"Recycled Plastic can be up to 68% Cheaper"
Going green can be expensive ‐ even switching from regular light bulbs to fluorescent ones can be a hard choice when the upfront cost is at least a dollar more per bulb; but just like light bulbs that can recoup the extra expense within approximately 17 days1 due to electricity savings, many other green choices can save you money in the long run.
Docks, decks, benches, picnic tables and walkways are exposed to the elements 24/7, and depending on sun exposure and how often it rains in your area, you could be repairing and repainting every year.
"Recycled Plastic can be up to 68% cheaper"
Redwood Plastics now distributes Recycled Plastic Lumber; Redco(TM) Greenplus which is made of 100% recycled materials and is guaranteed to last up to 50 years*. Depending on the application, recycled plastic can be 68% cheaper (over 20 years2) than cedar because there are no maintenance costs (refer to chart).
"8 boards = 1,592 milk cartons"
Redco(TM) Greenplus doesn't turn grey or warp due to water absorption; it maintains its original shape and color and saves you time and money in painting, pressure washing staining, sealing and vandalism repair. It looks new for decades without painting or maintenance.
It looks new for decades without painting or maintenance.
So why are some people still using wood? Treated wood has a slightly cheaper price tag compared to cedar and recycled plastic, but not many people consider the long term expenses or how dissatisfied they will be with how it looks after a few years.
Some contractors and engineers use inexpensive materials for new construction, it looks great when it is first completed and it saves them money, but it ends up costing the home owner or the tax payer in the long run. Treated wood is still widely used because it is cheaper for the initial construction but you will pay more in the long run.
Now for the best reason to switch to recycled plastic for construction; besides saving money, Redco(TM) Greenplus diverts approximately 199 milk cartons from the landfill for every 8ft board and the entire process itself is environmentally friendly. No toxin byproducts or noxious fumes are associated with the production of the material and there is no waste produced in the process as well.
Most importantly Redco(TM) Greenplus is safe unlike CCA‐treated wood which has been reported to cause rashes and cause serious health risks from arsenic and chromium poisoning3.
References:
1. http://green.msn.com/Green‐Living/Which‐Green‐Upgrades‐Are‐Worth‐The‐Extra‐Expense/7
2. http://costhelper.com/cost/home‐garden/deck.html
3. http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/w99wood.html
* Please request Guarantee for warranty conditions.
HELPFUL LINKS FOR GREEN BUILDING:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
DATABASE OF STATE INCENTIVES FOR RENEWABLES & EFFICIENCY:
www.dsireusa.org
LEED PROGRAM:
www.usgbc.org
LEED PROGRAM CHECKLIST CONSIDERATIONS:
Redco(TM) Greenplus may increase your rating regarding:
(USGBC does not certify, endorse or promote products, services or companies, nor do we track, list or report data related to products and their environmental qualities.)
o Recycled Content
o Regional Materials (extracted, processed & manufactured)
o Low‐emitting materials (paint not needed)
o Innovation in Design
o Rapidly Renewable Materials
CANADA:
INFORMATION ON GRANT PROGRAMS FOR GREEN BUILDING:
citygreen.ca
OTHER RESOURCES:
www.healthybuilding.net
www.buildinggreen.com
www.builtgreencanada.ca
