Green Shutters: Organic, Renewable and Recycled Materials

More homeowners are seeking sustainable and eco-friendly building materials for their remodeling projects. Luckily, shutters offer many “green” options made from organic, renewable or recycled content. These earth-friendly materials reduce environmental impact compared to standard shutters.

Bamboo Shutters

Constructed from bamboo grass, bamboo shutters offer a renewable and rapid-growth alternative to wood shutters. Bamboo:

• Reaches maturity in just 3-5 years without replanting
• Absorbs 5 times more CO2 than trees while growing
• Converts CO2 to oxygen at a high rate
• Requires no fertilizers or pesticides to grow
• Can be harvested annually from the same plants
• Biodegrades naturally without chemicals

Bamboo shutters like TimberBlindMetroShade’s Ecoview® line are durable, UV-resistant and stainable like wood.

Recycled PVC Shutters

For a PVC shutter made from recycled plastic, GreenBuildingSupply’s Eco Clad shutters contain 70% post-consumer recycled content. The PVC is diverted from landfills and made into durable, weather-resistant shutters. They never require painting and won’t rot, split or crack.

Recycled Aluminum Shutters

Eco-friendly recycled aluminum shutters like UK-based Ali Flynn’s line contain at least 85% recycled scrap aluminum. Producing recycled aluminum shutters consumes 90% less energy than manufacturing from raw aluminum. The strong, lightweight shutters are fully recyclable at end of life.

Reclaimed Wood Shutters

Wood shutters from reclaimed sources give new life to materials salvaged from old barns, buildings, wine barrels, boats and more. This reduces demand for virgin lumber. Shuttercraft finds reclaimed wood from sources like Amish country barns and industrial factories. Buyers love the rustic, timeworn look of reused wood shutters.

Natural Bark Shutters

For organic uniqueness, Bark House bark shutters are crafted from the outer bark layers of managed forests with trees left standing. The undyed bark pieces create rustic indoor/outdoor shutters perfect for cabins and lodges. Bark removes easily during windstorms without harming trees.

Composite Wood Shutters

Combining wood fibers and resins creates durable composite wood shutters from recycled materials. PlyGem shutters blend reclaimed wood, sawdust and polymers like recycled polyethylene plastic. This diverts construction debris from landfills. Composite materials require less maintenance than solid wood.

Organic Cotton Composite Shutters

In the home couture shutter market, Alethea Harampolis’ Alethia Shutters offers a high-end composite made from recycled wood, recycled polyethylene and organic cotton fiber. With organic materials and non-toxic adhesives, these custom shutters are sustainably crafted by artisans.

FSC-Certified Wood Shutters

The most eco-friendly traditional wood for shutters is FSC-certified, ensuring lumber comes from certified sustainable managed forests. Companies like California Shutters use only FSC woods like poplar, pine and basswood. Forest Stewardship Council certification guarantees responsible forestry practices.

Low-VOC Shutter Finishes

Look for low-VOC stains and paints on any wood or composite shutters to minimize exposure to harmful volatile organic compounds. Eco-friendly low-VOC finishes contribute to cleaner indoor air quality. Water-based versions like Benjamin Moore’s Natura® line simplify soap and water cleanup.

More shutter companies are responding to consumer interest in eco-materials. Discuss green priorities with retailers to select the best sustainable options for your home and lifestyle.