In the early 1970s, when the environmental movement was just gaining momentum, pop singer Joni Mitchell wrote her iconic song, “Big Yellow Taxi,” that lamented the destruction of natural areas with the memorable line, “They paved paradise, put up a parking lot.” But in truth, asphalt pavement is one of the greenest substances on earth!
Since both stone and asphalt are naturally occurring raw materials, they are completely natural. Nothing is chemically created or toxic to the environment. The materials used to pave roads come directly from the earth, and are environmentally friendly.
Of all the materials recycled in the United States, recycled asphalt pavement:
- Is, ton-for-ton, the highest volume of recycled material in the nation
- Contains a higher percentage of recycled material than any other recycled substance
When a paved roadway needs replacement, the old surfaced is “milled.” This process scrapes up and chews the old pavement back into crushed stone. With the addition of a little fresh tar, the material is laid down again as new roadway. There is no limit to the number of times asphalt roadway materials can be recycled.
Recycled Asphalt Pavements, or RAP, are pavements that are reclaimed from a road or parking lot by milling or excavation. These pavements are processed by screening or crushing and then re-introduced into asphalt pavements at the asphalt plant. Asphalt pavement is 100% recyclable, and is by weight, the most recycled product in the U.S.
RAP could be an economical alternative to traditional paving using hot asphalt for your project. RAP has many different uses and provides a long lasting solution for customers on a budget. Roads, driveways, foot paths, and parking lots are the most common application for this versatile material.
Not starting from scratch? If you have an asphalt driveway, regular maintenance, including patching, crack filling, and sealcoating, can extend the life of your asphalt surface. Regular maintenance helps you to achieve the best possible return on your investment — for both residential and commercial projects. If your asphalt has degenerated past the point of sealcoating, your contractor can review your specific situation and recommend appropriate options for your project.
Don’t trust your asphalt paving or repair job to just any paving company. Work with a local professional with the right equipment and the right experience. Your home is your castle. From simply driving in and out of your garage each day to your kids having a safe place to run and play, your asphalt driveway plays a big role in the look and function of your property.
Bet you didn’t know that “going black” is very “green”!
Factoid: Did you know that asphalt could help you earn LEED credits? (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) To learn more, visit: U.S. Green Buildings Council, www.usgbc.org 
Jack Kelly Services, LLC
Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating • (850) 672-9128
