ScrapHouse was a unique example of reuse in the greatest sense of the term. An array of materials--collected from salvage yards, dumps, or collected from waste piles at active construction sites--was temporarily transformed into an one-bedroom demonstration house. Scraphouse demonstrates that materials that are thrown away, or considered to be junk, still have an effective life-span. One person’s trash is someone else’s treasure.

What follows is a list of ways that you can make your next remodeling project or new construction green and incorporate salvaged or scrap materials:

1. Hire green building-trained professionals to design and build your home;



2. Require that a waste management plan is followed, whereby all materials are sorted accordingly;



3. Identify design strategies where salvaged materials or recycled content will be incorporated;
   
   
4. Provide space for recycling and compost containers;



5. Provide the maximum amount of natural daylight and ventilation to improve comfort, reduce energy consumption, prevent mildew, and decrease the rate at which VOCs and formaldehyde are released into the environment;



6. Use low- or no- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde-free materials to create a healthy indoor environment;



7. Ensure proper ventilation to reduce your energy costs and prevent mold and other allergens from forming;



8. Install or replace old appliances and light fixtures with energy efficient products. Look for the Energy Star label on appliances and check with your local utility for rebates;



9. Insulate water heater tank and pipes; and



10. Choose furniture, carpets and mattresses that do not contain VOCs or formaldehyde.

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Green Building