Better Than New!

Over the years, since starting TRP, I have seen numerous examples of practical and innovative reuse by do-it-yourselfers and talented artisans determined to remodel, repair or create entirely new products from salvaged building materials. These people have taken used lumber, windows, doors, cabinets, fixtures and appliances and given them a second, third, or, in some cases, fourth life -- and they have saved money doing it! 

I've seen photos of salvaged gym floors transformed into countertops and decking, old windows painted with vivid floral designs and hung as original art, and entire room additions built with nothing but reclaimed materials. Customers purchase these materials at our Oakland, Boulder and Los Angeles warehouses and then come back a few weeks or months later to show off snapshots of the finished products. While I always applaud such efforts, what I have not done up until now is share these inspirational ideas with the folks who visit our website and receive this e-letter. That's about to change.

Announcing TRP's first ever "Better Than New: A Contest for Reuse Fledglings and Fanatics," or just "Better Than New!" (for short).

By merely entering this contest, you are guaranteed a prize. First, second and third place winners will get heftier prizes, but every valid entry receives something. At the same time, you'll be helping me to showcase projects on our website that demonstrate the excellent work being done with used building materials. Here's how the contest works:

Simply e-mail to me, at the address below, up to four (4) before-and-after photographs of your project along with a brief description (up to 250 words) that explains the nature of the project and the types and amounts of used materials incorporated in the project. We will select the best of these to display on a special TRP website page. Include your first and last names and the city where you live. TRP promises to not disclose any additional information about you. 

A three-person jury (one TRP contractor, one TRP advisor, and one TRP retail manager) will select the three winners and may recommend additional projects to be featured on the TRP website. Entries will be judged on:

1. Quality of design and execution (installation)
2. Replicability of concept
3. Clarity of description
4. Quality of photographs (If we can't see it well, we can't judge it fairly.)

In addition to recognition on the TRP website, photos of winning projects will be featured in the TRP booth at West Coast Green in San Jose, September 25-27.

Prizes (redeemable at any TRP warehouse)
First: $200 gift certificate 
Second: $100 gift certificate 
Third: $50 gift certificate
Every valid entry: $25 gift certificate

Here's a recap of the rules and instructions:

1. First and last name of entrant
2. Name of city
3. Up to four (4) before-and-after photos
4. Description of project, up to 250 words
5. Email entries to tedreiff@thereusepeople.org., subject line: "Better Than New"
6. Deadline: September 1, 2008