As you look out at your garden with its trees, shrubs, and flowers buzzing with insects, everything seems just right – except for one thing. You need somewhere to store your things to keep that clutter-free view. An outdoor building would be handy, and if it’s eco-friendly, it’d fit right in with the setting.
This is where plastic sheds come in. Often seen as the budget option, they’re tough, low-maintenance, and have some surprising eco benefits. Read on to find out how they could be a sustainable choice for your garden.
Today’s Garden Plastic Sheds
Plastic sheds used to get a bit of a bad rap, seen as weak and flimsy just because they were plastic. But things have changed, with modern plastics being surprisingly strong and versatile.
You’ll see find today’s plastic sheds made from improved materials like high-density polythene (HDPE) and vinyl, among other options. These plastics are far tougher than most realise. Not to mention that they come with some real plus points over wooden sheds and metal sheds. For one, they don’t rot like wood or rust like metal, which means they can hold up much better in damp conditions.
And here’s the cherry on top: the plastics in these garden sheds are eco-friendly (read on to find out how). It’s a win-win for keeping your outdoor space looking fantastic and doing your bit for the environment. And it gets even better!
The Eco-Advantage of Plastic Garden Storage
Image via Dall-E
Let’s take a closer look at why plastic sheds are the most eco-friendly option for your garden.
Built to last
As pointed out earlier, plastic sheds are resistant to rot, rust and extreme weather, giving you long-lasting protection for your belongings. They’re made to endure humid or wet environments. Thanks to the non-porous nature of materials like HDPE, vinyl, and polypropylene, you won’t have to worry about leaks anytime soon.
The materials used in plastic garden sheds are treated with UV-resistant additives. This, in turn, stops colour fading, brittleness, and other wear and tear. You can wave goodbye to the hassle of repainting your shed. That means less time and money on maintenance—now that’s a bonus!
Plastic sheds are also designed to handle a range of extreme weather conditions, from regular rainfall to temperature changes. As a result, plastic sheds can last up to 10 years or even longer, especially if built with steel foundations or metal framing. A great example is the BillyOh York Pent White Plastic Shed. It features a strong interior metal frame with 10mm polypropylene waterproof and UV-resistant panels.
Minimal maintenance, maximum impact
Many shed owners prefer plastic sheds because they’re so easy to care for. A simple wipe-down with soapy water usually keeps everything looking fresh. Some models even come with built-in ventilation systems that help stop dampness from creeping in. Take this Jasmine Plastic Apex Shed, for instance. Not only does it have one, but it also has two air vents installed on 12mm polypropylene wall panels. You won’t have to worry as much about deep cleaning or dealing with severe damp issues anymore.
Investing in the right plastic shed is a smart way to minimise your environmental impact. It’s far more sustainable than opting for a poorly made one that you’ll have to replace in a couple of years. Just think about all the energy and resources required to make a shed and transport it!
Energy-efficient production
Modern plastic sheds require much less energy to produce than heavier materials like steel, making them a greener option right from the start. Furthermore, certain designs are made from recycled plastic, which helps cut down on landfill waste and supports a circular economy.
So, instead of ending up in landfills, discarded plastic gets a new lease of life as sturdy garden sheds. This not only reduces waste but also lowers the energy required for manufacturing. For instance, recycling HDPE uses up to three times less energy than making it from scratch. PPVC can also be recycled up to eight times without losing its quality. This extends the life of the structure and reduces its carbon footprint.
Lightweight and transport-friendly
One of the best things about plastic sheds is how lightweight they are. Even larger models are easier to move and transport compared to heavier materials like wood or metal. This saves time and effort during delivery while also helping reduce fuel consumption. Since they take less energy to load, ship, and deliver, there’s less impact from transportation. And when it comes to shifting them around your garden, you’ll find it a lot simpler—just grab a mate to give you a hand!
Plastic Sheds Buying Tips
Plastic garden sheds come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s something for every need. Whether it’s for storage or a cosy garden nook, they’re versatile.
Worried about space? Sheds can be as compact as 4ft x 6ft, slotting neatly into your garden without feeling cramped. If you need something bigger, then this BillyOh Highley Apex 15x8ft Vinyl Shed might be just the ticket.
Keen an eye for handy features like air vents to keep the inside fresh. Even budget models come with secure locking systems to keep your belongings safe. For added security, a shed without windows works a treat, and it’s worth considering shed door lock as well.
Some sheds come with foundation kits for extra stability, especially in windy areas. The BillyOh Ashford Apex Plastic Shed comes with a steel foundation kit as a standard. This added feature. paired with internal metal framing, offer better protection for what’s inside.
This guide on ‘The Plastic Sheds FAQs You Need to Know’ is a good read and might answer more of your questions before you make a purchase.
The Future of Plastic Sheds
How we use and dispose of plastic raises quite a few environmental concerns. But the good news is that the industry is working hard on sustainability and responsible manufacturing. It’s becoming clear that we need to focus on reusing and recycling plastics to cut down on waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Instead of treating plastics as single-use items, there’s a growing push to recycle and reuse materials to give them a longer life.
Looking ahead, we can expect to see more sustainable plastic sheds coming onto the market, possibly with features like solar panels and composting systems built in. This practical approach will benefit everyone in the long run by making better use of our resources.
Round-up
Ditch the “eco-guilt” of shed buying and say and hello to a sustainable storage solution: the plastic shed! It’s not just about keeping your garden tidy; it stands strong against wind and rain, needs little maintenance, and helps the environment.
Want to be part of the eco-shed movement? Check out our great selection of plastic garden sheds.
Up next on your reading list: What Makes a Garden Shed Sustainable + The Benefits?