News and Updates | The ReUse People

In the battle against waste and environmental degradation, the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle” is a familiar rallying cry. While all three components are crucial, reuse stands out as a particularly effective strategy. This article explores why reuse is so important and how it can make a significant impact on our environment and economy.

Understanding Reuse in the Context of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”

The “reduce, reuse, recycle” hierarchy is a guide for waste management, with each step representing a different approach to minimizing environmental impact:

Reduce: Consume and produce less to minimize waste generation.
Reuse: Use items multiple times or repurpose them for different uses.
Recycle: Process materials to create new products.

While many people are familiar with the three Rs, some remain unaware that the order of these three words is intentional, listing the strategies from most to least environmental impact. Reduction is ultimately the most impactful strategy for minimizing waste, and reuse is the next best thing. While recycling is beneficial, reuse often provides greater environmental benefits.

The Benefits of Reuse

Environmental Benefits

Conserves natural resources
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Minimizes pollution from manufacturing and transportation
Decreases landfill waste

Economic Benefits

Saves money for consumers and businesses
Creates jobs in repair, refurbishment, and secondhand markets
Reduces waste management costs for municipalities

Social Benefits

Promotes a culture of sustainability and resourcefulness
Provides affordable goods to communities
Encourages creativity and innovation in repurposing items

Examples of Reuse in Action

Reuse can be applied to a variety of items, from household goods to building materials. Everyday items like glass jars, old clothing, and furniture can be repurposed or upcycled. Appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators can be repaired or transformed for new uses. In construction, reclaimed wood, bricks, and windows can be reused in new or renovated structures, reducing waste and conserving resources.

The ReUse People: Champions of Building Material Reuse

The ReUse People (TRP) showcases the power of reuse in the construction industry. We are a nonprofit organization specializing in deconstructing houses and buildings, diverting solid waste from landfills, and offering salvaged materials for sale and reuse.

Our work demonstrates the immense potential of reuse in reducing waste and conserving resources. By carefully dismantling structures instead of demolishing them, TRP salvages valuable materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. These materials — ranging from lumber and fixtures to appliances and architectural elements — are then made available for purchase and reuse in new projects. Check out our retail warehouse today!

Reuse is a powerful tool in our efforts to create a more sustainable world. By extending the life of products and materials, we can significantly reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize our environmental impact. From appliances to building materials, the opportunities for reuse are vast and varied.

As consumers, we can embrace reuse by repairing items, finding new purposes for old possessions, and supporting businesses and organizations that prioritize reuse. As a society, we can promote policies and practices that encourage reuse and make it easier for individuals and businesses to participate in the reuse economy.

By prioritizing reuse, we take a crucial step toward a more circular economy, where resources are used efficiently and waste is minimized. In doing so, we not only protect our environment but also create economic opportunities and foster a culture of sustainability that can benefit generations to come.

TRP reduces the solid waste stream and changes the way the built environment is renewed by salvaging building materials and distributing them for reuse. Relied on by architects, contractors, building owners, and federal, state, and local governments since 1993, we’ve deconstructed over 4,000 houses and buildings and diverted over 400,000 tons of waste from landfills. Learn more about our commercial and residential deconstruction, explore our salvaged materials for sale, or donate today to support our work!

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the appeal of used appliances and materials has never been stronger. From vintage charm to eco-friendly practices, incorporating pre-owned items into your home or project offers numerous benefits beyond mere cost savings. Let's explore why used appliances and materials are an excellent choice and where you can find these hidden gems.

The Allure of Pre-Owned

Quality That Stands the Test of Time

Many older appliances and materials were built to last. Unlike some modern counterparts designed with planned obsolescence in mind, vintage items often boast superior craftsmanship and durability. A well-maintained refrigerator from the 1950s or solid wood cabinets from a mid-century home can continue to serve their purpose for decades to come.

Unique Character and Charm

Used appliances and materials often possess a distinct aesthetic that's hard to replicate with new items. Whether it's the sleek lines of a retro stove or the patina of reclaimed wood flooring, these elements add personality and warmth to any space. They tell a story and create a sense of history that mass-produced items simply can't match.

Environmental Benefits

Choosing used items is an eco-conscious decision that helps reduce waste and conserve resources. By giving new life to existing appliances and materials, you're preventing them from ending up in landfills and reducing the demand for new production. This choice contributes to a circular economy and minimizes your carbon footprint.

Support for Local Communities

Purchasing used appliances and materials often means buying from local sellers, salvage yards, or community organizations. This practice supports the local economy and fosters a sense of community connection. It's a way to invest in your neighborhood while finding unique treasures for your home.

Where to Find Used Appliances and Materials

Now that we've explored the benefits, let's look at some of the best sources for used appliances and materials:

Architectural Salvage Yards

These specialized businesses focus on rescuing and reselling high-quality building materials and fixtures from older structures. They're excellent sources for items such as vintage door knobs and hardware, antique light fixtures, period-appropriate trim and molding, and reclaimed wood beams and flooring.

