ReStore Newsletter:

May 2009

Our PDX Lumber Yard is full again!

New Lumber

Three semi trucks of great stuff.

The yard is closed till we get it sorted but it should be available by the middle of next week.

Volunteer Shout Out

The PDX Metro Habitat ReStore is now seeking a Customer Service Assistant from 1-5 pm on Wednesday & Saturday afternoons. This volunteer opportunity will consist of, but is not limited to: greeting and directing customers to items, assisting with merchandising, maintaining the organization of the front desk area, and working on the register. We ask that you will commit to one shift a week or every other week. For questions about this position or about other volunteer opportunities, please contact me at the email address below.

Thank You!

Malia Tam Sing-Volunteer Coordinator
malia@pdxrestore.org
503.283.6247 ext. 3

+ + + + + + + + +

The Clark County ReStore is in need of afternoon Cashiers.
Please contact Janell Watt at 360.213.1313 or janell@pdxrestore.org

SPRING
Savings!

Clark County ReStore is having a 50% off Sale on Furniture all next week 6/2-6/6
Stop by to see what we have in stock!

HOT ITEMS!:

MORSE Super Fotomatic Automatic Zig Zag Sewing machine with cabinet.
$70

3-Piece white couch set
$400

6 month old Sleep Number bed

with bedframe
Full Size, with pillowtop
$800

* * * * * * * * * * * *
Portland Metro ReStore:

Desks

Cherry finish; $75-110

2-Drawer Lateral Files

$35-40

Swivel Chairs

$10-30

Also available are
Stationary Desk Chairs

Always plenty of Windows

in stock

and at super low prices

A Big Thank You to Paragon Tile and Stone

We recently had a chance to speak with Chris Cross of Paragon Tile and Stone, Inc., a successful local company that has been a long-time supporter of the ReStore.

Paragon was founded by four partners in 1999. They merged their three separate companies, deciding it would be more efficient to work together than compete. The Tigard-based business has experienced steady growth, going from first year sales of $700,000 up to $9 million. They carry a wide selection of tile from all over the world. In 2006 they expanded their product line to include other types of flooring. Most of their jobs are within 50 miles of Portland.

"We often have materials left over after a job," Chris explained. "The amount varies, depending on how good our initial estimating was. We probably give the ReStore about four to five pallets every other month. This arrangement works for everybody. It doesn't make sense to dump new flooring in the trash. Helping Habitat supports people who need it. We support the mission of Habitat." And the ReStore appreciates Paragon's on-going commitment.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Most people probably think of paint ratings when they think of VOCs. The higher the VOC measurement, the more harmful gas emitted by the paint. Actually VOCs are all around us, and have a big effect on our health and the health of our children.

VOCs are chemical compounds with vapor pressure high enough under normal conditions to generate vapor in the air. They are a significant outdoor pollutant. Methane VOCs contribute to global warming, and are released by such things as wetlands, cows, landfills, and burning wood. Non-methane VOCs create ozone, which, while beneficial in the upper atmosphere, isn't so good for us us to breathe.

Formaldehyde, toluene, and limonene are common indoor VOCs. They are emitted by cleaning solvents, paints, adhesives, and many new home or office furnishings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found concentrations of VOCs to commonly be 2-5 times greater indoors than outdoors.

Ways to combat dangerous levels of vapor pressure from VOCs:

*Good ventilation and air conditioning

*Use paints with 0 VOC rating

*Clean carpets & rugs with good vacuum & hot water

*Check EPA indoor air quality web page

The ReStore is a great place to find low VOC paint and solvents.

City Repair Project's

Village Building Convergence
Coming in June