Is chain link fencing bad for the environment?

[hangbuoy]

My husband and I need to redo our backyard fence. We've found out that PVC is extremely harmful. We don't want wood. Too much maintainence. The local home reno stores don't carry bamboo fencing. Is chain link okay for the environment? Everything has a negative impact on the planet, but is chain link okay compared to other alternatives? Please help.

[Chet]

Here's my take:

PVC: Petroleum distillate product. Not the most "green" material. Cost to the environment per foot? Not measured as far as I know.

Wood: Renewable resource. A "green" material. Will take some effort on your part over the long haul, but so does reusing canvas grocery sacks. Cost to the environment per foot? Not measured as far as I know.

Aluminum: Mined, smelted, anodized. Not the most "green" material. Cost to the environment per foot? Not measured as far as I know.

Go Wood.

[craines]

Look at Omega Fencing it is similiar to chain link though the wire mesh pattern is a bit more pleasing and a bit heavy in gauge than the wire they use for chainlink.

With the right pattern and in black it can be virtually transparent.

[tsc]

I would agree with Chet... unless maybe you could afford wrought iron? The chemicals in pressure treated wood are pretty nasty.

I made my own picket fence out of wood...made the pickets, etc...full knowing I will have to replace them sooner since they aren't full of chemicals.

[Greenescapist]

I think chain link should be eliminated because it's ugly- especially in the front of houses. In a backyard, with shrubs and flowers, it would look a little better.

I'd do wood as well. Stockade fences look pretty nice and give nice privacy.

[DetroitPlanner]

Those who live in high crime areas should remember that fencing like stockade does little but provide protection/privacy for those who want to break into your house, remove your central air conditioner, steal the siding off of your garage, or use your yard as a place to crash.

I am not getting rid of my chain link fencing.

[craines]

Most chainlink is galvinized and that process may have some envriomental impact. Wood fencing should be from a sustainable wood source and or recycled.