The High Cost of Fast Fashion Remodels

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards the production of cheap and disposable products that are designed to last only a short time. This trend is not only unsustainable, but it also has significant environmental costs. Low-quality craftsmanship is one of the key factors that contribute to this trend and its impact on the environment is often overlooked.

Low-quality craftsmanship is a practice that involves using substandard materials and shortcuts to create products that are not built to last. It is often seen in “fast fashion remodels” where the use of inferior materials and poor workmanship are favored to churn out trendy designs on the cheap.

The environmental costs of low-quality craftsmanship are significant. When spaces are designed to be disposable, they create a cycle of waste that is harmful to the environment. The production of these products requires the extraction of raw materials, the use of energy, and the creation of pollution. When these products are thrown away, they end up in landfills, where they can take decades or even centuries to decompose. This process can release harmful pollutants into the environment, including microplastics, forever chemicals, methane, and greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

One of the ways to combat the unsustainable nature of low-quality construction is to favor designs that are focused more on timeless design and less focused on trends. Additionally, hiring design professionals to ensure well-planned details ensures that spaces won’t suffer from functional obsolescence. Budgeting for high-quality materials and craftsmanship ensures spaces that are built to last.

A good example of a material that is often recommended for its durability and sustainability is copper. Copper is a natural resource that is readily available and can be recycled indefinitely. It is also known for its reliability, safety, and other benefits. Copper plumbing pipes, for example, are known to last for decades, if not centuries, and are less prone to leaks and other issues. Copper is also resistant to corrosion and is not affected by UV light, making it an ideal material for outdoor use. Copper is also recyclable, which means that it can be reused again and again, reducing the need to extract more raw materials from the earth.

In contrast, PEX, an inferior plastic pipe that has gained popularity in the last score, is known to leach neurotoxins and carcinogens, is highly susceptible to UV damage, and, because it is not easily recyclable, is destined for the landfill once it is no longer able to be in service.

Another good comparison is that of composite decking to wood. Composite decking, such as Trex, has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its perceived durability, low maintenance requirements, and long lifespan. However, it is important to note that composite decking is not an environmentally friendly choice.

The production of composite decking requires a significant amount of energy, resources, and chemicals that contribute to air and water pollution. Additionally, composite decking cannot be recycled and it does not biodegrade, which means it ends up in landfills where it will stay indefinitely. It is not uncommon for new homeowners inheriting a previous homeowner’s decking choice to replace composite decking because it is not a color of their liking. This type of consumer behavior is more prevalent with composite than wood because the color of composite decking cannot be easily changed. Wood, on the other hand, can be sanded and stained.

Wood decking is a more environmentally conscious choice. Wood is a renewable resource and if sourced from responsibly managed forests, it can be harvested in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, wood decking can be easily recycled or repurposed, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Wood decking is also a more aesthetically pleasing option. Its natural beauty and warmth add character and charm to any outdoor space. Moreover, wood decking is a safer choice, as it is less likely to become slippery when wet compared to composite decking, which can be dangerous and lead to accidents.

While composite decking may seem like an attractive option due to its low maintenance and durability, it is important to consider the environmental impact of its production and disposal. Wood decking, on the other hand, is a more sustainable and visually appealing option that is also safer and can be recycled or repurposed.

In summary, low-quality craftsmanship is a practice that is both unsustainable and environmentally costly. To combat this trend, it is important to promote high-quality craftsmanship and the use of long-lasting sustainable materials like copper. By doing so, we can reduce our impact on the environment and create products that are designed to last.