Ben's Kitchen

It was mid 2007 and I had just started working on a very part-time basis at this really cool environmental nonprofit -- just a couple of hours a week to help out. I was feeling pretty good about the gig and myself for actually doing it instead of just talking about it. 

It was the beginning of summer and my buddy (let's call him Ben) was having a BBQ. He and his wife had just started remodeling their kitchen and he was showing off the cool setup in their backyard. They'd moved the fridge, microwave and kitchen sink (with cabinet) out back. Ben had a tarp strung up overhead, a power strip, a garden hose for running water, lot's of camping cookware, the BBQ grill and a smoker. They were set for the duration of the remodel. The weather was fine and they were happy to rough it for a couple of months while the kids were out of school. 

Ben and I were kicking back on the deck with a couple of cold frosties, chatting and watching our boys (two for each of us) play army scouts (or space invaders or whatever) with an assortment of toy weapons, some handmade. Ben is a retired engineer who has also worked in construction and carpentry and is very handy. The wives were relaxing inside with the one little sister, thankful that the boys were all outside.   

Having heard all the blah, blah, blah about the impending remodel for about a year, I was glad it had finally started (attentively listening to the details of someone else's remodeling plans is a sign of true friendship) and curious about the backyard kitchen. I got the quick tour, plus a couple more beers while inspecting the fridge installation. Once settled back down in the lounge chairs (I mean, earnestly watching the kids), Ben starts telling me about the incredible guys who came out and removed the old kitchen for him.

Living in the Bay Area and being young (compared to me) and hip (at least in their own minds), Ben and his wife decided not to simply trash all of their old stuff. They wanted to be as environmentally friendly as possible and decided to try this new thing they'd heard about: deconstruction. 

Ben recounted how the crew showed up at eight in the morning, sheeted off the work area, and not only salvaged the old cabinets, stove and dishwasher, but also moved the remaining items into the backyard for him, removed the drywall and flooring, and swept up. He was amazed at how quickly and professionally it all happened.

So I start telling him about my new gig and how the company performs the exact same service and is a nonprofit to boot, so that people donating salvaged materials can get a tax deduction for them. 

Of course he responded that was what they did! Into our third beers, we finally realized that we were both talking about The ReUse People!

Since then I've joined TRP on a full time basis. The boys are bigger and louder. Ben has been to TRP's local retail warehouse numerous times, just “looking for stuff.” The last time he was there he picked up a paneled oak front door with dual sidelights to replace the cracked, warped double doors the house had when they bought it. Not only does it look great and brighten up the foyer, he purchased, painted and installed it for just over $300.

So now it's just about summertime again. The kids are done with little league and I've got a lead on a Keg-erater being salvaged from a house up at Tahoe. I bet it would look great in Ben's backyard, close at hand to the grill.

Ron Whittaker is TRP Regional Manager for Northern California.