Last Updated on July 12, 2024
Did you know the average American spends 90% of their time indoors? The irony is getting outside is so good for our health: Spending just 20 minutes outside a day helps reduce stress.
You don’t even have to leave the comfort of home to reap the benefits: Enjoying outdoor spaces in your front yard, porch, patio, or backyard are a simple way to get outside.
This post was sponsored by TimberTech. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information please see my disclosure policy. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
There are so many ways to create a sustainable outdoor space too: Planting a native pollinator garden, starting a veggie garden, thrifting secondhand outdoor furniture, and eco-friendly decking are just a few.
I’m a big advocate for shopping secondhand and not just with clothes. You can find so many unique and affordable outdoor furniture sets in thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, or your local Buy Nothing group.
Plus, there are so many creative ways to customize your finds, be it through an elaborate paint job or a quick polish. The more effort you put into making an outdoor space yours, the more likely you are to utilize it.
In Maine, we get a few months of absolute bliss during the summer. The weather is so perfect, and I want to soak up every single moment before the long winter. I love hosting parties and gatherings and if you do too, and you’re looking for sustainable decking or creating a more eco friendly space then look no further.
Sustainable decking is not exactly a hot topic most people talk about, let alone think about. But we should! Decking can take up a huge chunk of space in the backyard and it does require a lot of materials, energy and labor to put together.
That’s why I was so excited to find TimberTech, a sustainable decking company that utilizes recycled materials and conscious manufacturing processes. Their decking is crafted from high performance materials that are sourced thoughtfully and responsibly.
If you’re looking to upgrade your backyard space with minimal impact on the environment, here’s everything you need to know about sustainable outdoor decking.
what material should be used for a deck?
There are a few different materials to choose from when it comes to deciding on a deck. The most common materials include wood, recycled PVC, and composite decking.
Which material you use depends on your specific needs and circumstances. For example, if your deck will be near water, will encounter a lot of foot traffic, and you want it to stay cool to the touch, PVC may be the best choice.
While many think wood is the most sustainable material because it is natural, that isn’t necessarily the case. Wooden decks do not last as long as composite or PVC decking and they are susceptible to mold and mildew.
While wood has a natural feel and is biodegradable, this also means it will eventually deteriorate over time. On average a wooden deck will typically last 10 to 15 years. However, capped composite boards can last 25 to 30+ years and capped PVC can potentially last 50 years or more.
Also, TimberTech’s Advanced PVC has an 89% lower lifecycle carbon footprint vs. Brazilian Tropical Ipe decking. It also has a 26% lower lifecycle carbon footprint vs. pine decking. This means that not only does PVC decking last longer, but if it’s sustainably manufactured and mostly made from recycled content (like TimberTech’s PVC is), it has a smaller carbon footprint than some popular wood decking options.
Choosing materials and products that are designed to last will always be an eco-friendly option. Overall, less resources will need to be wasted or used to maintain that material.
If you are looking for PVC decking, I recommend looking into recycled PVC, which is what TimberTech uses (more on this later).
It’s also worth noting that composite decking is made from recycled plastic and reclaimed wood. This lasts twice as long as wood and doesn’t need frequent applications of harsh cleaners, stains, or sealers.
Ultimately, the most sustainable decking material to choose is the one that will last the longest in your specific climate and backyard.
what is an eco-friendly material instead of wood?
Recycled PVC and composite decking are eco-friendly materials to consider if you’re looking for something besides traditional wood. These materials will last longer and tolerate higher foot traffic in comparison to wood.
That said, not all PVC and composite decking are created equal. For example, unless stated otherwise, a brand may use virgin materials in their PVC decking, which have a higher carbon footprint.
TimberTech offers both recycled PVC and composite decking. Here’s why each of their decking materials are more sustainable than alternatives.
recycled pvc decking
- Made in the USA from approximately 60% recycled material, including post-construction scrap like vinyl siding and trim.
- It’s fully recyclable at the end of its useful life, through TimberTech FULL-CIRCLE.
- Lasts longer: Decking is highly resistant to moisture damage like mold and mildew, and it won’t splinter, crack, warp, peel, or rot.
- Less work, which equals less harsh cleaners, stains and seals. Just an occasional scrub and rinse are all that’s needed.
- Protected with a 50-year Fade & Stain Limited Warranty and Lifetime Limited Product Warranty.
composite decking
- TimberTech composite decking is made of a mix of high-performance and recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fibers.
- Made in the USA from approximately 85% recycled material including plastic bags, milk jugs, and other discarded plastics.
