Home Improvement Projects -- The Green Way

As the weather report tells me the cold and snow are here to stay for at least another week or two, cabin fever escalates.  Spending so much time indoors lately, has forced me to look at each room and the many projects that have been started, but not yet completed.  I've also had many extra hours to watch home improvement shows on tv.  My "honey do" list grows longer by the day.  I've decided to put a few restrictions on the projects to keep them earth-friendly.

1.  Anything we take out of a room cannot go in the trash.  It must be reused somewhere else in the house, given to someone else who can use it, or be recycled.

2.  Anything that comes into the house must not be harmful to the environment.  It must be recycled, re-purposed, or not contain any toxins or pollutants.

I found that there are several organizations that are available to help me accomplish my goals.  Not only do the following organizations help to keep re-usable materials out of the landfills, they will save me money on my home improvement projects.

Environmental Centers
Many cities now have recycling or environmental centers that will handle hazardous materials.  They may even hold hazardous waste events periodically during the year (in the spring and fall where we live).  During these events, they will collect any hazardous materials and dispose of them for you.  Hazardous materials can include such common things as paint and some types of light bulbs.  Most centers are also open throughout the year so you can drop off your items.

Often, the centers will have a "store" or "swap shop" where you can find items that you might need.  These are items that other people dropped off, but are still usable.  You may find almost full cans of paint, household cleaners, beauty and health care products.  Best of all, they're free. 

Reuse Centers
Habitat for Humanity has ReStore retail outlets where they sell reusable and surplus building supplies to the general public at a small fraction of retail prices.  They also accept donated goods.  The products available for purchase typically include: lumber, flooring, cabinets, windows, doors, tools, trim/molding, hardware, faucets, appliances, and much more.  Each store varies and inventory changes frequently, so visit often to find something you need.  Proceeds go to help local Habitat for Humanity projects.

Several states also have ReUse centers that are a similar concept to the ReStore outlets.  To find listings in your area for potential reuse centers and other businesses in the reuse and deconstruction industry, visit the Building Materials Reuse Association Directory.

Online Groups
Several online groups have been established for people to give away items that they no longer want.  Two popular ones are Freecycle and Craigslist.  In my local groups, there are often postings for used home improvement supplies.  While you may not find what you need exactly when you need it, this is still a good place to check periodically.


What about you:  Do you have any home improvement projects on your list?  Where do you get your supplies?