This natural life cycle explains why real cedar decking is the environmentally sound choice when compared with alternative materials like concrete, plastic or metal. Only wood comes from a renewable, biodegradable resource. Today's sustainable forestry practices ensure a perpetual abundance of high-quality wood from North America's forests. Aluminum and concrete come from materials extracted from the earth. Once removed, they can never be replaced. Plastics are derived from dwindling petroleum reserves.

Of each tree harvested, 95% goes into useful products. The remaining 5%, the branches, is left on the forest floor to biodegrade into rich compost for the next crop.

Concerned about tomorrow? Cedar's on your side.

Sustainability of Building Materials

	Wood	Steel	Concrete
Total Energy Use	Lowest	140% more	70% more
Greenhouse Gases	Lowest	45% more	81% more
Air Pollution	Lowest	42% more	67% more
Water Pollution	Lowest	1900% more	90% more
Solid Waste	Lowest	36% more	96% more
Ecological Resource Use	Lowest	16% more	97% more

Source: The Athena Sustainable Materials Incentive