- Made to last and won’t splinter, crack, warp, or peel.
- Low maintenance: Just scrub and rinse.
- Protected by Limited Product and Fade & Stain Warranties that last up to 30 years
what does eco-friendly decking cost?
To get a feel for what eco-friendly decking costs, TimberTech has a decking cost calculator that can give you an estimate on how much a project may cost.
There are various factors that can drive the total cost of the project up or down, including the size and complexity of the deck, your location, the contractor you choose, permit fees, the landscaping of your property, and features like railing, stairs, or lighting.
The average 16×20 foot deck is 320 square feet. For this size, an estimated overall cost would be ~$10k to $16k. With railing, it bumps up to ~$15k to $22k.
While a TimberTech deck may cost more upfront, the savings over time are substantial since TimberTech decking won’t require the same annual maintenance and repairs as a wood deck.
Just remember that each project varies and the best way to determine the cost of yours is to use TimberTech’s cost calculator. You can also request a quote or find a contractor easily through TimberTech.
TimberTech: an environmentally friendly deck option
Recently, Justin and I moved to Maine and purchased an older home that we’ve spent a good chunk of time restoring. We’re trying to do it as sustainably as possible, all while honoring the history of the home.
Most all of my furniture is vintage and secondhand. We’re choosing energy efficient updates. Looking at sustainable materials, paint, and trying to choose timeless decor and design that won’t need to be consistently updated.
We are blessed to have a small deck where we host friends for bbqs, outdoor movie nights, and even just peacefully reading in the luscious weather. Our existing wooden deck is in super great shape, but when the time comes to replace it, TimberTech is on our list. I’m drawn to the ease, maintenance, and I love supporting companies who use recycled materials.
Putting your recycling in the bin is only one part of the process! Businesses actually have to have incentive to buy those raw materials and use them in the creation of their products.
And it’s not limited to just their decking. They also offer outdoor furniture and railing made from recycled materials, plus lighting, to complete your deck space.
But recycled materials are just the beginning! Here are a few reasons why TimberTech is an eco-friendly deck option.
recycled materials
Recycled materials have a lower carbon footprint than virgin materials, because you’re not extracting anything new from the environment, but using what’s already available.
Together with their parent company, The AZEK Company, TimberTech transforms hundreds of millions of pounds of landfill-bound waste and scrap into beautiful, low-maintenance, long-lasting products annually.
In fact, their parent company AZEK is the largest vertically integrated recycler of PVC in the U.S. Their recycling facilities are owned and operated in Ohio and Michigan where they process hundreds of millions of pounds of plastic waste and scrap each year.
TimberTech decking is engineered from 60 to 85% recycled content. They utilize landfill and ocean-bound wood and plastic waste, scrap and trash, like grocery bags, milk jugs, PVC pipe, construction waste, and old vinyl siding, to create their decking.
eco conscious manufacturing process
TimberTech’s sustainability doesn’t end at their products, but carries into the way they’re produced.
Their facilities in Wilmington, OH, Scranton, PA and Boise, ID, employ a closed-loop water filtration system that reuses and recycles millions of gallons of water daily. This saves ~96% of their water use annually.
On top of this, most of their manufacturing sites source carbon-free electricity and use energy-efficient systems for power, heating and cooling, water, and LED lighting.
Specific to their Boise, ID location, they’ve installed LED lighting upgrades, efficient water-cooled chillers, rainwater harvesting systems, bicycle and electric vehicle charging stations, and a state of the art AZEK University training center.
partnered with thredup
ThredUP is the world’s largest online thrift store that carries more than 35,000 name brand items. The store also accepts clothing for sale – all you have to do is request a Clean Out bag and fill it with high quality name-brand pieces.
RELATED: 7 Places to Resell Your Clothes Online
Thing is, ThredUP still ships their clothes in plastic bags, which aren’t known for being easy to recycle via curbside. But these aren’t going to waste. In fact, TimberTech is upcycling them into their composite decking material.
Through a partnership with ThredUP, TimberTech is responsibly transforming plastic film waste into new products. AZEK is collecting 100% of ThredUP’s polyethylene plastic Clean Out Bags after the contents have been processed.
On top of this, they are also collecting ThredUP’s post-industrial plastic film waste and transporting them to AZEK’s vertically integrated polyethylene recycling facility in Wilmington, Ohio. There, these materials are processed and incorporated into TimberTech’s composite decking material. Talk about a great example of a circular economy!
eco awards
Others are taking notice of TimberTech’s sustainable commitments too.
