By Marissa Allweiss, Preservation Salvage Store Public Relations and Information Officer

On June 15, 2010, President Barack Obama addressed the nation on the escalating BP oil spill threatening the Gulf of Mexico and its coastline. In his speech, The President stated, “The tragedy unfolding on our coast is the most painful and powerful reminder yet that the time to embrace a clean energy future is now. Each of us has a part to play in a new future that will benefit us all. But the one approach I will not accept is inaction.” With the president’s statements in mind, there arises a significant question we find ourselves asking: What can I do to help promote a future where using clean energy is the norm?

One simple and effective way you can help advocate for a greener and healthier environment is by reducing and reusing as much as possible. This concept is something The Preservation Resource Center and its affiliated programs like Rebuilding Together New Orleans, puts at the center of their missions. Through its salvage and deconstruction programs the PRC encourages individuals to reuse more and consume less.

Deconstructing homes, as an alternative to total demolition and disposal, for example, has many outstanding positive impacts. Considering the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that construction and demolition debris account for over 136 million tons of waste each year, it is clear to see how deconstruction and reusing salvaged materials benefit our environment. By reusing materials offered at the Preservation Salvage Store and other businesses that are part of the green movement, like those in New Orleans’ ReUse District, we can help break the harmful cycle of consumption and waste.

Because the manufacturing of new goods requires the use of natural resources like water, oil, coal and raw minerals reusing available products, instead of buying new ones, saves energy. The environment is becoming endangered, due in part to excess waste and with the continuing contamination caused by the oil spilling into the Gulf, there is a real need to minimize this accruing waste if we want to live in a healthy and sustainable environment.

By being more innovative, we can stop burdening Louisiana’s overflowing landfills. Instead of perpetuating the cycle of consumption and waste, we must start investing our efforts in the more positive cycle of reducing and reusing. One of the many benefits of choosing to reuse is that it’s easy. There are many simple ways to practice reuse, such as shopping with reusable bags instead of plastic ones, which is a petroleum-based product.

As President Barack Obama stated in his speech to the nation: “For decades, we’ve talked and talked about the need to end America’s century-long addiction to fossil fuels and for decades, we have failed to act with the sense of urgency that this challenge requires.” Due to the devastating impact resulting from the BP oil spill, the time for action has come, on both an individual and national level. As we continue to move forward, everyone must start participating and making a more conscientious effort to reduce and reuse in order to help create a cleaner and safer environment for the future.

For more information please visit the Preservation Salvage Store and learn how to get involved.