Earth Day falls at the beginning of prime fence-building season for much of the country. It began as a day of reflection on sustainability and continues to draw our attention to the topic. As fencing professionals know, efficiency and waste-reduction benefit more than just the environment.
Reducing waste on the job site results in fewer materials making their way to the landfill. Simple planning and building techniques can help to protect the environment without slowing down your workflow.
We’re taking a look at some easy steps to help protect the environment and your pocketbook in our blog for Earth Day 2025.
Let’s get to work!
Start with Smarter Planning
Less waste begins as soon as you head out for an on-site inspection for a quote. You’ll take measurements and look at all potential drawbacks when spec’ing out a price. When you win the job, how you treat this next step in the process can save you time, money, and material waste.
Accurate takeoffs, or material listing and ordering, help to reduce overages and leftover material. You’ll save on costs and have less to discard when you’re done. Suppliers and lumberyards frequently have fencing calculators to help you determine exact quantities. Use these instead of guestimates to ensure that you only order exactly what you need for each install.
Purchasing pre-fab panels from a supplier is another option that reduces waste on the job. Available in most common fencing materials, these pre-measured panels can streamline your workflow and save on both labor and material waste.
All it takes is thoughtful planning and the right tools to increase efficiency on your next fence install.
Minimize Material Waste During Install
Once you’ve ordered your materials and laid out your plans, it’s time to begin installation. Measure your cuts to optimize material use and minimize scrap. Purchase fence and gate hardware designed to last a lifetime that fits together seamlessly. This way, you won’t spend extra time at your supplier looking for compatible components.
Nationwide Industries® Gate Hardware Kits are designed to take the guesswork and frustration out of the process. When you purchase one of our kits, everything you need for a lightning-fast installation is included. You won’t need special tools either. Just measure and drill!
Using high-quality glass-filled nylon and stainless steel parts, our gate hardware won’t corrode under harsh elements. Grip-Rite® fasteners included in every bag are the best in the business and help you get the job done right.
With a limited lifetime warranty, our gate hardware is built to last.
Reuse, Recycle, and Dispose Smarter
During the job, you’re likely to have off-cuts and other discards that need to go somewhere. Instead of using a roll-off or other construction site dumpster, consider sorting material for proper disposal. Typically, separating metal, cardboard, and wood is enough to start with.
As you tear out the old fencing, save components that can be reused for donation. Brackets, latches, and even some fence posts can have a second life. Chat with local recycling and reuse centers to see what they will and won’t take. Some will take used fence panels, wood, and fasteners for resale.
Check with your suppliers to see if they have eco-friendly packaging available. A single plastic bag could be used instead of individual packaging for compatible components.
At Nationwide Industries, we minimize the use of packaging materials as much as possible to reduce shipping and packaging waste.
Earth Day Tip – Reduce Waste Long-Term with Better Specs
Not every method of reducing waste means cutting back. In many cases, as with hardware, choosing longer-lasting components pays off. Durable, corrosion-resistant hardware reduces callbacks and early failures. Regular maintenance can also make a difference in materials that are prone to corrosion or degradation over time.
For clients who want a specific look, suggest a maintenance-friendly option that won’t need to be replaced over the fence’s lifespan.
Design and build for the long term with high-quality components that won’t fail under regular use. Nationwide Industries engineers and tests our hinges and gate hardware to withstand the worst. Our testing facility runs 24/7, opening and closing mockups over a million times to ensure durability.
Investing in durable components and sound construction saves you and your clients money while reducing tear-outs and rebuilds. Eco-friendly construction doesn’t mean lower quality; it often means smarter, longer-lasting fences and gates.
Final Thoughts on Earth Day 2025
Achieving more efficient fence installations doesn’t have to harm your local ecosystem. With some planning and sourcing, you can celebrate Earth Day every day by decreasing your impact on the planet and saving on costs at the same time.
This fencing season, see if you can maximize efficiencies in one part of your process to produce less waste. Whether you’re making cleaner cuts, sorting construction debris, or using higher-quality components, each positive choice makes a difference.
Nationwide Industries is committed to creating fence and gate hardware solutions that encourage eco-friendly construction. With durable, non-corrosive materials, our Gate Hardware Kits are designed for efficiency. Packed with everything necessary for installation on most common fencing materials, they’re your partner in creating a more efficient work site.
Find out Where to Buy Nationwide Industries products near you.