Black is the New Green: 5 Eco-Friendly Facts You Didn’t Know About Asphalt

Every April 22, the world celebrates Earth Day. First observed in 1970, Earth Day is all about raising awareness and support for environmental protection.

In honor of this year’s Earth Day, Roccie’s Paving would like to shine the light on a little known fact about our industry: asphalt is one of the greenest materials on the planet.

Not green as in the color, obviously – asphalt is black. Green as in asphalt is one of the most environmentally-friendly materials on the planet. Take a look at these five stats that prove just how “green” black can be.

1. Asphalt is 100% recyclable.

Asphalt can be reused over and over again with minimal loss just through reheating. In fact, the asphalt in your driveway may have been roof shingles in a previous life!

2. Asphalt is the most recycled planet in the country.

More than 80 million tons of asphalt is recycled every year, making it America’s most-recycled material. For comparison, only about 2 million tons of plastic gets recycled every year.

3. The asphalt industry is constantly becoming more efficient.

Since 1970, pavement manufacturers have reduced emissions by nearly 100%, while still managing to produce over twice as much asphalt!

4. Asphalt saves taxpayers money.

Because asphalt is so durable, it requires less maintenance and repairs. Some estimate that this saves American taxpayers over $2 billion every year.

5. Asphalt can improve water quality. 

Porous asphalt is a type of pavement designed to let water flow through it. Not only does this reduce water runoff and allow the water to reach the soil, it also filters the water as it trickles through.

Nobody knows more about asphalt than Roccie’s. For nearly 60 years, we have been the most-trusted paving contractor in Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY. From residential driveways to commercial parking lots, no job is too big or too small. Visit our website for more information, or call us for a free quote at 888-88-ROCCIES.