Greening Austin Daily

Austin ReStore Visit

8th July, 2010 - Posted by katherine - No Comments

Last weekend I checked out Austin ReStore, which I found out about by reading another blog.  The ReStore website explains, “As the costs of building materials rise, house maintenance and improvements become increasingly unaffordable. Austin Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, a building materials recycling and retail center, addresses this problem by providing good quality building materials at reduced prices, as well as supporting the mission of Austin Habitat for Humanity.” 

And the website points out the environmental aspect of reusing building materials:

• The U.S. EPA estimated in 1996 that U.S. companies generate 136 million tons of building-related construction and demolition (C&D) waste per year.

• 92% of building-related C&D waste is from renovation and demolition.

• C&D waste is approximately 30% of all solid waste produced in this country, excluding road and bridge debris.

• U.S. EPA estimates that only 20% to 30% of C&D waste is presently recycled.

• About 245,000 residential structures and 44,000 commercial structures are demolished each year in the U.S.

• Landfills and incinerators are increasingly more expensive and problematic to open, operate, and close.  One estimate is that it costs $1 million per acre during the life of a landfill.

Guy, Bradley. “The Value of Reusing and Recycling Construction and Demolition Waste.” Ecostructure Winter 2003: 72-78.

Anyone can shop at ReStore and choose from new and recycled building materials, and all proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity.  Located at 310 Comal Street, the store was a large warehouse with a  variety of materials – new and used cabinets, plumbing parts, light fixtures, rugs, gardening tools, new and used doors, lumber, new and used tile, painting equipment, and more.  I didn’t have any projects in mind so I mostly just walked around, but I did pick up an old hand towel rack to be mounted by the sink in our laundry room.  They also had a ton of new office chairs for $10 and I thought of getting one, but the color wasn’t really my style and I don’t think I’m skilled enough to reupholster a chair. Here are some pics I took of the store:

air filters for $1

collection of plumbing parts

Office chair for $10. They had about 50 of these, all brand new. This one looks like it has a stain but I don't remember seeing that or else I wouldn't have considered buying it - I think it's just the lighting.

part of the warehouse

a nice file cabinet

some old but very sturdy shelves - would be great for a garage

I will be going back for sure!