Sustainability should be our number one concern. Our ozone layer is thinning, our glaciers are melting, and our carbon footprint is higher than ever. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to live a sustainable lifestyle. You can incorporate sustainability in everything you do, from using reclaimed wood for your furniture to taking the bus rather than driving a car to and from work. Every facet of your life can be sustainable, extending to any home improvements you make.
If you choose to build an excellent outdoor addition that’ll add value to your home, such as a deck, you can use sustainable materials that’ll help you do your part to save the environment. So what are some of the different kinds of sustainable decking materials that you can use for your deck or patio? Learn more here.
Wood Decking
Wood decking is the gold standard for decks, but it’s important to search sustainably. Make sure the suppliers that you use sustainably harvest the wood that’s locally grown. Keep the carbon cost of transport in mind. The further a car has to go to deliver the wood to your supplier, the bigger its carbon footprint. You should also ensure the wood hasn’t undergone treatment with harsh chemicals like creosote, pentachlorophenol, and arsenic, which are dubious in terms of safety. Finally, choose reclaimed wood materials repurposed for use in your deck.
Composite Decking
Wood might be the conventional choice, but it’s still not the most sustainable, especially since it’s prone to rot, insect damage, and water damage. It also needs chemical treatments for its protection. Composite decking, on the other hand, is a combo of recycled plastic, reclaimed wood fibers, and binder additives. This makes it one of the most sustainable decking materials on our list.
Aluminum Decking
Aluminum isn’t just for drink containers. Building an aluminum deck is simple and hassle free. An aluminum deck is lightweight and capable of standing the test of time, making it one of the most sustainable options on this list. It doesn’t require treatments like some wood materials, either. On top of this, aluminum is waterproof and doesn’t need much maintenance. If you’re looking for a great deck that’ll span generations, aluminum decking is the way to go. Overall, any of these decks will help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Older urban buildings carry a unique character, from ornate facades to intricate interior details. These qualities create both charm and responsibility for residents, property managers, and city planners.
As communities gather this Sunday, December 7th, to remember, we look back at a single morning that reshaped a nation, examine the causes and consequences of the attack, and reflect on how Hawai‘i and the world carried forward the work of healing and reconciliation.
A Morning That Changed the World
On a clear morning that remains etched into the pages of history, aircraft appeared over Pearl Harbor and the United States Pacific Fleet was struck in a surprise assault. In fewer than two hours, battleships burned, aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and more than 2,400 American service members and civilians lost their lives. The attack thrust the United States into the global conflict of World War II and set in motion a series of events that would transform both the Pacific and the world.
Hitting the open road brings a sense of freedom, but it also brings the challenge of packing. You likely want to bring everything you need without compromising safety or comfort inside the vehicle. However, improperly secured loads can lead to lost luggage and cause serious safety hazards for other drivers on the road.
You’ve just become a mom, and suddenly, everything feels different. Your body, your schedule, your entire identity—it’s all been turned upside down. One minute you’re a person with hobbies, friends, and a life outside of caregiving. The next, you’re knee-deep in diapers, sleep deprivation, and endless feeds. You look in the mirror and wonder: Who even am I anymore?
Trucks and SUVs aren’t designed just for driving on paved roads. With the surrounding natural beauty of the Carolinas, you want to explore more of what the states have to offer.
