Are you worried about the environmental impact of your decking choices? With sustainability becoming more important, selecting eco-friendly materials for outdoor spaces is crucial. Without careful consideration, you might choose materials that harm the environment and contribute to deforestation.
We believe in providing sustainable solutions that benefit our clients and the planet. Our 15+ years of deck-building experience with Trex composite decking has shown us its significant environmental advantages, making it a top choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
In this article, you’ll learn about the five environmental benefits of choosing Trex composite decking:
- Made from Recycled Materials
- A Sustainable Supply Chain
- Low Maintenance
- Long-Lasting Durability
- Recycling Pledge and Big-Picture Thinking
(The product information for Trex Composite Decking was provided by Jeff Ruddick, an Account Manager at Trex with nearly 20 years of experience selling their composite decking products.)
1. Made from Recycled Materials
Trex composite decking is made from 95% recycled materials, including plastic bags, wood scraps, and other waste. This helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and minimizes the need for new raw materials.
At a glance, here are the perks to choosing Trex’s recycled materials, as well as the environmental impact:
Homeowner Benefits:
- Supports recycling efforts.
- Reduces the waste in landfills.
- Offers a high-quality product without compromising on performance.
Environmental Impact:
- Decreases landfill waste.
- Promotes sustainable resource use.
- Lowers demand for virgin materials.
Now, let’s explore the main recycled components of Trex’s sustainable composite decking: reclaimed wood and recycled plastic film:
Reclaimed Wood
Trex uses locally sourced reclaimed wood that would otherwise be in a landfill. This reclaimed sawdust means no trees are cut down to make Trex products.
Homeowner Benefits:
- Contributes to forest conservation.
- Reduces the carbon footprint of your deck.
- Offers a product made from sustainable resources.
Environmental Impact:
- Prevents deforestation.
- Conserves natural habitats.
- Reduces the carbon emissions associated with logging.
Recycled Plastic Film
Trex combines reclaimed wood with recycled plastic film and other recycled components. These include overwrap on paper towels, dry cleaner bags, sandwich bags, newspaper sleeves, and grocery bags. Impressively, a 20’x20’ Trex deck contains more than 1,500 pounds of recycled and reclaimed wood and plastic film.
Homeowner Benefits:
- Contributes to a cleaner environment.
- Supports the recycling of everyday plastic waste.
- Ensures a high-performance, durable decking product.
Environmental Impact:
- Reduces plastic pollution.
- Decreases the need for new plastic production.
- Promotes the recycling of post-consumer plastic.
2. A Sustainable Supply Chain
Trex actively ensures that its supply vendors operate ethically and responsibly. Approximately 95% of Trex's supply vendors are based in the U.S. Trex conducts supply chain assessments and facility tours to work with suppliers to reduce environmental impacts.
Here are the perks and environmental impact from Trex’s sustainable supply chain:
Homeowner Benefits:
- Contributes to the local economy.
- Supports ethical business practices.
- Ensures product quality and consistency.
Environmental Impact:
- Promotes sustainable business operations.
- Encourages responsible sourcing of materials.
- Reduces environmental impact across the supply chain.
3. Low Maintenance
Trex decking is designed to be low maintenance, eliminating the need for harmful chemical treatments, stains, or sealants.
Let’s explore how this feature can help your deck and the environment thrive:
Homeowner Benefits:
- Provides a safe outdoor space.
- Saves time and money on maintenance.
- Ensures long-lasting beauty and performance.
Environmental Impact:
- Promotes a healthier ecosystem.
- Decreases the use of toxic substances.
- Reduces chemical runoff into the environment.
4. Long-Lasting Durability
Trex composite decking is built to last, far exceeding the lifespan of traditional wood decking (Trex: 25-50 years, Wood: 10-15 years).
Unlike wood, which can rot, warp, and crack over time, Trex decking is designed to resist these common problems. It won't splinter or need to be replaced as often, saving you time and money on maintenance and repairs.
With Trex, you get a durable, long-lasting deck that looks great year after year.
Homeowner Benefits:
- Reduces the need for frequent replacements.
- Offers a durable and reliable decking solution.
- Provides a long-term investment in your home.
Environmental Impact:
- Decreases material waste over time.
- Promotes sustainability through longevity.
- Reduces the resources needed for replacements.
