The American way of life as we know it would not be possible without the stone, sand and gravel produced by the aggregates industry. From roads and bridges to paint, pharmaceuticals and cleaning products, aggregates play a vital role in our daily lives.
Each American uses about 10 tons of aggregates every year. Stone, sand and gravel are essential for daily living. Aggregates are essential to maintaining the quality of American life because they are a major part of the roadways and bridges we take to work and school, they are the foundations and building blocks for our homes, schools and hospitals. They are also involved in the manufacture of everyday products like paper, glass, medicines, and fertilizer.
It takes 400 tons of aggregates to construct the average modern home. Aggregates are present from the concrete in the foundation all the way up to the shingles on the roof—and everywhere in between, like the wallboard, tile, glass and plaster.