We’re honoring our commitment to reducing waste as members of the Good Future Design Alliance @theGFDA (www.thegfda.com), Let's talk about strategies we use that reduce waste and consumption in the early phases of design. Then next Wednesday, we’ll continue the discussion, highlighting strategies for the later phases of design.
When it comes time to clear out before demo begins...
We can donate household items, furnishings, building materials, and sometimes even whole kitchens. This keeps perfectly useful items out of landfills, oftentimes ending up in another home as “new to you” items, bringing joy and function to a new owner. A great example of this is Make it Home Bay Area, who take in donations and create sets of essential home items to give to families, foster youth and individuals, helping them “Make It Home”. https://www.makeithomebayarea.org/
We have a place near us called “Flippin Furniture” that takes most used furniture and their revenue helps fund The Bridge House Shelter, whose mission is to end homelessness, one family at a time. They also provide job skills training and offer volunteer opportunities, especially for veterans. https://tbhshelter.org/flipn-furniture/flipn-furniture.html
When it comes to donating materials…
The last drop of paint in a can never quite matches up with the last stroke of paint on the wall. I mean, if that happens for you, you get a gold star, but for the rest of us, we happily donate building materials such as leftover paint - and not just to a general donation center, but to one that we know will utilize the goods. Habitat for Humanity is a global organization that has donation centers all over the US. Donating to the one nearest you directly benefits local projects as well as other nationwide and global projects. Visit www.habitat.org/about to learn more about their mission and operations.
When it comes to planning the design…
We always start by working with clients to specify furnishings that are timeless, have longevity, and that can be reupholstered or refinished again down the road, instead of thrown out. We also look at items that are already in the home that are well loved and maybe need a revival - whether it's reupholstering, painting, or repurposing (I mean have you ever seen an antique dresser as a vanity or kitchen Island?) All of this equates to less in the landfill and less consumption of new. 👉 to see the before of this dresser turned bathroom vanity.
If there are ways you reduce waste or consumption in your everyday life or at work, please share in the comments. We’re always eager to learn about additional ways we can engage in this mission.