Asphalt driveways, as we’ve already discussed, are durable and cost-effective, and they look great. But believe it or not, the awesomeness doesn’t stop there. Asphalt driveways are eco-friendly too. Here’s why:
1 They’re recyclable. When it’s time for you to replace your asphalt driveway, your old one won’t be headed to the trash heap. An astounding 99% of asphalt is recycled, according to a 2010 study conducted by the Federal Highway Administration. Where does the recycled asphalt go? It’s often crushed up and blended into new driveways.
2 They use local ingredients. Your dinner might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of local ingredients, but the same idea is applicable to driveways too. The recipe for asphalt pavement is 95% aggregate, which is simply crushed stone, gravel, recycled pavement or sand. Your paving company will almost always get its aggregate locally, and that means that your driveway’s ingredients don’t have to travel far to get to you. That’s why a new asphalt driveway doesn’t make a big impact on the environment.
3 The industry is always improving. The asphalt paving industry is as concerned about the environment as you are, and it’s always seeking to improve its practices. Since the 1970s, asphalt production has increased by 250%, but asphalt plant emissions have actually been reduced by an amazing 97%. As of 2002, the Environmental Protection Agency no longer considers asphalt mixing plants to be a significant source of toxic emissions.
If you’re an environmentally conscious person, an asphalt driveway is the right choice for you. When you choose an asphalt driveway, you’re casting your vote for recycled materials, yes, but it goes way beyond that. Your new driveway can be recycled again again, for generations yet to come – and you just can’t get more green than that.