5. Recycling Pledge and Big-Picture Thinking
Trex is one of the largest plastic film recyclers in the U.S., saving about 1 billion pounds of plastic film and reclaimed wood from landfills each year! Since its inception, Trex has diverted and recycled more than 5 billion pounds of polyethylene film.
Additionally, Trex collaborates with the U.S. Green Building Council to transform how buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated. Trex products contribute up to four LEED points in the Materials and Resources category, promoting eco-friendly building practices.
Homeowner Benefits:
- Contributes to a cleaner environment.
- Supports large-scale recycling efforts.
- Provides a high-quality, eco-friendly decking option.
Environmental Impact:
- Promotes large-scale recycling.
- Diverts significant waste from landfills.
- Reduces the environmental footprint of decking materials.
3 Sustainable Deck Features to Pair with Trex Composite Decking
So, what goes best with green composite decking? We’re glad you asked!
Here are sustainable design ideas to pair with Trex composite decking. Each option can be incorporated into your deck with long-lasting positive effects:
1. Solar Lighting
PC: Amazon
Solar-powered lighting is an excellent addition to any deck, providing illumination without increasing your energy bill. These lights harness the sun’s energy during the day and light up your deck at night, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Benefits for Your Deck:
- Easy to install without the need for wiring
- Enhance safety by lighting walkways and stairs
- Create an ambiance with soft, eco-friendly lighting
Environmental Impact:
- Lower your carbon footprint
- Reduce energy consumption
- Utilize renewable energy sources
2. Eco-Friendly Furniture
Choosing eco-friendly furniture for your deck is a great way to complement your Trex composite decking. Consider options like POLYWOOD furniture by Trex, made from recycled materials, or choose other sustainable options like bamboo and responsibly sourced wood, all of which are durable and environmentally responsible.
Benefits for Your Deck:
- Durable and weather-resistant materials
- Stylish and comfortable seating options
- Low maintenance and long-lasting
Environmental Impact:
- Reduce waste by using recycled materials
- Support sustainable forestry practices
- Minimize your environmental footprint
3. Native Plants and Landscaping
Using native plants in your landscaping can create a beautiful, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly garden around your deck. These plants require less water and are more resistant to local pests and diseases.
Benefits for Your Deck:
- Create a low-maintenance garden
- Attract local wildlife, such as birds and butterflies
- Enhance the natural beauty of your outdoor space
Environmental Impact:
- Support local ecosystems and biodiversity
- Conserve water with drought-tolerant plants
- Reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers
Michigan Plant Ideas:
- Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)
- Ideal for planters and garden borders
- Tolerates partial shade and is drought-resistant
- Attractive pink to purple flowers that bloom in spring
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
- Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil
- Requires minimal watering once established
- Bright yellow flowers with dark centers that bloom from summer to fall
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Drought-resistant and easy to grow
- Prefers full sun and can tolerate poor soil conditions
- Showy purple flowers that attract pollinators like butterflies and bees
Next Steps to Building or Remodeling Your Deck with Trex Composite Decking
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your decking choices, it’s essential to consider eco-friendly options. Without careful consideration, you risk contributing to deforestation and environmental degradation.
By choosing Trex composite decking, you support a sustainable product made from recycled materials, reduce deforestation, and benefit from low-maintenance, durable decking. You’ve learned how Trex’s manufacturing process and product design help minimize environmental harm.
As a design and remodeling company with over 15 years of experience, we understand the importance of making environmentally responsible choices. We've seen firsthand the benefits of Trex composite decking and are committed to helping our clients create sustainable outdoor spaces.
Ready to make a positive environmental impact with your decking? Contact our team of design-build professionals to discuss your Trex decking options. Visit our website for more information on sustainable decking solutions, and start your eco-friendly project today!
Now that you know more about the environmental benefits of choosing Trex composite decking, let’s explore how much composite decks cost, the top differences between Trex and wood decking, and Trex’s high-quality composite lines:
- How Much Do Composite Decks Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - An overview of how much your Lansing composite deck will cost and the factors that will influence your price.
- Top 10 Differences Between Trex Composite and Wood Decking Material - Learn more about the basic yet essential differences between Trex composite and wood decking when choosing your deck’s materials.
- Comparing Trex Lineage, Transcend, Select, and Enhance Composite Decking Lines - Explore our thorough comparison of Trex’s most common composite decking options, including cost, colors, and benefits.