Together with their parent company, AZEK, TimberTech has been recognized through multiple awards showcasing how they’re revolutionizing outdoor living and creating a more sustainable future.
Some of their awards include:
- 2023 Green Builder Sustainable Product Of The Year
- 2022 ESG GameChanger Awards
- Architizer A+Products Winner
- Real Leaders Impact Awards Winner
So, would you give TimberTech decking a try? Which of their decking material appeals most to you? Let me know in the comments!
The post How to Create a Sustainable Outdoor Deck appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Curating a conscious home is a thoughtful process involving much consideration — who made my products, how they were made, and what are they made from — and this guide aims to support you on your journey towards finding ethical and sustainable home decor you truly love.
What is Sustainable Home Decor?
Sustainable home decor includes any home decor that is made in a way that takes into consideration both the makers and the planet. Sustainable home decor will be ethically made using eco-friendly and natural materials. Eco-friendly decor will also be produced using sustainable supply chain practices. This includes using renewable energy and recycled or compostable packaging.
While there are numerous sustainable home decor brands, some of which are featured below, first consider what’s already been made in order to prevent contributing to new waste. Secondhand, used, or DIY home decor options are typically more sustainable than buying new.
What is Ethical and Fair Trade Home Decor?
Ethical and Fair Trade home decor is produced in a way that adheres to Fair Trade standards and is, ideally, Fair Trade Certified. Fair Trade means paying artisans and makers a fair, living wage and providing ethical working conditions. Ethical home decor also includes supporting goods made by artisans using traditional heritage techniques and art forms. Many cultures around the world are at risk of losing their age-old artisanal crafts forever in the age of mass manufacturing.
It’s important to note that sometimes a major brand may use an “eco” fiber while still supporting irresponsible labor practices, and excessive production amounts that inevitably lead to a lot of waste. This is not true sustainability in my mind!
Most artisan-made home decor is ethically produced and directly supports the makers. However, it’s important to check if a brand or marketplace is transparent about their business practices to ensure they are ethical or Fair Trade.
Where Can You Find Sustainable Home Decor?
In terms of environmental sustainability, looking secondhand and vintage is always a great first place to look for sustainable home decor.
But if you’ve scoured those options and haven’t found what you’re looking for and/or if you’re looking to financially support artisans and traditional crafts around the globe, this shopping guide is designed for you. You’ll discover many brands with artfully designed and artisan handmade goods for furnishing any space among this list of decor brands.
All of the brands in this guide use natural and/or recycled fibers and avoid the use of virgin synthetics like polyester; however, some brands do use materials that are not the most environmentally-friendly option on the market, such as conventional cotton.
And of course, I wanted to choose brands that followed slow, thoughtful production practices, prioritizing artisan handmade over factory labor and quality over quantity.
So without further ado, here are my favorite small-batch, artisan-made, and ethical home decor brands.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links — as always, we only curate brands vetted for sustainability that we love (and that we think you’ll love too).
1. Urban Natural
Categories: Accent Pillows, Tabletop, Lighting, Wall Art & Mirrors, Blankets & Throws
Eco-friendly home retailer Urban Natural is on a mission to curate high-quality furniture (and other home goods) built with quality and free of toxic chemicals. Urban Natural carries several sustainable home decor brands, including artisan brands Ethnicraft and Jaipur Living as well as ethically USA-made brands Farmhouse Pottery and East Fork.
2. GOODEE
Categories: Pillows, Lighting, Wall Decor, Planters, Baskets, Blankets, Candles
GOODEE is an ethical marketplace featuring numerous sustainable artisan brands and designers. You’ll find a variety of beautifully crafted home decor goods to suit a wide range of styles. Goodee is a Climate Neutral and B Corp Certified company. They publish an annual impact report so you can easily ensure their business practices align with your values.
Our favorite brands on Goodee are Texidors, Baba Tree, Makaua, and Tensira.
3. Healthier Homes
Categories: Rugs, Lighting, Tabletop, Baskets, Wall Decor & Wallpaper
Founded after years running an award-winning healthy home building firm and publishing a book by the same name (Healthier Homes) this retailer is a go-to online destination for finding non-toxic home goods. The eco-friendly home decor on Healthier Homes is primarily made with natural materials like clay, cotton, seagrass, mango wood, and bamboo,
4. Will & Atlas
Categories: Baskets, Tabletop
Will & Atlas is a women-owned small business making most of their homewares from plant materials like jute, palm leaf, and hogla grass. Their natural fiber baskets are flexile but sturdy built to hold blankets, pillows, laundry, magazines, toys, or just to stand alone as a decor piece. You’ll also find jute coasters and placemats in their tabletop collection.
