Backyard barbecues are one of the great joys of the summer season. One of the best things about a cookout is that it’s one of the most flexible kinds of parties. Whether it’s grilling hotdogs and hamburgers or dining under the stars on filet mignon, it can be as casual or elegant as you please.
Creating comfy outdoor living spaces for any get together is easier than ever – thanks to plastics. Plastics are at the heart of amazing home and garden innovations that are truly making a difference in the way people think about outdoor décor and design. For example:
- High performance, fade resistant fabrics made with plastic fibers are used for deck furniture, canopies and awnings, and they come in a rainbow of color options. Bright color swatches and patterns allow trendy decorators to dream up one-of-a-kind spaces.
- Synthetic wicker made with polyethylene or polypropylene plastics looks and feels like wood wicker but is durable and stands up to changing weather conditions, making it possible to incorporate stylish, classical design elements in outdoor spaces.
- And products made with recycled plastics give second lives to bottles, bags and wraps, which contributes to sustainability. For example, some decking products are made with plastic from recycled plastic bags and sawdust or wood scraps. This innovative and durable plastic lumber replaces the need to use wood planks from trees for decking.
It’s a great time to get outside – with plastics. Check out Martie Duncan’s tips for creating an Outdoor Oasis, and be sure to watch Martie Sunday nights on the Next Food Network Star.



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