What a difference 3 years makes!

In a little over a week the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Goleta will celebrate it's 3rd anniversary! We're pleased to say that the ReStore has been a great resource for our affiliate in that it generates income to supplement Habitat's operating costs, provides materials for our local construction projects, and allows us to provide families with a low-cost source for home-improvement supplies. 

Enjoy some photos from the ReStore's grand-opening celebration, held on August 8th, 2008.  We hardly recognize the place! It's amazing how much the ReStore changed in just 3 years.

And as always, if you're looking to donate used materials to the Habitat ReStore we accept donations during our open hours; Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. The ReStore also does donation pick-ups Tuesday through Friday mornings. Call 805-692-2226 to schedule a pick-up. And refer to our donation guidelines for specific information on items the ReStore accepts.

Creative reuse ideas from the ReStore

We love creative ways to reuse and re-purpose old building materials, and what better way then to see them turned into beautiful flower displays! 

Candace, one of our most dedicated ReStore volunteers, made these beautiful flower displays out of an old mailbox, a sink, cabinets, and even vent material! We've seen some creative reuse projects but these take the cake.

Do you have any creative reuse projects? We'd love to hear about them and feature them here on the blog!

Do-It-Yourself projects from the Habitat ReStore

Recently the Habitat ReStore received pictures of two creative DIY projects made from recycled items found at the ReStore. We love hearing from satisfied customers, especially when it involves materials from the ReStore that have been reused in creative ways!

The first is a table decorated from students at Elwood Elementary School. Marysue emailed us to say:

"Recently I found the cover to a light fixture and four banisters. I used them to make a small table which I painted black.  Then the first grade class at Ellwood Elementary (here in Goleta) decorated it with mosaic tiles for their Spring Auction. It turned out beautifully. The table top was only $3.00 and the legs were $2.00 each." 

"Recycled" table decorated by 1st grade students at Elwood Elementary

The next project is of a backyard patio. All of the decorative tiles were purchased from the Habitat ReStore.

We'd love to hear from you and see pictures of your projects. What creative ways have you reused items from the Habitat ReStore?

Earth Day with Habitat for Humanity

Happy Earth Day everyone! April 22nd marks the day when people across the world pause to think about how we can better treat the planet. Here at Habitat we are using the day to increase awareness of our environmental initiatives. Not only do we try to build affordable homes in an environmentally friendly way, but we also run the Habitat ReStore which has diverted over 200 tons of usable materials from our local landfills.

Three ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Habitat for Humanity:

Volunteer Orientation: Saturday, 4/23 at 10am at the Habitat ReStore. Learn how you can volunteer and help Habitat keep tons of usable materials out of our landfills.

Earth Day Work Day: Plant trees and provide minor exterior home repairs during Habitat’s “A Brush with Kindness” project at a house in Goleta from 9-4pm. Register for this workday at www.sbhabitat.org

ReStore Workshop: In honor of Earth Day we will be hosting a workshop throughout the day on Saturday and explore creative ways to reuse recycled materials found in the ReStore. Examples include turning old sinks, shutters or mailboxes into flower planters and making chicken feeders out of recycled plastic tubing.

 

Creative vertical garden made from an old window shutter.

Mailbox and drawer flower planters.

Toilet turned flower planter.

Building materials being turned into flowerpots.

Be sure to visit the ReStore on April 23rd to see these examples and more!

Before you remodel, consider what can be reused in the Habitat ReStore

Are you remodeling your home and looking for an environmentally friendly way to demolish and deconstruct? Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County does not provide deconstruction services ourselves but we partner with the Deconstruction & ReUse Network to assist with local deconstructions. 

Many items removed from a remodel demolition can be reused and we hope you'll take advantage of DRN's services. They provide the deconstruction work and give many reusable materials to the Habitat ReStore. Instead of filling up our local landfills the material is used in local Habitat homes or purchased at discounted rates by families that might not otherwise be able to afford them. 

Contractors saving reusable items.
cr: HFHI/Steffan Hacker

Reusable items include:

• Lumber
• Doors & Windows
• Roofing
• Cabinetry
• Countertops
• Plumbing Fixtures
• Fireplaces & Mantels
• And more...check the ReStore's website for all materials accepted.

So if you're thinking about remodeling your home or office, consider minimizing your environmental impact and contact the Deconstruction & ReUse Network. 

Why deconstruct to REUSE? The DRN reminds us: 

34 Billion tons of construction waste ends up in the landfill each year. Deconstructing to reuse one 2,500 sq. foot home can divert 25 tons of construction waste.