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The I.D.E.A. Store Village Green: Wood works
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck?
Answer: If he could he would reuse it, of course!
By Carol Jo Morgan, MSW, MS
Environmental Outreach Coordinator
The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that around 16 million tons of wood scrap ends up in landfills each year, along with another 33 million tons of yard waste, which includes tree debris. There certainly are alternatives to prevent waste of this natural resource and conserve landfill space.
Is wood recyclable? You bet! Nature does it all the time, of course, but there are factors to consider before either grinding up woodworking scrap to use as compost and mulch or burning it and spreading the ashes. Scrap that has been contaminated with treatments such as
 chemicals (paint, varnish, shellac or preservatives such as creosote or pressure-treating) should be salvaged for reuse or put out for your hauler to collect. Adhesives and nails also cause recycling problems. At this time of the year, you may be cutting up dead trees for fireplace fuel. If you share the surplus with other households, be sure to keep it within a 50-mile radius. If you purchase firewood to use, remember to "buy it where you burn it" to prevent spread of destructive diseases or invasive insects such as the emerald ash borer, which arrived in Champaign last June. Is wood scrap reusable? Yes, again with consideration given to how you will be using it. If you are actively working with wood that has been contaminated by chemicals, adhesives or other materials, you'll need to take precautions to protect your health. Airborne wood dust - clean or contaminated - will impact your respiratory system, so wear a mask and collect or contain the particles to dispose of in a closed container. What are the local options for wood recycling and reuse? * Our household sends all yard waste to Urbana's Landscape Recycling Center for processing into wood chips and compost. They do not accept lumber or railroad ties. * Of course, The I.D.E.A. Store accepts scrap wood (up to 6 x 6 inches) and commercially made craft shapes, as well as chopsticks, clothespins, picture frames, thread spools, bamboo bits, dowel rods, finials, spindles, corkboard, cigar boxes and more. Please refer to the store's Donations List. * Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Champaign accepts larger woodworking scrap. Their list of acceptable donations includes requirements that "lumber and trim must be at least 6 feet long ... sheet goods (paneling, plywood, drywall and medium-density fiberboard [MDF] must be at least 4 feet x 4 inches.)" * The Preservation & Conservation Association (PACA) in Champaign accepts salvaged woodwork, but you should check first to see whether they want what you have to offer. What are the creative possibilities? Working with wood is rewarding tactilely and visually, and the results of assembling wood scraps can be very impressive. Functional art ranges from simple picture frames to large-scale furniture and lighting. Children love to work with popsicle sticks, wooden spools and game pieces. Wood products have a universal, timeless appeal, so consider trying your hand at this wonderful material. For inspiration, look through two books kept at The I.D.E.A. Store's  | |
This handcrafted picture frame created by Bergeron Woodworks features wood scraps salvaged from homes and businesses in and around New Orleans.
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checkout counter: "1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse" and "Cool Green Stuff." And here are links our web-search guru, Melissa, recommends: * Art from small pieces of scrap wood * More scrap art * Scrap wood wallpaper * Another scrappy wall * A stack of projects any kid wood, er ... would love! * Pure, unadulterated adult eye candy * Still more eye candy by a local reclaimed-wood artist | 
