Green Home Building and Remodeling: Hardware

For many, home is the most important place on Earth. It's within our houses that we establish the bulk of our worldviews, so it's important that the structures themselves represent those values. This week we're providing tips for those of you in the process of building or remodeling about how to make your home harmonious with the rest of the planet.

Tip #3: Being Green Isn't Hard

When changing out hardware such as cabinets or countertops during a remodel, make sure that what was previously there is carefully disassembled. That way, it can be reused elsewhere in your home (perhaps the laundry room) or donated to Habitat for Humanity or another organization that could reuse it. This will prevent ripped-out hardware from ending up in the landfill. When replacing windows, go double-paned, and if you're redoing the roof, consider solar panels.

Share your tips: How have you gone green with your hardware?