Every time you change a light bulb, replace it with a compact fluorescent
Decking
Traditional decking may use pressure-treated pine, which until this year was usually laced with toxic substances like arsenic. And the stain or paint applied to the wood often contains dangerous solvents. For a change, consider one of the many composite deck products made from recycled plastic (like milk jugs) and wood fiber. Besides looking great, they won't rot, crack or splinter. They resist termites, never need staining, and contain no toxic additives. Composite decking like Weyerhaeuser's ChoiceDek can cost two or three times as much as pressure-treated decking, and 15 percent more than cedar or redwood. But when you factor in the cost of maintaining a wood deck, the difference narrows over time. "Here is a great example of a product where the life cycle cost justifies the initial cost," says Wilson. For more, visit
ecoproducts.com or
trex.com.