Trex: A Champion for Sustainability

Trex goes beyond simply making decks. They’re revolutionizing the way we think about outdoor living with a deep commitment to sustainability that’s woven into everything they do:

Recycled Content Leader: Trex decking is a champion of recycled materials. Each board is comprised of 95% recycled and reclaimed content, diverting billions of pounds of waste from landfills annually. This includes upcycled plastic film and wood scraps that would otherwise pollute our environment.

Manufacturing Efficiency: Trex prioritizes responsible manufacturing practices. Their closed-loop water recirculation system recycles nearly 99% of the water used in production, minimizing their water footprint. Additionally, they use biodegradable hydraulic fluids in their machinery, ensuring responsible disposal without harming the environment.

Long-Lasting Durability: Trex decking is built to last, reducing the need for replacements and the associated environmental impact. Unlike traditional wood decks, Trex won’t rot, warp, crack, or splinter. Plus, it requires minimal maintenance – no staining, sanding, or sealing needed – which eliminates the use of harsh chemicals and reduces your overall environmental impact.

Award-Winning Sustainability: Trex was recently honored by Good Housekeeping’s 2024 Sustainable Innovation Awards for their Trex Transcend Lineage decking, made from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials. Trex has been named America’s Most Trusted Outdoor Decking (2021-2024), and one of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024 by Newsweek.

Trex Delivers Beauty and Sustainability

Here at Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping, we understand that you want an outdoor space that’s both beautiful and environmentally friendly. Trex decking offers the best of both worlds:

Stunning Aesthetics: Trex offers a wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes to perfectly complement your home’s style.

Unmatched Performance: Trex decking is fade-resistant, stain-resistant, and resists mold and mildew growth. It also stays cooler underfoot on hot days compared to traditional wood decks.

Peace of Mind: Trex decking comes backed by a 50-year limited warranty, giving you peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.

Experience the Trex Difference

Browse our portfolio to see how we’ve used Trex products to create stunning decks, patios, and other outdoor features. When you choose Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping, you’re getting a partner who prioritizes the environment, as well as a beautiful and long-lasting outdoor space you can enjoy for years to come.

Contact us today for a consultation and see how Trex can transform your outdoor living experience in a sustainable way!

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Love your urban garden, but want to minimize its environmental impact? A recent University of Michigan study found that urban-grown produce generally has a higher carbon footprint than store-bought options. However, don’t despair! Here are some tips inspired by the study’s findings to make your urban garden more sustainable:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in the Garden:

• Extend the life of your garden structures: The study highlights that materials used for raised beds, composters, and sheds contribute significantly to the carbon footprint. Opt for durable materials and aim for at least 20 years of use – the longer they last, the lower their footprint per serving! (This aligns with the study’s finding that raised beds used for 5 years have 4 times the impact as those used for 20 years.)
• Give “urban waste” a new life: Repurpose used materials like construction debris for paths or raised beds, following the study’s suggestion of “urban symbiosis.” Collect rainwater and greywater for irrigation instead of relying on tap water. It’s all about reducing waste and giving materials a second life! Including livestock such as chickens can actually aid in the recycling of food waste and yield valuable high nitrogen fertilizer.
• Choose wisely what you buy: Opt for compost and fertilizers made with recycled materials, minimizing the use of non-biodegradable petroleum-based products. Remember, the study emphasizes the importance of reducing resource inputs.

Grow Smart, Grow Sustainable:

• Select strategic crops: The study suggests focusing on varieties typically grown in greenhouses or requiring airfreight (like asparagus) for a potentially lower carbon footprint compared to conventionally grown options. Choose crops suited to your local climate and minimize the need for additional resources like heating or transportation.
• Embrace open-air growing: The study found that tomatoes grown in open-air urban plots had a lower carbon footprint than their greenhouse counterparts. Consider alternatives to high energy consumption greenhouses whenever possible, especially for suitable crops.
• Compost kitchen scraps: It’s free fertilizer, reduces waste going to landfills, and contributes to a closed-loop system within your garden, aligning with the study’s emphasis on resource efficiency. Our partner company Locally Laid builds raised beds and chicken coops with Greg Burghardt being available for consultations and demonstrates what crops to grow, how to compost and improve your resource efficiencies.

Remember, the Social Side Matters Too:

• Grow with your community: Community gardens foster social connections and shared knowledge, creating a more sustainable and vibrant urban environment, as highlighted in the study’s mention of the social benefits of urban agriculture. Community gardening influencer Nathan Ballentine, aka Man in Overalls is likewise a wealth of knowledge with a passion for teaching.
• Enjoy the benefits: Studies show urban gardening improves mental health, diet, and social networks. These “non-food outputs,” while not directly reducing the carbon footprint, contribute to a holistic, engaging, and sustainable approach to urban living, echoing the study’s conclusion about the broader value of urban agriculture.

By following these tips, you can reduce your urban garden carbon footprint, which minimizes its environmental impact while enjoying the benefits of more home grown food on your table.

Happy Sustainable Gardening!

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc. proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

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This unique resource catalogs nearly 1,000 weed species found in traditional agricultural systems across Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. By studying these “unwanted” plants, researchers are gaining a deeper understanding of the past: how different cultures managed their land, the crops they cultivated, and the environmental conditions they faced.

But the real power of this database lies in its ability to inform the future. By comparing the characteristics of weeds that thrived in low-input, sustainable systems with those found in modern, intensive agriculture, scientists are gleaning valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability.

Here are some key takeaways that highlight the potential of this research for sustainable farming:

• Unveiling Hidden Histories: Weeds act as living records, revealing past farming practices and offering clues about soil health, biodiversity, and even past climates. This knowledge can guide us in selecting suitable crops and adopting practices that are in harmony with the unique characteristics of our land.
• Learning from Resilience: By analyzing the traits of weeds that thrived in diverse, low-input systems, we can identify plants and practices that are more resistant to drought, pests, and other environmental challenges. This information can be crucial for building agricultural systems that are less reliant on external inputs and more adaptable to changing conditions.
• Beyond Weed Warfare: Traditional farming often embraced a more nuanced approach to weeds, recognizing their potential benefits for soil health and biodiversity. The database can help us move beyond the “eradication” mentality and explore strategies for managing weeds in a way that promotes a healthy ecosystem.

This groundbreaking research represents a significant shift in our understanding of weeds. They are no longer just unwanted plants, but rather potential allies in our quest for more sustainable and resilient land use. By embracing the wisdom they hold, we can unlock solutions for the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring a future where both we and the environment thrive.

From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites throughout Northeast Florida, Rockaway Inc. proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.

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