Recycle or donate old paints and materials (9.1)
Renovation projects can often mean lots of leftover materials, but don’t toss everything out just yet: you can recycle up to 35 gallons of paint for free through the MetroPaint program. Oregon Metro also has a find-a-recycler tool to help you figure out how to dispose of many types of leftover construction materials. Alternatively, you can donate unused materials to organizations like Habitat for Humanity who repurpose them to build affordable housing for those in need.
Use low-VOC and recycled or mis-tinted paints (9.2)
Choosing to use recycled or mis-tinted paints when you’re working on a home project isn’t just easier on the environment — it’s often easier on your wallet, too. Picking mis-tints and recycled paint can sometimes save you up to 80%; MetroPaint is one reliable, local option for recycled paint. Before purchasing, you should check to make sure that all the paints you’ve selected are low-VOC and, if possible, sourced domestically or locally.
Use sustainable or recycled materials for building and remodeling (9.3)
Choosing to use sustainable or recycled materials when you’re working on a home project isn’t just easier on the environment — it’s often easier on your wallet, too. Natural, renewable materials for building include chemical and formaldehyde-free wood, certified sustainable wood, reclaimed wood, bamboo, recycled glass, recycled plastic, and natural linoleum. Sustainable Northwest Wood is an excellent company for sustainable juniper construction materials; if buying wood elsewhere, look for the Forest Stewardship Council seal. You should also check to make sure that all the materials you’re using are low-VOC and, if possible, sourced domestically or locally.
Choose a lighter color or reflective roof (9.4)
Choosing a lighter color roof color can help mitigate the harmful consequences of heat in dense urban areas. Rapidly increasing temperatures in urban areas stress ecosystems, increase the frequency and duration of heat waves and exacerbate air pollution. Together, these factors are creating serious health risks for people and wildlife around the world. By installing a reflective roof, you can help to mitigate these impacts and reduce your electricity bill by using less air conditioning. For more information, you can check out this practical guide to cool roofs and cool pavements from the Global Cool Cities Alliance.
Deconstruct or renovate instead of demolishing (9.5)
Deconstructing your home instead of demolishing it can divert 75 percent or more of would-be waste away from landfill. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Deconstruction Rapid Assessment Tool can help you decide if deconstructing is right for you. If you decide to go the route of deconstruction, the Delta Institute offers a detailed set of provisions to follow; show the guide to your contractor and make a plan to meet the listed provisions. If your current house is structurally sound, you should also talk to your contractor about the possibility of renovating or remodeling instead.