Cedar for outdoor use
is derived from a renewable resource.
It grows from the earth, is harvested, manufactured
and used for decades or even centuries. Then, when
its useful life span is ended, it returns to the
earth.
This natural life cycle explains why real cedar
for outdoor use is the environmentally sound choice
when compared to alternative materials like concrete,
plastic or metal. Only wood comes from a renewable,
biodegradable resource. Today's sustainable forestry
practices ensure a perpetual abundance of high-quality
wood from North America's forests. Aluminum and
concrete come from materials extracted from the
earth. Once removed, they can never be replaced.
Plastics are derived from dwindling petroleum
reserves.
Of each tree harvested, 95% goes into useful products.
The remaining 5%, the branches, is left on the
forest floor to biodegrade into rich compost for
the next crop.
Concerned about tomorrow? Cedar's on your side.
Sustainability of Building Materials
| |
Wood |
Steel |
Concrete |
Total Energy Use |
Lowest |
140% more |
70% more |
Greenhouse Gases |
Lowest |
45% more |
81% more |
Air Pollution |
Lowest |
42% more |
67% more |
Water Pollution |
Lowest |
1900% more |
90% more |
Solid Waste |
Lowest |
36% more |
96% more |
Ecological Resource Use |
Lowest |
16% more |
97% more |
Source: The Athena Sustainable Materials Incentive
|
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