The ReUse People - January 2006 NEWSLETTER

Building a Better Industry in 2006
By Ted Reiff

I seldom climb on the new year's resolution bandwagon. I can get into enough trouble without making ritualistic promises to myself that are doomed to fail for lack of genuine commitment. 

However this year, since my life is so focused on growing our small reuse organization into a regional and, eventually, national nonprofit distribution system, I do have some recommended resolutions for the growing deconstruction and building-materials salvage and reuse industry. And since TRP is part of that industry, I pledge to lead by example.

Six Recommended Industry Resolutions for 2006

1. Improve worker efficiency and effectiveness by concentrating on training and employee development.
2. Find more uses (reuses) for more materials. This will lead to increased diversion and lessen the impact on our landfills.
3. Encourage more economic recycling efforts for those materials that simply cannot be reused, e.g., composite roofing and painted drywall.
4. Continue to find new methods and new tools to assist all of us in our deconstruction, salvage and distribution efforts.
5. Reduce costs in all aspects of our businesses so that our customers (the people from whom we get materials and the buyers of those materials) benefit, thereby encouraging more reuse.
6. Be ever vigilant in keeping the hucksters, charlatans, and quick-buck artists out of our business – regardless of their intentions. 

New Inventory

TRP Alameda just received three pallets of brand new wall and countertop tile. These tiles come in many sizes and colors. 

Special of the Month

This month we are again featuring our large selection of doors. Whether you need to replace interior or exterior doors, we have numerous sizes and styles. Get 25% off on any and all doors of your choice through February 15, 2006.

Friends of TRP

Join Friends of TRP at either the Oak ($25 annually) or the Mahogany ($100 annually) level. In addition to helping TRP achieve its mission, you'll receive discounts on used building materials, be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 gift certificate, and other benefits.

Click here to access the TRP membership form. Print the form and mail it to TRP with your donation. Thank you!

Remember, as a Friend of TRP you receive two discounts - the discount on the special of the month plus you don't pay sales tax.

KATRINA RELIEF FUND: As you recall, all membership fees collected during the final weeks of 2005 went to the Katrina Relief Fund of the American Red Cross. TRP raised over $400 for this fund. THANK YOU!

TRP is Looking for a few Good People

Go to our website www.thereusepeople.org, click on the tab "Opportunities" and look under the heading "Employment Opportunities"

Deconstruction & New Materials Update

The Alameda ReUse Bazaar we will receive:

• All materials from a custom 1,600 sq-ft ranch home in Saratoga. This home was completely remodeled a couple of years ago and has some great dual-glazed windows and paneled doors.

• All materials, including fixtures and lumber, from a custom Lafayette home.

• Great old growth Douglas Fir lumber from a turn-of-the-century bungalow in San Francisco.

IIn Los Angeles, the Habitat for Humanity Home Improvement Store will receive:

• The contents of a Solana Beach home, including hardwood flooring, antique parlor-style couch, claw-foot oak dining table, oak hutch, authentic antique wood spindle, and wood-burning cast iron stove.

• Materials from a Brentwood home, including hardwood floors, French doors, solid raised-panel interior doors, and Viking gas range.

• A Rustic Canyon (Santa Monica) home will be deconstructed later this month.

Location and Contact Information

TRP ReUse Bazaar
2100 Ferry Point, #150
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-2722; toll-free 888-588-9490
Hours: Mon through Fri 10:00 to 6:00; Sat and Sun 10:00 to 4:00

Please visit our partnering warehouses in the greater Los Angeles area:

Habitat Home Improvement Store
17700 S. Figueroa (corner of 182nd), Gardena/Carson CA 90248
(310)-323-5665
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6: 00 p.m.

Silver Lake Yards
1086 Manzanita Street
Silver Lake, CA 90026
(323) 667-2875
Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment
Directions: Manzanita Street crosses Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake. Go south 1 short block and turn right just before Santa Monica Boulevard.