It's been bugging me, so while I had a captive audience tonight, I cornered Chris and made him tell me what trick he employed to get the Youtube videos to show up nice and neat like in his blog. Simple, he says, so here goes:
New beginnings
Is it ecology or economy? I say it’s both! While it helps the proverbial pocketbook (A penny saved is a penny earned) to utilize surplus or used materials in the building of a structure, it also falls smack dab in the realm of the latest craze:: Being Green.
I suppose there are many ways to “ Be Green.” Certainly keeping building refuse out of the landfills qualifies. It is reported by the EPA that over 35% of the Nation’s landfills are comprised of building refuse. Obviously this is a BIG problem. In my home town, Boulder Colorado, the City recently revised its Green Points program which includes a minimum 65% landfill diversion for construction waste in residential building projects. The higher the diversion rate, the more points you get... And you must comply or forget ever getting to the end game:: Certificate of Occupancy!
Seems to me, the City is providing a win-win situation. From the deconstruction of a house, can come many reusable materials including reclaimed lumber; both structural and non structural including trim and flooring. Other items I’ve personally salvaged are; bathtubs, bath fixtures, insulation, steel posts, furnaces, cabinets and doors.
Aside from the obvious advantages of diverting these items away from landfills, there is the economic windfall of not having to buy these items new! Have you priced building materials lately? Steel has gone through the roof, lumber is out-of site and well, as you can imagine, there is no end in site.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
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