While there is a lot of attention given to all the eco-friendly changes, tweaks, and products you can use in the interior of the home, there isn’t always the same attention given to the exterior. For those looking to truly make eco-conscious decisions in their life, simply tackling the indoors just won’t be enough; they will also want to make changes outside.Â
This is exactly why you will want to stop and take a moment before you take on any sort of landscaping project, as there are a few environmentally friendly paving options that not only fit with an eco-conscious lifestyle, but also look great.
Give Water a Chance to Move Through to the Ground Underneath
One of the biggest things to keep in mind when looking at a paving option is to pick something that allows the water to move through it to the ground under the paving. If you’re paving large areas of your exterior, the question of where the water runs off becomes an issue. Water runoff is important for making sure the soil and vegetation stays healthy. It will also help to filter any potential pollutants, and it helps to prevent erosion from taking place.
This brings us to permeable pavers and pervious concrete. Both of these allow for water to move through them and facilitate the natural drainage process. Unsure if this sort of material would be strong enough for a driveway? Not to worry, as it can easily handle the weight of your car.
Asphalt – the Most Recycled Material in the U.S.
When looking for environmentally-friendly options, products that are recycled always end up being a strong contender. So, this brings us to asphalt, which is the most recycled material in the US, according to a report from the Federal Highway Administration. This is a great option for anyone looking to replace asphalt, but in an eco-friendly manner. Just be sure to ask about recycled asphalt specifically when speaking to your contractor.
Other advantages of going with asphalt include the fact that it is cost-effective, durable, lasts a good amount of time so you’re not constantly repairing or replacing it, and it looks clean and modern. If you are looking for a reputable company to speak to about recycled asphalt, be sure to check out richfieldblacktop.com, which can handle large or small projects.
Get Creative with Open Concrete Grids
Here’s a paving solution that is a bit more creative and out of the box, if you will. It’s not for everyone, but it’s certainly an environmentally-friendly option. Open concrete grids consist of a system wherein concrete slabs or bricks are used as the pavers. The grid looks like open holes. Between these holes you can allow dirt, grass, or some other type of ground cover to grow.
What this does is allow drainage to occur naturally and it offers excellent protection against erosion. It’s also known to be very strong, so it can easily handle the weight of your car(s).
As you can see with these tips and ideas, there’s no reason why your eco-conscious decisions have to be saved for the interior of your house only.
