Green Living
Greening Your Backyard
With eco-friendly pool and deck products, you can have fun in the sun this summer while being responsible to the earth.

“The solution is right in your own backyard!”

– The Green Girl

Relaxing and entertaining in your backyard just got a whole lot friendlier. Whether you’re splashing around the pool or hosting an outdoor gathering on your deck, you are surrounded by opportunities to make more environmentally friendly choices.

If you’re building a deck onto your home, there are many ways to go green as you build. One option is recycled plastic lumber. This product is low-maintenance, requires no sealing, staining, water- or insect-proofing, and it’s completely rot-resistant. Recycled plastic lumber is most often made from post-consumer recycled plastics, such as plastic grocery bags and beverage containers. Look for products made with recycled low-density and/or high-density polyethylene, as these plastics are easy to recycle and have fewer chemical hazards than other plastics.

Another option is composite products, such as Trex decking. Trex offers a number of alternative outdoor products made from a unique combination of wood and plastic fibers that are reclaimed or recycled. Their manufacturing process keeps thousands of tons of wood and plastic scrap out of landfills every year, and their products are free of toxic chemicals and preservatives. Trex decks are also splinter-free and offer excellent traction, even when wet.


Having an eco-friendly pool starts with what you put in it. A smart and energy-efficient choice would be a pool ionizer – a newer, healthier way to clean your pool. These systems reduce the amount of chemicals needed to keep your pool clean and healthy and are environmentally sound. Ionizers release ions into the pool to kill harmful bacteria, algae, and other such unwanted elements. The three major variations are solar, electric and ozone generators. Ionizers are found to be cost-effective and by coupling an ionizer with a pH leveler, you can keep your pool safe and sanitary while eliminating harmful chemicals and cutting down on your energy bills.

When it comes to backyard fun, making a few informed decisions will help you create a healthier, happier summer for you and your loved ones.

Green product of the month:

Picnics and other backyard gatherings are a challenge for those of us who know the detriment of disposable paper products. But convenience is making a comeback with EarthShell biodegradable plates. These heavy-duty microwaveable plates are made from potatoes, corn and limestone, and have the same texture and durability as Styrofoam plates – but without the negative environmental impact.