Today I drove by a remodeling site and saw a dumpster that was chocked full. Much of the debris that threatened to tumble over the sides was cardboard! Boxes and boxes made of cardboard–all recyclable. Because both in our home and office, we are avid recyclers, this made me ill.

And it hit me clearly that if I had to choose between two remodelers — both offering similar services and price points — with the only difference being that one recycled job site waste and one didn’t — I’d definitely choose the company that recycled! In fact, I’d pay more for it! And I know that I’m not alone.

More and more, people care about the environment and are taking steps to do what they can to help alleviate the stresses that we’re putting on the earth.
We’re doing what we can in many areas of our business. For example, when we plan our 50+ meetings each year, we prefer to choose hotels that are as environmentally conscious as we are. We print on both sides of the paper in the office and recycle everything we can get our hands on. This is just the start.

A year ago or so, Remodelers Advantage became endorsers of the EPA’s WasteWise Program that provides information and resources on how to reduce construction debris. In addition, we’ve been compiling information from our members, successful remodelers from across North America, on what they are doing to recycle.

We’re all heading in this direction so why start now. Do the right thing for the earth and get a great market advantage your clients will appreciate. Tell us about your recycling efforts, concerns and successes. We’re eager to hear.