[A not so convincing pitch by a recycled plastic lumber producer: Tree Frog Editor] A study found that 97% of people working in the construction industry believed air quality was an ‘important’ environmental concern. With the growing concern among workers, we need to put on a united effort to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. Perhaps it may come as a surprise to some, but timber is not as ethical a construction material as you may think. Disadvantages to the use of timber in construction: 1. Deforestation, 2. Loss of biodiversity, 3. Increased carbon emissions. Thankfully, sustainable timber alternatives made from recycled plastics are increasingly available, offering improved durability without the need for mass deforestation – protecting the planet and even outperforming traditional timber. …Despite being a fairly new and innovative material, recycled plastic alternatives to timber are becoming increasingly popular and already being used in nature reserves, outdoor decking and seating – the possibilities for their use are always growing.