The brand is committed to ethical practices, partnering with nonprofit fair trade artisan groups in Bangladesh and craftspeople in the U.S. to build long-lasting production relationships.
5. Ten Thousand Villages
Categories: Baskets, Pillows, Throws, Candles, Wall Art, Planters & Vases
Founded 80 years ago, Ten Thousand Villages is the original fair trade store. Throughout the decades, the nonprofit business has continued their commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, as well as sustainability.
As a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization, with artisans around the world from under-resourced communities. Most of the products they carry are made from recycled, upcycled, and natural materials.
6. MagicLinen
Categories: Curtains, Kitchen Linens
Linen is an exceptional material for home decor — there’s a reason we say “kitchen linens!” It’s natural, beautiful, and is often high quality.
I purchased a set of linen curtains from Magic Linen one year ago and they remain one of my favorite home decor pieces. The fabric they use meets the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, meaning its been tested for harmful substances.
7. Passion Lilie
Categories: Pillow Covers, Table Linens
Passion Lilie is a fair trade fashion and lifestyle brand with ethically made home decor, too. The Fair Trade Verified brand has handwoven cotton blankets, organic cotton kitchen linens, unique ornaments, and hand-dyed throw pillow covers.
Each piece is made by Passion Lilie’s partners in India who pay living wages and ensure a safe working environment. Beyond this, the brand supports efforts to enable artisans to continually develop their skills and creates opportunities for community development.
8. 54kibo
Categories: Throw Pillows, Wall Hangings & Artwork, Mirrors, Baskets, Rugs, Lighting
A destination for modern African artisanal decor, 54kibo curates a stunning selection of ethically made home decor. The pieces on 54kibo are made with time-honored techniques using locally sourced materials with rich histories. The designs are exceptional, but the stories behind them make the pieces beautiful additions to your home beyond the surface.
9. The Citizenry
Categories: Baskets, Planters & Vases, Tabletop, Wall Decor, Mirrors
The Citizenry partners with artisans around the world, ensuring safe conditions, fair wages, and offering grants to their artisan partners so that they can expand their businesses.
Their online collection features small-batch artisan-made home goods made from locally-sourced and natural materials like palm leaves and indigo dyes.
More Sustainable Home Guides:
Sustainable Furniture Brands to Furnish a Conscious Home
Best Eco-Friendly and Zero Waste Kitchen Products
Easy Swaps for a Low Waste, Sustainable Bathroom
The post 9 Beautiful Places to Source Ethical and Eco-Friendly Home Decor appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
9 Beautiful Places to Source Ethical and Eco-Friendly Home Decor
Take a look at why hemp is heralded as a hero material and discover 14 hemp clothing brands that have tapped into its sustainable potential.
The exploration of fabrics has always been a starting point for sustainable innovation in fashion. After all, fabrics provide tangible proof that change is possible while having a direct impact on the environment in one way or another. Plus fabrics are responsible for an outsized proportion of a fashion brand’s carbon footprint and overall environmental impact, including biodiversity loss and pollution.
So, What is Hemp Fabric?
Hemp is a bast fiber produced from the cannabis sativa plant, where every part of the plant can be utilized for over 25,000 industrial uses including clothing, biofuel, bricks, paper, and textiles.
Contrary to its popular association, hemp is actually the sober sister to marijuana. Unlike its recreational sibling that’s grown for its psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) properties, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, a value that was the driving force behind the legalization of hemp production in the 2018 Farm Bill. So while you can’t really get high from hemp, you can definitely enjoy its material benefits — which are plenty!
What is Hemp Clothing?
The simple answer is that hemp clothes are garments made from hemp fabric! But the important caveat here is that most hemp clothes on the market today are not made from 100% hemp fabric. They are usually blended with other fibers, like cotton.
At this point, hemp fabric manufacturing is not at the scale or technological level that the manufacturing of cotton (the most popular natural material) is, making 100% hemp clothing more expensive to produce. Also, pure hemp fabric is also known to be quite stiff until a couple dozen washes later, so blending it with a fiber like cotton can make it softer and easier to wear on the offset.
100% hemp fiber content clothing does exist, it’s just rare at this point. Though we do think this will change with more sustainable material investment happening in the textiles industry.
Is Hemp Clothing Comfortable?
It depends! The softness of hemp clothing will vary based on how the fabric was produce