How Plastic Sheds Provide a Sustainable Storage Solution

BillyOh Duraplus 8x8ft Plastic Shed

As you look out of your window onto your sunlit garden with its array of trees and shrubs, and insects pollinating the flowers, everything seems perfect. Except for one thing: you need somewhere to store all your belongings. Or perhaps you could do with a workshop for your art projects. That extra space would be wonderful, but would it also be eco-friendly?

That’s where plastic sheds come in – the hidden eco-heroes for your garden. Plastic garden sheds are often overlooked for being cheap, but what people tend to forget is their durability, low maintenance, and unexpected environmental benefits. Read on to find out how a plastic shed could be an eco-friendly addition to your garden.

The Eco-Advantage of Plastic Sheds

Plastic sheds stand out as environmental champions of outdoor storage compared to their wood and metal counterparts for several reasons. Materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) used in the construction of plastic sheds have a long lifespan that makes them highly durable and suited to recycling.

Among their other advantages, plastic sheds are low maintenance, requiring less resources to keep them in good condition. Here, we delve into more details about why plastic sheds are the most eco-friendly choice for your garden.

Built to Last:

A common misconception is that plastic storage sheds are less durable than wood or metal ones. In reality, this could not be further from the truth! Plastic sheds are resistant to rot, rust and extreme weather, providing long-lasting protection for your belongings.

While wood and metal sheds will degrade when exposed to moisture and UV rays, even the cheapest plastic sheds are built to last in humid or wet environments. Thanks to the non-porous nature of materials like PVC and HDPE, your plastic shed won’t be leaking any time soon.

The materials used in constructing plastic garden sheds are treated with UV-resistant additives, preventing colour fading, brittleness and other forms of deterioration, thereby saving you the need to repaint your shed. Plastic sheds are designed to withstand a range of extreme weather conditions, including regular rainfall and temperature changes. As a result, plastic sheds can last up to 10 years, or even longer if built with steel foundations or metal framing.

Buying a durable plastic shed is a great way to minimise your environmental impact. It’s far more sustainable than choosing something of poor quality that will need replacing in a couple of years. Think about all the energy and resources needed to not just manufacture a shed, but also transport it. Purchasing and installing a shed is not something you want to do regularly, for the sake of convenience and environmental reasons.

Image via Dall-E

Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Impact:

Constructing a sustainable plastic garden shed is easier than you might think. Plastic sheds are known for their low maintenance requirements and ease of assembly. You might worry this means they are flimsy or poor quality but don’t be fooled! Despite their lightweight material, plastic sheds are very sturdy.

If you have very little DIY experience, don’t worry. Call on one of your friends and between the two of you, assembling your plastic shed will be a quick and efficient process. Beyond the initial set-up, there is very little maintenance involved in owning a plastic shed. Unlike other alternatives, plastic sheds won’t need repainting, staining or any anti-corrosion treatments. Their resistance to UV rays means that their colour won’t fade over time, saving time and resources. A simple wipe-down with basic cleaning agents and water will be enough to keep your plastic shed in good condition.

Green from the Start:

Plastic storage sheds are commonly manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC or Vinyl) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Compared to more heavy-duty materials like steel, these plastics are less energy-intensive to produce. But did you know that many models are made from recycled plastic?

A recycled plastic shed is the more sustainable option for several reasons. Due to its wide range of applications, a significant amount of PVC ends up in landfills. Imagine instead of all that plastic going to waste, it being used to construct a perfectly functioning garden shed. Recycled materials are a major example of a circular economy system, meaning less waste and a reduction in energy for the environment.

HDPE is another widely used material in the manufacturing of garden sheds for its strength and recyclability. It takes up to 3 times as much energy to manufacture HDPE from raw materials than it does to recycle it. Advances in mechanical recycling have made it much easier to recycle certain types of plastic. In buying a recycled plastic garden shed, you’re contributing to increased demand for eco-friendly manufacturing processes with lower carbon footprints.

Recycling Champions:

A material like PVC can be recycled not just once but up to 8 times without significant loss of performance. This helps save energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It is reassuring to know that your plastic shed’s life can be extended beyond its disposal. Recycling is part of continued efforts to move towards a circular economy that is less reliant on extracting raw materials.

Not sure how to recycle your plastic shed? Refer to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre for information. Or if you’re feeling creative look online for some ideas on how to upcycle a plastic shed.

Practical Perks of Plastic Sheds

Plastic garden sheds are not just sustainable but also cheap and highly versatile. If you’re on a tight budget, the cheapest plastic sheds can offer a practical storage solution for your garden. What’s more, they can be adapted to any kind of purpose. From playhouses to home offices, plastic sheds present the perfect opportunity to get creative with your garden space.

Budget-Friendly Choices:

While a plastic shed is the most affordable option for your back garden, that doesn’t necessarily mean it compromises on quality. Plastic sheds tend to be more cost-effective because they are lightweight, and materials like PVC and HDPE are mass-produced. The cheapest plastic sheds, far from being less robust or durable need very little maintenance. With no need for painting, staining or anti-corrosion treatments, they save you both time and money. The assembly process is quick and straightforward, making it a hassle-free experience.

