TRP has always been a market-driven organization. In other words, we respond with solutions, programs, and procedures to the needs of the marketplace pertaining to deconstruction and building materials salvage, handling, warehousing, marketing, distribution and reuse.

In 1993 during TRP's early planning stages, my colleagues and I pledged to divert reusable building materials from landfills while operating in a financially sustainable manner. We would create business units and programs able to survive and grow on revenue generated from the sale of products and services. Outside funding from grants, corporate sponsorships and the like would be used only to build infrastructure -- much as equity capital is used in the for-profit world.

To this end, the company built a distribution system that allows materials that do not sell in one region to be transported to other regions where the demand is greater. Each distribution hub is designed to be financially self-sustaining. Next, we met the small but growing need for a licensed, insured and well trained deconstruction team that could compete with the smash-and-dash demolition boys in the residential and commercial sectors.

Soon TRP had several crews traveling throughout California deconstructing houses, warehouses, multifamily dwellings, motels, movie sets and military buildings. When the demand became greater than our crews could handle, we started training motivated building and demolition contractors to enter the fledgling deconstruction field.

In 2006 these contractors were able to more than double the tonnage that TRP crews diverted from local landfills. This year, they will divert over seven times the amount salvaged by TRP crews. There are currently 19 TRP-certified deconstruction contractors in four states, and the certification process has barely begun.

Because of TRP's knowledge of deconstruction techniques and the impact we have had on local landfills -- diverting over 250,000 tons -- public officials, builders, developers, designers and engineers in the green building industry have been calling on us to assist them with specific deconstruction and diversion challenges.

Enter The ReUse Institute of America, a division of TRP that will serve as a consulting and training arm to address these opportunities and encourage the diversion of even more materials. TRP recently consulted at two U.S. Air Force bases, a large engineering firm, and a major municipality. Other consulting projects are in the works. In addition to training programs and manuals for TRP-certified deconstruction contractors, TRP recently completed the first comprehensive training manual for individuals interested in becoming deconstruction workers and crew chiefs. This program is designed for students with no experience in construction, so it is very detailed, with step-by-step instructions for removing and handling each component of a building.

Unlike the typical consultant with specialized capabilities and little or no hands-on experience, TRP professionals have diverted thousands of tons of building materials annually, deconstructed hundreds of residential, commercial and military buildings and built successful for-profit and nonprofit organizations. TRP's focus on sustainability as a foundation for achieving its mission of solid waste diversion makes the consulting and training services of The ReUse Institute valuable for:

• Government agencies attempting to balance green-building mandates with budgetary constraints
• Contractors and other commercial enterprises who wish to service the demand for green building practices while operating profitably and within strict time limits
• Architects, engineers, urban planners and designers who recognize the need for practical solutions to real-life challenges
• Employment development agencies requiring additional opportunities for under-employed workers

Schedule Change! Please Note: The national conference of the USGBC will not be held in Los Angeles in October as previously announced, but will be held in Chicago from November 7 to 9.

The Oakland warehouse just received numerous high-end appliances, including SubZero refrigerators, a Viking six-burner range with dual oven and stainless steel hood (retails for over $8,000 new), a Whirlpool all electric range, a nearly new GE refrigerator/freezer combination, stainless steel dishwashers, and more.

In Colorado, the TRP warehouse just received a 48-foot flatbed trailer of unused rigid insulation in 4' x 8' sheets ranging in thickness from 1/2 to 4 inches. A commercial roofing contractor in Denver was hauling the material to the landfill when they heard about TRP!

BIG SALE at the Oakland warehouse! This month prices are being reduced storewide. Receive 30% off on any purchase through July 15.

TRP is accepting donations of cars, trucks, SUV's, RV's, and motorcycles. Donating a vehicle is a simple process. You just pick up the phone and call. We do the rest. So if you'd like to get rid of an unwanted vehicle, phone now for a pickup. 800-574-0888. Or you can donate your vehicle online at www.vehiclesforcharity.com. Unfortunately, vehicle donations can only be made from the Bay Area counties plus Santa Cruz.

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

• Materials from the remodel of a 6,500 sq-ft custom home in Blackhawk, including super doors, windows and cabinets, Subzero under-counter refrigerator and other appliances, antique vanities and Kohler plumbing fixtures
• Materials from the remodel of a 2,500 sq-ft custom ranch home with top-of-the-line kitchen cabinets, doors and dual-glazed windows

• All materials from a 1,200 sq-ft classic 1933 home in midtown L.A., including oak hardwood floors, outdoor hot tub, and complete kitchen appliances and cabinetry
• All materials from a 1,500 sq-ft modern style 1955 home in Pacific Palisades, including hardwood floors, T&G Douglas fir ceiling panels, redwood deck, cabinetry and all kitchen appliances

• All materials from a 10,000 sq-ft building in La Mesa, including hardwood dance floor, steel railings, glass blocks and abundant lumber 

• All materials from a 2,300 sq-ft home in San Diego, including lattice fencing, butcher block island, plantation shutters, hardwood flooring, dual-pane windows, outdoor sconce lights and kitchen cabinetry
• All materials from a 1,600 sq-ft home in Newport, including dual-pane wood frame windows and nice kitchen cabinetry
• All materials from a 2,000 sq-ft home in Seal Beach, including French doors and modular kitchen cabinetry

Earthwise in Seattle will receive:

• All materials from a 1,400 sq-ft Ballard ranch to be totally deconstructed
• All materials from a 4,000 sq-ft custom ranch home in Bellevue, including interior doors, furnace, hot water heater, and beautiful cedar siding

In Boulder, the TRP warehouse will receive:

• All materials from a 4,200 sq-ft house in Boulder, including Pella and Hurd windows, hardwood and glass-faced kitchen cabinets, wet bar, indoor grill, 6-panel doors and full spa
• All materials from an 8,333 sq-ft home in Longmont, including cherry cabinets, Pella windows, stained glass entry door and mechanicals from a hot water heating system

In the Chicago region:

• Materials from the complete deconstruction of a 2,000 sq-ft recently upgraded 1910 home in North Chicago will be auctioned off. See www.murco.net for information.

Location and Contact Information

TRP ReUse Bazaar
9235 San Leandro Street
Oakland, CA 94603
(510) 383-1983; toll-free 888-588-9490
Hours: Mon through Fri 10:00 to 6:00; Sat and Sun 10:00 to 4:00

Boulder Warehouse
10500 Isabelle Road
Lafayette, CO 80026
(303) 666-8094
Hours: Thursday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Please visit our partnering warehouses in Los Angeles and Seattle:

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: 00p.m.

Earthwise Building Salvage of Seattle
3447 Fourth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 624-4510
Hours: Open seven days, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.