Using reclaimed materials fits into this vision. Not only does repurposing what otherwise might be considered "trash" keep things out of the landfill, it reduces the transportation, packaging and energy demands of producing new products. It also saves us money, allowing us to live on a tinier budget.
But beyond all these sustainability benefits, I've found that free finds on Craiglist and Freecycle, wood from burn and trash piles and construction leftovers have made us more creative. As we engage in what I call "serendipitous design," we create things we wouldn't have imagined if we used all new materials.
Here are a few of our finds and the projects they influenced...
BLOCKS FROM A DEMOLISHED WALL...BECAME THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SCREEN HOUSE