I love it when something connects the dots: A zero-energy home with a huge vegetable garden that connects us to the earth, an innovative new glass product – like that of Scholl Glas – that connects us to warmth of the sun, or a 100% post-consumer and post-industrial paper countertop that brings the infamous diagram of recycling something to life. Being that it’s December now, there is no better time to decide that a ShetkaStone project for the new year can help shape your greener lifestyle for 2011.

ShetkaStone.

Made from 100% Recycled Materials

Created from fiber-based materials of both post-consumer and post-industrial origins, ShetkaStone surfaces are made from cardboard, magazines, newsprint, office paper, and even shredded currency. A company founded by Stan Shetka of Le Center, Minnesota whose experience in recycled paper dates back to a term paper he submitted while at the University of Minnesota in the form of a paper brick – made from his class textbook – launched his devoted interest in the creation of versatile, recycled paper surfaces. Now, besides his years of memorable art classes taught at Gustavus Adolphus College (one of which I actually attended during my first year of college) his passionate expertise in the recycling process perpetuates an appreciation for him only surpassed by the products he creates.

Others are catching on to the recycled paper movement besides individual consumers who want to connect their own dots. In fact, you may recall the recent Baltix post that mentioned using ShetkaStone surfaces as a healthier alternative to your cubical lifestyle.

ShetkaStone offers seven standard colors, but any color can be custom-matched for your specific, zero VOC finished surface. Instead of using formaldehyde, they use natural binding properties paper contains coupled with with plaster, plastic polyester, or paper glue to create the end result. In addition to the seven standard color choices, you also have seven different edge finishes that include combinations of round over, beveled, and eased edging in various sizes.

Depending upon how you see it, perhaps the most beautiful part of a ShetkaStone product is its ability to recycle itself. According to their website, “many years from now, when your surface reaches the end of its life cycle, you can return it to us”. Thanks to his dedication to creating a better world through teaching and product development, Stan has mastered the art of a recycled surface that connects our passion for greening the earth to the act of following through.