Marbles
A strong rock usually known for its white colouring and distinct pattern, marble is an option for paving and will last, evidenced by the marble creations of ancient Greece and Rome.
Pros
– In its outdoor usage, marble can last a lifetime. (ref) A massive benefit as the material will not need to be replaced for a very long time and this will reduce the amount of material used in the long-run.
– Marble can also recycled. (ref) Reducing the demand of it from quarries and helping limit the extraction of a finite source.
Cons
– There are concerns marble mines can be detrimental to the environment, via its waste emissions. When it is imported in, the emissions from transportation can also impact the environment negatively. (ref)
– All stone that is mined may will impact the environment in some manner, the environment will be impacted to access the stone, (ref) impacting habitats and ecological features. Along with this, issues such as water contamination and illegal dumping are issues in some places that harvest stone. (ref)
Marble Summary
Marble is a durable stone, so much so that it can last a lifetime. This means that the marble will not need to be replaced for a long time and this reduces the demand for other stones and materials to replace the stone, making it a good environmental choice. Due to the fact that it is so durable, it can be recycled after its use. Like all stone, quarrying is required to extract marble, and this has negative for the environment in many ways, be that through water contamination or destroyed environments, third party certifications ensure that the impact of these activities is limited. Other hard stones, such as Granite or Sandstone offer an alternate to marble, however sourcing is a key factor to consider.