So, I walk into Home Depot the other day looking for pressure treated wood and see all of this red colored wood in it’s place. I sez “Wah? It’s red!” Turns out this is the new eco friendly alternative to pressure treated lumber. Yes, Home Depot still sells toxic pressure treated. It was just moved elsewhere in this particular store.
The Eco Red lumber is said to be moisture, mold, fire and insect resistant, all without the use of those hazardous chemicals that have made pressure treated the lumber of choice for certain projects. It’s also supposedly lighter. Have you ever filled your van with a bunch of pressure treated 4×4’s? I have. They are heavy!
After checking out the website, I’m still not really sure what that red coating is, but the company is Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. Furthermore, the product is made in America. Again, slightly confused as to whether or not it’s actually grown here. The site does say that the lumber is sustainable because it lasts longer, but doesn’t fill us in on the growth process. It’s all a bit vague or perhaps it’s just over my head.
In any case, this seems like a better choice than good ole’ pressure treated. Also costs a bit less!
3 Comments
Hey, if the company is known for avoiding all those bad chemicals AND this wood is cheaper, it’s a win-win situation!
Hello! In an attempt to help foster the adoption of residential green features, I’m doing my PhD study on homeowners’ opinions of such features. I’d like your help by participating in a quick survey.
Below is the description of the study and at the bottom you’ll find the survey link. Thank you so much!
Housing and the Environment
Informed consent: The purpose of the study is to find out what are the most common residential green features. You qualify to answer the survey if you: a) own a residence (house, coop apartment, duplex, condo, mobile home, town house); AND b) have added at least one environmentally-friendly/green feature to it. Examples of green features are: fluorescent light bulbs, non-toxic paint, repurposed furniture, high efficiency heating and cooling, low flow faucets and shower heads, and double/triple insulated windows.
It is quick and will take approximately 6 minutes of your time. You will be asked to indicate which green features you have added to your home. There are also a few demographics questions and questions about your overall opinion of environmental issues and homes in general. Your participation is anonymous.
Participating in this study does not present any risks beyond those experienced in everyday life. The data will be stored and secured at the University of Missouri, Columbia, in a locked room.
Your decision to participate is voluntary. You can stop at any time. You do not have to answer questions you do not wish to answer. Refusal to take part in or withdrawing from this study will incur no penalties. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the researcher atmmtzd@mail.missouri.edu.
You must be 18 years of age or older to consent to participate in this study.
If you agree to participate in the study, please open the Qualtrics link below
https://missouri.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_e3a11zZTgDMuzJ3
[…] As soon as Christmas is over it’s time for most of us to start planning our gardens and any outdoor work we want to accomplish when winter finally blows by. I can (hopefully) cheer as one company has found an alternative to pressure treated lumber and all the hazards that possesses, and it’s available at the major home improvement stores. You can read about it here. […]