Re-Stor-York is a home improvement and building supply store that deals solely in donated materials that might otherwise be thrown away.

Re-Stor accepts donations of new and used (but in good condition) plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, shutters, lumber, insulation, hardware, tools and more. Some of the best selling items include new carpeting donated by retailers and cabinets from kitchen renovations or from manufacturers’ excess or unwanted stock.

One of the biggest donations was a set of 39 new custom-made kitchen cabinets worth $40,000 that just weren’t the right color. A happy homeowner got a good deal, Re-Stor made a sale, the donor got a tax break and the environment benefited, too.

The environmental benefits of reuse activities such as those promoted by Re-Stor-York include reduced disposal at landfills or incinerators, plus a savings in materials and energy needed to manufacture new goods.

A similar program – Construction Junction – pioneered by the Pennsylvania Resources Council, operates in Pittsburgh.

For more information, visit the Re-Stor-York webpage.

6/24/2005