All of us would like to incorporate more Green aspects into our homes, but where to begin? If you have basic home maintenance items on your to-do list or you have a room that you'd like to renovate, chances are you have a great Green option in your town to help you recycle, repurpose or reuse building materials and supplies: a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Two years ago, I bought a home that could charitably be called a fixer-upper. I've put it back into primo shape at pennies on the dollar by utilizing my local ReStores (many towns have more than one - there are seven within driving distance for me).
If you've never visited a Habitat ReStore, you might be surprised by what they offer.
Here's an abbreviated list of what I've purchased for my home via Habitat ReStores:
-Electrical supplies
-Plumbing supplies
-Tile (floor/wall), grout
-Hardwood flooring
-Trim
-Paint and painting supplies
-Lighting fixtures
-Toilet/Bathroom vanity/bathroom sink (yay! no more turquoise toilet!)
-Kitchen cabinets
-Granite
-Cabinet hardware
-Doors, windows, storm windows, door hardware
-Bricks, plywood
Almost all locations have appliances and furniture as well.
While you'll find much there that is used, there's generally quite a bit that has been donated directly from contractors and is brand-new. If you buy in bulk - for instance, tile - you can often negotiate the price at some locations. But best of all, you'll keep some of this stuff from going into landfills and your purchase helps fund Habitat for Humanity home builds.
You can find a list of US ReStores at this link, and Canadian ReStores here. If you have a Facebook page, you can Like your local ReStore and get updates on new items they've received.
It feels great that I've been able to recycle so much in this house and I wanted to pass this terrific resource on. I'll add that they welcome donations as well - they got the turquoise toilet :).