Get a Green Driveway
There are some good options now for those wanting a green driveway. The best is using a permeable honey comb shaped mesh under the surface. This allows lawn to continue growing whilst also providing a relatively strong surface. Depending on usuage there are different types of this rubber mesh, very thin or thicker ones.
This green driveway mesh can just be laid over exisiting lawn sometimes. Other times it will require excavation to ensure a solid surface. Parking a heavy vehicle on a thin mesh will of course lead to dips on the surface over time. There are various options like the Geotek grids or the stronger concrete Aqua-Loc concrete version. The best option is to have a browse online and check with local suppliers and contractors to get the best option for you.
For those of us that can’t literally have a green driveway, there are surfaces that are better for the environment. First using reclaimed crushed stone for the foundation instead of proper MOT saves costs and uses recycled materials. Finer reclaimed stone can also often be used instead of sharp sand. Just make sure you don’t have a high soil content in it.
You can also use reclaimed concrete paving, there are lots of old concrete pavers lifted everyday and once pressure washed they give a decent looking surface. Mixing up different batches gives a very nice pathwork effect and concrete blocks can be added to the borders. Just ask your contractor, it is likely that they throw most away. There are reclaimation yards everywhere too which sell reclaimed materials like natural stone slabs. These are an excellent surface but rarely cheap due to the demand for them and their often awkward sizes.