Recyclable Material

Reduce, reuse and recycle materials. Today, 40% or 3 billion tons annually of the world’s raw material is used to construct buildings in the United States. At the same time, 136 million tons of construction and demolition waste are sent to local landfills.

There are many choices you can make when building to help save the earth. Use building materials and products that contain post-consumer recycled content. Support the regional economy by using materials and products manufactured regionally. Utilize rapidly renewable materials, such as bamboo, wool, cotton batt insulation and poplar oriented-strand board (OSB). And encourage responsible forestry by purchasing lumber from companies that practice sustainable forestry. Consider the health implications of the inhabitants and the environment for each material during construction and subsequent use.