Build Reuse in Communities across the US

Build Reuse in Communities across the US

From Shannon Goodman

Your support helps us advocate for material reuse, build connections within the industry, and plan new projects that empower communities to turn construction and demolition waste into local resources.

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Recent Updates

Update #2

almost 4 years ago

The EPA recently released the latest data on construction and demolition waste in the US.

In 2018, 600 million tons of C&D debris were generated!!

Demolition represented over 90% of total C&D debris generation. Concrete was the largest portion at 67.5% followed by asphalt concrete at 17.8%. Wood products made up 6.8%, and the other products accounted for 7.9% combined.

C&D waste is hugely understudied in the US, so we are happy to see this data released by the EPA and hope to see much more research on building material waste and reuse in the future.

https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling

More Info

It's estimated that we will double our total building stock over the next 40 years. Its also said that 1/3rd of our present buildings will come down in the next 30 years. 

Imagine 1/3 of the buildings in your neighborhood, town, or city, being demolished and the materials landfilled. Imagine that at the same time our forests and other resources continue to be mined for new materials. 

And building materials don't have to be wasted! All over the country, this "waste" is being turned into resources to support local communities facing under-employment and extreme disinvestment. 

Reuse is local. It builds economies, it builds lives, it builds community. We have seen it again and again throughout the country, but not nearly enough. It needs to become the standard practice it once was to make the difference we need. 

Imagine again that 1/3rd of houses in your neighborhood coming down. What if all that material went to local reuse centers and were reinvested right into your community! What if they helped employ local residents? What if small businesses popped up turning these materials into furniture, art, and other necessities? Its not far fetched, it happens on a small scale in many communities. Our goal is to make it happen everywhere. 

We all live and work in buildings, so we all have a stake in how their materials are used. Be a part of building reuse! 

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Shannon Goodman posted a new update:
almost 4 years ago

Update #4

The EPA recently released the latest data on construction and demolition waste in the US.

In 2018, 600 million tons of C&D debris were generated!!

Demolition represented over 90% of total C&D debris generation. Concrete was the largest portion at 67.5% followed by asphalt concrete at 17.8%. Wood products made up 6.8%, and the other products accounted for 7.9% combined.

C&D waste is hugely understudied in the US, so we are happy to see this data released by the EPA and hope to see much more research on building material waste and reuse in the future.

https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling

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Shannon Goodman posted a new update:
about 5 years ago

Update #1

Thanks to all of you that have donated we are over 10% of our goal. We hit 3,000 this morning so 2 more zeros and we will meet our target :)

The photo here is from our friends at Old Windows Workshop. OWW is a great example of how reuse can be a powerful way to lift up our communities, save materials and change lives! Help us spread the word and increase our ability to help other communities!

"Old Window Workshop Cooperative (OWWC), is a women worker-owned cooperative based in Springfield's South End. OWWC provides employment and business ownership opportunity for women struggling with poverty. Our cooperative contributes to economic empowerment for women resulting in strong families and safer communities.​"

Thanks again everyone! Keep sharing and posting. Joe

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