HOMEOWNERS How To Increase Curb Appeal And Protect The Environment (NAPSA)—Homeowners can help the Earth by using sustainable products around the house. “Sustainable products” refers to methods, systems and materials that won’t deplete resources or harm naturalcycles. One way to help the environment and improve the curb appeal of your house is with interlocking concrete pavement (ICP). It’s attractive and, according to a study by Applied Research Associates on municipal street pavements, lasts on average 29 years—longer than poured concrete or asphalt. This means it has less of an effect on natural resources. An added plus for the homeowner with ICP is that less maintenance and repair are needed to keep it looking great. Pavers Are Visually Appealing Pavers can be used for walks, patios and driveways. Homeowners particularly like the vast array of colors, shapes, sizes and textures available. You can get rustic stonelike pavers or light-colored pavers that can provide a cooler surface around patios and pool decks. It’s easy to shovel snow off pavers and they work well in all kinds ofclimates and environments. Relax And Save Consider adding a concrete paver patio. Because of its long life, it tends to cost less than a traditional pressure-treated wood deck. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the cost of a 600-square-foot wooden deck over a 20-year lifetime is $616 a year. It’s only $372 a year for 29 Interlocking concrete pavements not only look good, they last a goodlong time. Cost per Year $616 $372 Wood Deck Concrete PaverPatio The cost of a 600-square-foot wooden deck over a 20-yearlifetime is $616 a year. It’s $372 a year for 29 years for interlocking concrete pavers. years for the same patio made of interlocking concrete pavers. What’s more, pavers won’t splinter or leach chemicals. Their use helps protect forests and reduces carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas. Learn More You can learn more about interlocking concrete pavement and find an experienced, professional installer by visiting the Interlocking Concrete PavementInstitute ICPD Website at www.icpi.org.
