Recycling luxury for a good cause

Today I attended a vendor seminar for design students.  One of the companies has the unique mission of recycling luxury for a good cause.  Green Demolitions is a company that recycles kitchens including cabinetry, counter tops and appliances deemed to be in salable condition.  Proceeds are then used to financially support addiction recovery programs.  In 2009 Green Demolitions diverted approximately 800,000 pounds from the landfills including 362 kitchens.  Donors receive tax savings and reduced labor and/or disposal costs.  Consumers get 50-80% off recycled kitchens, appliances, bathrooms, home decor, architectural artifacts and more.   Some of the donated kitches are brand new, the representative shared stories of kitchens that were measured incorrectly and didn't fit as well as stories of mid-construction changes where new owners didn't want the previously ordered kitchen.  An interesting option for homeowners willing to take a look at the inventory and be ready for delivery or storage within 7 days.  It's a win-win situation for everyone involved.  Recycling at its best. :)

selling new york

Selling New York is the sexiest show on HGTV and I have become an avid fan.  It is fascinating to be able to take a peek inside these amazing properties throughout New York City.  The brokers are excellent at what they do and very likable.  It's impressive to see how hard they work and the time it takes to match the right home with each client.  Now if only I had a few million to spare . . . ;D  The show airs Thursdays at 9pm.

all images from HGTV

 the Kleiers

new york times

John Ruskin (1819-1900)

"It's unwise to pay too much but it's worse to pay too little.  When you pay too much you lose a little money . . . that is all.  When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.

The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot . . . It cannot be done.  If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better."