The purest form of recycling is reuse.
Using reclaimed lumber, and other materials saves trees, saves space in our landfills and saves the energy that went into processing the raw goods into finished products.
Incorporating lumber, a piece of stained glass or some antique hardware that has a “past life” can help to make your new space truly unique. Recycling often allows us access to materials that are not commonly available or are in very short supply.
Earthwise has several sources of reclaimed materials and we have the technical expertise to bring them back to life.
Lumber and materials from timber framed structures, barns, wine vats and other sources can be resurfaced and used in new products. While some clients are looking for the “distressed” look that reclaimed materials can provide, we can also work around defects to give a cleaner appearance.
Logs salvaged from trees that fall naturally, or are removed for purposes other than timber, can provide beautiful lumber with an ultra low carbon footprint. Trees of various species (Cypress, Eucalyptus, Acacia) removed from Parks or building sites can be milled to reveal wood that is both beautiful and unusual.
Finding a new function for found objects, or “re-purposing” materials from alternative sources, is an easy way to make a powerful stylistic statement. Whether it’s using recycled glass in a cabinet door or making drawer pulls from old utensils, the possibilities are endless. Your new space can reflect your sensibilities, telling visitors to your home that you are a conscious consumer and a thoughtful designer.
FSC certified wood looks just like wood from any source. FSC certified simply means that an independent monitor has tracked the product from the forest floor to the finished product, and will guarantee that the wood is from a sustainably managed source. FSC certification also insures that the lumber is provided by socially responsible vendors who treat their workers and producers fairly and humanely.
FSC certification does add a small percentage to the cost of the materials, but we believe that it is worth more than the cost. The independent tracking of materials is the best way to protect the forests from clear cutting and other destructive practices.
FSC certification is essential for projects that are seeking to meet LEED accreditation. We can provide complete Chain of Custody documentation of certified materials for clients who need them.
Earthwise/WNT Design, Inc. is in the process of getting FSC certification for our own completed products. This is a complex process that requires the institution of explicit accounting and materials handling practices. We hope to be fully certified by the end of 2009.