Priced at just £300, plastic sheds like this modern apex design could be up in your garden in a day, with no expensive tools or extra help needed. Backed by a 10-year warranty, you not only get value for your money but also enjoy the peace of mind of not having to replace it any time soon.

BillyOh Stafford Pent Plastic Shed

Variety for Every Need:

Plastic garden sheds come in all sorts of styles and sizes to meet your particular needs. Their versatility means they lend themselves to all sorts of purposes, from simple storage solutions to cosy reading nooks.

If you’re worried about the lack of space in your garden, think again. Garden sheds can be as compact as this 4ftx6ft model, fitting snugly into your outdoor space without appearing too cramped.

Explore features such as air ducts for ventilation and air circulation, to help maintain a fresh and breathable environment inside your shed. This is ideal if you plan on using your shed as a workspace or somewhere to relax for extended periods.

Even the cheapest plastic sheds come equipped with a secure locking system that will keep your belongings safely stored inside. An even safer option is a shed without windows. It’s all down to the purpose you envision for your garden shed.

Another popular feature found in some models is a foundation kit, which adds durability and support. This is especially important in areas prone to high winds and extreme weather. The steel foundation also reduces the risk of pests, protecting your stored items.

Beyond the Backyard:

Are you in need of bike storage for your garden? Or perhaps you’re after a home office space or urban balcony? The uses of plastic sheds are endless, and due to their lightweight material, they can be moved around with ease.

If you’re not convinced yet, imagine how difficult it would be to move a wood or metal shed. This would be a cumbersome task because these sheds are more securely positioned and much heavier. They are not designed to be relocated. In contrast, plastic storage sheds are highly portable, involving much less time, effort and money. This versatility means that your plastic shed could have multiple uses for your ever-changing requirements.

Living Sustainably, One Shed at a Time:

Looking into sustainable living but don’t know where to start? Purchasing a garden shed could be your first step toward an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Explore our blog for some creative ideas on transforming your plastic shed into a sustainable living space. As you’ll discover, building your own space is an excellent way to find inspiration. Once your shed is set up, that interior is all yours to personalise and optimise for your sustainable lifestyle. Convert your shed into a greenhouse for growing your vegetables, or repurpose it into a rainwater harvesting system or composting station. A shed isn’t just a storage space; it can be anything you need it to be. However, one thing might be holding you back: electricity.

If you want electricity in your shed, you’ll need to install wiring and underground cables from your home. This can be a hassle and runs the risk of disrupting your gardening or landscaping. So, what is the alternative? Fortunately, solar panels can provide an electricity supply for your shed. They not only save you money in the long term but are also the more environmentally friendly option.

Addressing Concerns and Looking Ahead:

Current plastic usage and disposal pose numerous environmental concerns. However, ongoing industry efforts toward sustainability and responsible manufacturing demand that we find ways of reusing and recycling plastics to minimise waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than viewing plastics as single-use commodities, there is a growing emphasis on reusing and recycling materials to extend their life cycle.

Looking ahead, we can expect to see more recycled plastic sheds available, along with advanced technologies like solar panels and integrated composting systems that can be installed in sheds. This innovative approach will be of huge benefit in the long run as it aligns with closed-loop principles.

Image via Dall-E

Conclusion:

Ditch the “eco-guilt” of British downpours and embrace the sustainable storage champion: the plastic shed! It’s not just about clutter-free sheds and hidden trowels; it’s a choice for resilience against wind and rain, minimal upkeep, and a surprising ally for our island nation’s environment.

Picture your garden haven. Sunbeams dance on a roof crafted from recycled materials, whispering about reduced landfill waste and lower carbon footprints. Your tools rest easy under a shield that shrugs off gales and damp, thanks to its high-density polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride construction. No more painting in the drizzle or battling stubborn rust – a quick wipe-down keeps your plastic refuge spick and span.

But this eco-hero isn’t just about weatherproofing. It’s adaptable, too! Explore air vents for that perfect British breeze, secure locking systems for peace of mind, and foundation kits for rock-solid stability even in the windiest corners of your plot. Whether you dream of a cosy reading nook, a bustling potting shed, or a bike haven safe from the elements, there’s a GardenBuildingsDirect plastic shed tailor-made for your needs.

Ready to join the eco-shed revolution? Discover a diverse range of recycled plastic sheds, each one brimming with personality and functionality. Explore compact models that tuck neatly into small terraces, or spacious designs that let your creativity bloom. Whether budget-conscious, DIY-inspired, or simply eco-conscious at heart, there’s a perfect eco-hero waiting to transform your backyard, allotment, or urban oasis.

Invest in a future where sustainability and practicality go hand-in-hand. Let your garden tell a story of conscious choices and lasting impact. Embrace the eco-shed revolution, one resilient, recycled panel at a time. Every shed, every choice, becomes a ripple in the pond of positive change. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover the eco-hero waiting for your British garden!