Why Use Alternative Materials?

Do you ever wonder what happens to the plastic milk containers and the white plastic bags (post-consumer waste) that you give to the recycler? Well, some of today's construction products contain components made from recycled plastics, while others include sawdust from mills (post-industrial waste) and similar by-products of other industries throughout the country. Local mandatory recycling programs, recycling drives, recycling vendors and waste-to-energy plants all generate waste that can be reused in new materials and products. When you use alternative materials made from recycled waste products, you help the environment. Tell this to your customers.

Some products are manufactured using alternative methods rather than alternative materials. Alternative manufacturing methods often make use of materials that at one time would have been considered waste. Mill ends (2 x 4 studs made up of short 2 x 4s with glued finger joints) are an example of a product produced by alternative methods. Other products are made from blends or combinations of virgin materials and manufactured materials that increase the product's life expectancy. These also help the environment. Products that last longer are less likely to need replacing, and so cost less in the long run. The result is a reduced need for new materials as well as fewer materials discarded into landfills.

Using alternative materials, or products that take advantage of alternative manufacturing methods, not only helps protect and restore our natural resources, but also creates employment, which is healthy for our economy. It can also make your business more profitable. As you can see, everyone benefits!

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