Deconstruction: a green alternative to demolition
December 14, 2008
There’s been a lot of talk lately about going green when it comes to building a home. But did you know there is also a greener way to go when it comes time to tear down your house or business?
Say you have an old home, and you want to knock it down and put up a new one. In the past, you didn’t have much choice, it got demolished.
But now, homeowners can reduce what goes into the landfill by deconstructing their old home.
The Re-Use Hawaii crew is hard at work on a Diamond Head house.
But they’re not building it, they’re taking it apart.
"We start with the fixtures, drywall, and things that were put in last and we go to the roof and deconstruct all the way to the ground," said Co-executive Director, Quinn Vittum.
Re-Use Hawaii, is a non-profit organization that recycles building materials, which are then resold and re-used. And there is plenty in a old home like this.
"Typically it ranges from 60-85 % of the volume of the house that we can reuse," said Vittum.
If the home was demolished, the waste would fill up twenty construction dumpsters, all destined for the landfill. But Re-Use Hawaii will only need 5 for the stuff it can’t salvage.
Deconstruction may initially cost more than a demolition, but home owners get more than just a good feeling at the end, they also get a tax break.
"At the end of the year they get a tax deduction for the market value of their donation and on some of these houses it can be substantial," added Vittum.
This is not only a greener way to go for homeowners, but workers also get a sense of satisfaction from saving the environment.
One ‘used’ board at a time.
"We’re all ecstatic that we’re spending our days making a difference for the community. We’ll be doing it for a lot longer and hopefully getting more people involved and teaching the concept," said Vittum.
Re-Use Hawaii has only been around for a year, but as more businesses and homeowners find out about this green way to take apart additions or even whole buildings, the number of jobs is steadily increasing.
Oahu’s Only Phone Book and Newspaper Recycling Plant
November 5, 2008
Island Shell LLC, an Aiea-based environmental manufacturing firm, recently completed installation of a $750,000 recycling mill. The mill is designed to process phone books, newspaper, and cardboard into environmentally sound products sold throughout the state. Bernie Boltz, owner, says, "Our plant is able to process up to 10 tons of waste paper per day".
At present the company produces two product lines: Green Lava Hydro-mulch™ and two brands of oil change Boxes. Hydro-mulch, made from 95% recycled paper, helps seed large areas inexpensively; it is also used for erosion and dust control. Oil change boxes, sold in most automotive stores state-wide, promote responsible waste oil disposal.
In addition Boltz states, "In a couple months our product line will also include InCide Pest Control Cellulose Insulation™." This product is made from 80% recycled paper designed to keep homes cool, quiet, and pest-free. Boltz also reports that Island Shell is actively working on expanding the product line to include a variety of environmentally-friendly pet products.
Island Shell Environmental Manufacturing is protecting Hawaii’s environment by using resources already in Hawaii, by producing goods that have a positive impact on the environment, and by reducing the need for export of recyclable materials . Says Boltz, "This plant is a great step in the right direction for Hawaii". He emphasized both residents and local corporations need to have an active interest in reducing waste to preserve the character and resources of our island home.
For more information about the company or to find out more about phone book / newspaper recycling, email Bernie at bernie@islandshell.com
UH to recycle 1.5M pounds of electronics
October 29, 2008
The University of Hawaii collected 1.5 million pounds of eWaste last week.
The university said 75 shipping containers filled with broken and obsolete electronic equipment would be recycled or properly disposed of, instead of ending up in Hawaii landfills.
The eWaste Disposal Days program collected items from public and private schools and universities; city, county, state and federal government agencies; small to medium-sized businesses and nonprofits.
Containers collected by island were:
- Oahu, 65.25 containers;
- Big Island, 6.25;
- Maui, 3; and
- Kauai, 0.5.
Hawai’i Green Business Program Expands to Include Office and Retail Recognition
August 13, 2008
HONOLULU–The Hawai‘i Green Business Program, co-sponsored by the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), the State Department of Health (DOH), Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i and local government entities such as the City and County of Honolulu’s Board of Water Supply and Recycling Offices is expanding its program to include Green Offices and Retail businesses.
Kapolei firm signs $298M deal with Chinese company
August 2, 2008
The contract will help finance its planned polysilicon plant
Hoku Scientific Inc. took a major step yesterday toward financing its planned polysilicon plant, potentially reducing the amount it needs by half.
The Kapolei-based alternative-energy company has signed a contract worth up to $298 million to supply polysilicon, a key material in making solar panels, to Jiangxi Kinko Energy Co. Ltd., a China-based manufacturer of silicon products.
State bottle bill redemption rate climbs
August 2, 2008
The state beverage container recycling rate climbed to 72 percent for the fiscal year that just ended, and a survey by the state Department of Health shows the number of people who recycle is also up.
Moving trash from state to state will not solve nation’s landfill capacity problems
July 23, 2008
What are we going to do with our trash when the landfills are full?
That’s not a problem that’s garnering much attention because, frankly, there are a lot of places in this country to bury our trash.
But across the Pacific Ocean it’s a real concern — right now.
Fireman’s Fund offers ‘green’ policy in Hawaii
July 9, 2008
Hawaii is among 26 states where Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. will offer "green" insurance for homeowners, allowing policy holders to rebuild homes to green standards should their residence be completely destroyed.
Local businesses use eco-friendly foodware to serve food
June 27, 2008
HONOLULU (KHNL) - When you’re chowing down on a plate lunch, you’re probably not wondering where the Styrofoam plate will end up.
Re-Use Hawaii helps Punahou reduce renovation waste
June 24, 2008
Of all the waste produced in Hawai’i, 35% is construction and demolition waste, but much of that is recyclable.
Punahou school is renovating and found a way reuse parts
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