Building with Recycled Materials - Considerations

Building green is about minimizing the environmental impact of home construction. One of the best ways to do that is by using recycled or salvaged building materials.

Doing so actually improves the environment twofold - you're making good use of what would otherwise be thrown into a landfill, while avoiding the environmental damage and waste involved in manufacturing and transporting new materials. Plus, you can save a lot of money in the process.

Recycled materials don't have to mean decreased quality; in fact, the opposite is often true. The old adage goes "they don't build �em like they used to." Well, with recycled materials, you can. From doors to tiles to ducting to plumbing, salvaged materials can be every bit as high quality as their newly-made counterparts.

Not only that, they can add an element of character to your home that would be impossible (or prohibitively expensive) to achieve with new materials. An antique clawfoot tub or vintage chandelier can give your home a classic, timeless look at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Note, though, that as antique fixtures rise in popularity, so does their price.

Using recycled building materials doesn't mean you have to pick through detritus at your local dump (though, if you're feeling brave, you certainly may). There are green builders who specialize in locating and using salvaged materials, and there are numerous websites that facilitate the buying, selling and trading of salvaged home building products.

Recycled materials can even come from other sources than older homes. Wagon-wheel window frames, railroad tie garden borders, wine barrel patio furniture - if you can envision it, chances are, you can incorporate it.

A word of caution, though - lead and asbestos may put a damper on your salvaged materials building plan. Make sure that whatever recycled materials you use are safe for you and your family. Consult your local green builder about which salvaged items are nontoxic, reliable and in ready supply.

With help from a professional and a little common sense, you can save thousands of dollars, not to mention saving trees, fuel and air quality, by building with recycled materials.