Local Thrift Stores

Local nonprofit thrift and home improvement stores and donation centers sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, and more. As a bonus, proceeds often support housing, community development, or other humanitarian efforts.

Online Marketplaces

Websites and apps such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay can be treasure troves for used appliances and materials. These platforms allow you to search locally or expand your hunt nationwide for specific items.

Estate Sales and Auctions

These events often feature entire households of furnishings and appliances, providing an opportunity to find matched sets or period-specific items.

Antique Shops and Flea Markets

While primarily known for furniture and decor, many of these venues also offer vintage appliances and unique building materials.

The ReUse People Warehouses

One of the most comprehensive sources for used building materials and appliances is The ReUse People (TRP). We are a nonprofit organization that operates warehouses across the United States, stocked with a wide array of items salvaged from deconstructed homes and buildings.

TRP warehouse inventory typically includes:

Appliances
Bathroom fixtures
Doors and windows
Flooring materials
Lighting fixtures
Cabinets and countertops
Architectural elements

By shopping at TRP warehouses, you're not only finding unique items but also helping us reduce landfill waste and promote the reuse of building materials.

Tips for Successful Used Goods Shopping

To make the most of your used appliance and material hunt:

Research before you buy: Understand the item's history, condition, and compatibility with your needs.
Inspect thoroughly: Check for any damage or wear that might affect functionality.
Measure twice: Ensure the item will fit in your space before making a purchase.
Consider restoration: Know that some items may need refurbishing but can be well worth the effort.
Be patient: Realize the perfect item might not be available immediately, but persistence often pays off.

Embracing the Past and Building the Future

Incorporating used appliances and materials into your home or project is more than a practical choice — it's a statement about values. It reflects a commitment to sustainability, an appreciation for craftsmanship, and a desire for uniqueness in an increasingly homogenized world.

By choosing pre-owned items, you're not just furnishing a space; you're continuing a story. Each reclaimed door, vintage stove, or salvaged light fixture carries with it a history and character that enriches your environment.

As you embark on your next home improvement project or appliance upgrade, consider the world of possibilities that used items offer. Visit a TRP warehouse today and find that perfect piece that transforms your space while contributing to a more sustainable future.

TRP hasn’t put out an e-letter (aka The Velvet Crowbar) since June 2018, so I need to start this re-launch with two business updates. First, in case you hadn’t heard, the rumors of my 2018 retirement were greatly exaggerated. Well, okay, the retirement happened but was short-lived. I was back as president of TRP in April of 2019.

The other big change was the termination of TRP’s own deconstruction division. Soon after TRP began to ramp up its deconstruction training for workers, contractors, and the general public, we realized that it would be a mistake to compete with the Bay Area TRP-certified deconstruction contractors (CDCs) we ourselves trained. So, in 2019, we dissolved the deconstruction division and transferred all deconstruction personnel and assets to Marcan Enterprises, our first CDC. To date, the move has worked out very well.

Now, let’s talk about you …

Stuck at home during the pandemic, you may have decided to take on various needed, and probably delayed projects. High on the list of COVID-fostered enterprises is the construction of backyard offices, garden houses, play and schooling shelters for kids, and alternative dwelling units (ADUs). I recently spoke with a craftsman and TRP customer who started a business building ADUs a couple of years ago. He reported being booked solid through May of 2021. And a local Home Depot claims to have sold more prebuilt sheds in the past six months than they normally sell in a year.

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article entitled, “Behold the Sanity Shed.” Featured were places to garden, knit, paint or draw, or even work (yes, work keeps some folks sane). The article included photos and measurements for four such units, including a modest 8x12-foot garden shed and a 12x24-foot office with a front porch. The prices ranged from $9,850 to $31,500.

I browsed through the TRP Oakland warehouse, solicited some excellent advice from Retail Manager Brandy Sosa and came up with prices using comparable salvaged materials. Total materials cost (including paint from a retail store) would be $1,500 to $1,800 for the 8x12 unit and $2,500 to $3,000 for the larger unit, not including electric or plumbing. Add the cost of labor if you don’t want to do the work yourself. Two skilled tradespeople could complete the small unit in five to seven days and the larger one in 10 to12 days. Throw in $300 for truck rental and you still save at least $2,500 on the small unit and almost $15,000 on the larger one (with that kind of savings, you could electrify and plumb the place and still save $5,000 to $8,000).

But listen, the greatest benefit would probably come from building the unit yourself, even if you are not a builder pr carpenter. I’ve read that tackling something completely different for a short period of time is good therapy. Come into the TRP warehouse, walk around and give your imagination free reign. Then do a rough sketch. We can help you fill in the details.

P.S. This marks the re-birth of TRP’s monthly e-letters. As always, I encourage you to send me your comments and suggestions for topics relevant to our growing industry.