Salvage Yards - remodeling your home sustainably on the cheap

A while back I talked a bit about fixing up our new house and our attempt to do it as sustainably as possible. In order to help achieve this goal Dan and I have spent a TON of time at salvage yards. If you haven't been to one yet, GO. They are filled with wonderful treasures and are so much fun to explore. It is amazing the huge range of things you can find and the great deals you come across at the salvage yard. Here are a few in our area we frequent most and a few snaps of each to give you an idea of the types of items you can find in order to help you green your next project.
*Remember, reusing an item that would have otherwise gone to the dump is much more sustainable and earth friendly than going out and purchasing a brand new "eco" "green" product. New is almost NEVER better than using something that is already made and unwanted. Giving new life to old items helps keep waste out of our landfills, eliminates the energy, packaging, advertising waste, etc. that goes in to creating a new product. Even if that new product claims to be eco friendly.

Urban Ore
Berkeley, CA
Urban Ore has a HUGE warehouse of indoor space and a huge yard of outdoor space filled with just about everything you can possibly imagine. I find myself here at LEAST once a week.

ReStore
Oakland, CA
ReStore is a child of Habitat for Humanity. They don't have as much space as Urban Ore but seem to have better quality cabinets, appliances, and the building supplies are well organized.

If you are looking for a way to remodel your home saving money, energy, and resources then salvage yards are the way to go.