You are not recycling until you buy recycled content products.
Did you know that materials collected for recycling are not actually recycled until: (a) they are processed and manufactured into new products, and (b) those new products are purchased and used? This is what we refer to in the recycling industry as "closing the loop".
Purchasing building products made with recycled-content is one of the most important things builders can do to help "close the loop" and promote environmentally sound building. Using recycled-content building products helps to increase the demand (i.e. create strong markets) for recycled materials and conserve limited natural resources and landfill space.
Recycled-Content/Environmental ("Green") Building Materials
AccessGreen Directory
A comprehensive resource list for purchasing Green Building Materials referred to in the Green Building Guidelines. The database is hosted by Build It Green. Click here for more info on the program.
State of California's Database of Recycled-Content Product Manufacturers
Information about recycled content product manufacturers www.ciwmb.ca.gov/condemo/products
Green Building Resource Center (GBRC)
Located @ 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor. The GBRC features product catalogues, literature, product samples, case studies and much more. Currently under renovation, stop by and look at the plans.
Surplus or Salvaged (Reusable) Building Materials
Find places to buy, sell, trade, or donate building materials that are in usable condition.
Builders Guide to Reuse and Recycling
Pages 6-8 cover "Building Materials and Salvage" and list salvage facilities in the region. Many are “Must See” operations and worth the time to take a field trip. You never know what you might find.
California Materials Exchange (CALMAX)
A website that covers the entire State of California. Free ads posted online are good for 3 months.
Pro-Max
Web based material exchange hosted by Ecology Action that covers Northern California.
Greenspec
The Environmental Building News Product Directory, fantastic compilation of products for all aspects of construction and site work.
Environmental Building News
Articles, news and reviews of green building products, including salvage and reuse ideas.
Architects, Designers and Planners for Social Responsibility (ADPSR)
This group runs a great list serve for members to post questions, answers, or trade building related items.