Reclaim to Frame is proud to introduce our signature color palettes. These color options are now available for all of our mirrors and frames. Visit our store for details.

By making smarter purchases and giving away unwanted items, we can reduce the amount of waste we produce.

The saying goes that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. It couldn’t ring more true for some people. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled over on the side of the road to scoop up something that was left out for the garbage collector. Unfortunately many of us have grown accustomed to living in a throw-away society, where consumer products are cheaply manufactured and easily replaceable. When a product wears out, it’s easier and less expensive to  just throw it away and buy a replacement product (which will wear out just as quickly). In many cases it costs less to manufacture a new product than to repair an existing one. This over consumption and excessive production has lead to major increases in household waste over the years. In the early 1900’s the average person produced 92 pounds of waste per year. In 2009, that number had grown to 1,242 pounds of waste per year. It’s amazing how much we throw away without even thinking twice. 

Luckily, many consumers are becoming more conscious of the environment and the amount of waste they produce. Instead of buying cheaply made products, consumers are more willing to pay more for a better constructed, and longer lasting product. While the price is greater at the time of purchase, the value is better because the product is more likely to withstand the test of time. Consider this the next time you visit any big box store. Ask yourself if you’re buying a quality item, or something with a lifespan of only a few years.

Another way that consumers are helping to reduce waste is by giving their unwanted items away to someone who may want them. Websites like Freecycle.org and craigslist.org are great resources for giving away unwanted items. Even broken items can be usable to someone, either for parts or for a completely different use. Other organizations like Purple Heart Service Foundation collect unwanted items to help support military veterans and their families. 

By giving your unwanted items to someone who can use them, we create less waste and help others. Before you kick your unwanted items to the curb, think about donating them or re-purposing them for a better use. You’ll be doing the environment and your neighbor a favor.

Approximately 40 million acres of forest are chopped down annually for use in building consumer products. While much of this wood comes from responsibly managed forests, just as much is harvested with methods that are not environmentally sound. As limited resources dwindle, companies and consumers are making strides toward being more environmentally responsible. One trend in environmental responsibility is purchasing products that are made with reclaimed wood.

This modern dresser was built with reclaimed wood from a variety of sources.  

What is reclaimed wood and where does it come from?
Older buildings eventually fall apart. Many people are rescuing old lumber from these decommissioned homes and buildings. The lumber is is harvested, refurbished, and given a second life. This reclaimed wood is used for home building, cabinetry, furniture, flooring, and other products, reducing the amount of material that ends up in landfills and helping to preserve our natural resources.

Reclaimed wood can be used for beautiful, high quality products while impacting the environment as minimally as possible. In many cases it is hard to tell the difference between new and reclaimed material. Other times, the reclaimed pieces have unique characteristics, such as old nail holes or saw blade marks. 
Many people are under the misconception that reclaimed wood has limited uses, such as for making rustic furniture or in non-structural applications. The truth is that reclaimed wood is suitable for a wide variety uses, including framing for new buildings, custom wood flooring, and in the manufacture of consumer products.

Please consider purchasing reclaimed products or building your next project with reclaimed wood.

The Reclaim to Frame Blog will be online shortly…Please check back.