What part do reused and recycled building materials play in green building?
Purchasing materials that contain recycled content helps to support recycling efforts in the community, state, region, and nation. These products also reduce solid waste problems, cut energy consumption in manufacturing, and save natural resources. Some examples include materials with recycle content include cellulose insulation, Homosote, Thermo-ply, floor tile made from ground glass, and recycled plastic lumber. Salvaged building materials which are incorporated should be safe (test for lead paint and asbestos) and should not sacrifice energy or water efficiency. What about: Plastic lumber? A number of recycled-content deck products are currently on the market. These products offer low maintenance, durability and an attractive option to cedar or redwood decking without the same periodic maintenance requirements for long lasting performance. These products are made either entirely or partially from recycled plastic, which helps close the recycling loop by finding useful end products f
