so that the life of the backsplash may be prolonged.
Brick
Brick, as we all may be aware of, is made from soil which is converted into mud and after undergoing a brick heating process becomes brick. Backsplash made from brick is available in all shapes and sizes. The brick backsplash should be carefully maintained since they may chip off if not maintained properly. Brick backsplashes may be painted in the color of your choice. Compared to bamboo or scrap wood made backsplash, brick backsplash has a longer life. It is easy to clean and the color may be changed once in while based on your preference.
Conclusion
As the world is moving towards a greener living regime, backsplashes made from natural and recycled products add spice to your home. The costs of these backsplashes are comparably lower than the artificially generated ones. These eco friendly backsplashes have to be maintained properly so that it has a much longer life. Backsplashes made from recycled aluminum, recycled ceramic, recycled glass and brick are more durable than backsplashes made from bamboo and scrap wood. These eco friendly backsplashes do not emanate harmful greenhouse emissions compared to the artificially generated ones. So, if you are looking for a backsplash, make sure that you look for an eco friendly backsplash made from any one of the aforesaid backsplash choices.
