Building materials thrift store opens

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - All the waste that comes from doing some home construction doesn't have to be to thrown away. Someone else might want it, and now there's a great place to find it.

"I like to reuse, I think deconstruction is a much better way to approach. What we usually do is knock buildings down with everything in it and take it to the dump," said Peter Rakelbusch of Hatfield.

But rather than the dump, homeowners, contractors or retailers can donate their used home products to the newly opened EcoBuilding Bargains in Springfield...and feel good at the same time.

"[I] Don't like to throw good things away, lots of stuff we take apart still has a use and I would have too much of it if I was going to save it all," said Tom Silva of Triple S Construction.

EcoBuilding Bargains is kind of like a thrift store, but for building supplies. For instance, many of the products have been used in other homes, but now you can get them for your own home at a really low price. Many of the products in the store you can't buy anywhere else, because they don't make them anymore.

EcoBuilding Bargains also offers brand new supplies that are completely environmentally friendly, so whatever you buy, you're helping the environment.

"Anyone who comes here instantly is a green shopper just by the fact that if you buy something used you don't have to make a new one and you also don't have to throw away the used one so it's double the environmental benefit for you," said John Majercak, Executive Director of the Center for EcoTechnology.

You don’t get paid for your donation, but you can receive a deduction on your taxes.

EcoBuilding Bargains opens to the public on Tuesday November 15th on 83 Warwick street in Springfield.