Insider's Guide to Recycled, Reclaimed and Sustainable Home Improvement Materials

Years ago, no one gave too much thought to the kinds of products and materials that were brought into your home improvement, remodeling and repair projects. Indeed, you or your contractor simply used what was on hand or available at your local home improvement center or specialty warehouse. Nowadays, that's all changed and there are lots ways to go green with your home improvement project, using eco-friendly products and materials that save money and protect the environment.

Where to start? Quality green products and solutions that are fast becoming the standard in eco-friendly American home improvement today.

Recycled Glass. Recycled glass is hot property among today's home improvement pros and homeowners alike. Recycled glass not only looks great but it can save you lots of dough as well. Recycled glass can take the place of expensive ceramic tile for your kitchen and bathroom remodels. Recycled glass is also used in flooring and other products. The skies the limit when it comes to going green with recycled glass products and materials. Companies like EnviroGLAS® in Plano, Texas converts landfill bound, post-consumer and industrial glass into sustainable and ecological hard surfaces and landscaping materials. And, it looks sensational.

Reclaimed Brick. Reclaimed brick has long been used to up the ante on home improvement and remodeling projects. Salvaged from tear downs and other restoration projects, reclaimed brick is both a cost-effective and beautiful choice for walkways, driveways, porches and patios. Reclaimed brick also looks great indoors and adds historic or architectural significance to a fireplace or floor. Reclaimed brick presents an excellent green solution inside and out. Vintage Brick Salvage in Rockford, Illinois sells granite street pavers that have been reclaimed from construction work on Canal Street.

Reclaimed Wood. Planks can be salvaged from any number of places, including tear downs, and given a second life in your eco-friendly home. Reclaimed wooden planks from old floors can be refurbished and installed in your home to give your floors that one-of-a-kind look. Planks can be reclaimed from old barns and houses, making them an excellent green building choice. There are any number of wholesale outlets that trade in reclaimed wood. Most ship nationwide. Companies like Antique Woodworks in Gaylord, Minnesota make beautiful wood floors, countertops, tables, mantels and more from antique wood reclaimed from old barns, graneries, pickle vats, wine barrels and other items and structures.

Recycled Tires and Rubber. Old tires and other rubber products can be recycled and put to new use in your green home. From rubber flooring to rugs and floor mats, old tires have new purpose in today's eco-friendly home improvement and remodeling projects. If Competition Athletic Surfaces, Inc. in Chattanooga, Tennessee makes running tracks and other athletic surfaces from recycled tires, imagine what homeowners can do with this same material?

Salvaged Windows and Doors. Old windows can be repurposed as wall hangings, lawn and garden décor, and coffee tables. Save the glass in these old windows and you've got a ready-made, art project for your eco-friendly home. Doors can be used to make headboards, tables, computer stations, kitchen cabinets, and so much more. Companies like Old Houseparts Company in Kennebunk, Maine sell awesome finds, like French doors, antique windows, vintage doors and other architectural salvage, for exterior and interior design and home improvement projects.

RESOURCES

Building Materials Reuse Association
www.ubma.org

Green Living Guide
www.greenlivingguide.org

Green Building Supply
www.greenbuildingsupply.com

Community Forklift
http://communityforklift.com

This Old House
www.thisoldhouse.com