Construction Junction - Building Material Reuse

Construction Junction promotes conservation through the reuse of building materials.
Pittsburgh’s only non-profit building material reuse retailer.

Reuse Reuse Reuse

Announcements

Rain Garden Class

April 23, 2010

Construction Junction, in collaboration with the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania and their Center for Native Plants at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, will be holding a class on rain gardens on Saturday, April 24th from 11am to 1pm. 

Installing a rain garden is a simple, inexpensive landscape tool homeowners can use to help protect water quality in the Pittsburgh area.  The class will highlight the environmental benefits rain gardens provide and introduce you to the basics of planning and installing one of your own.

Native Plant Class

April 16, 2010

Construction Junction, in collaboration with the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania and their Center for Native Plants at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, will be holding a class on native plants on Saturday, April 17th from 11am to 1pm. 

Audubon will be presenting a program emphasizing the ecological importance and homeowner benefits of using native plants in the residential landscape. We will highlight 10 native plant species that homeowners can use to create an urban oasis and support our local plant heritage. 

In addition to this program, CJ will begin offering these plants for sale on or around May 1st.

CJ to hold two classes

April 9, 2010

We don't have all of the details yet but wanted to let you know to hold Saturday, April 17th if you'd be interested in taking a Native Plant class and Saturday, April 24th if a Rain Gardens class interests you.  Both classes will be held at Construction Junction from 11 am to 1 pm.  We'll be providing more details in next week's e-Blast.

Global Links collection for Haiti

February 12, 2010

From now until February 15th, Construction Junction is partnering with Global Links Haiti Relief Effort as a drop-off site for gently used canes, crutches, foldable walkers and non-motorized wheelchairs. 
 
All donations will be sent by Pittsburgh-based medical relief agency Global Links to their partners in Haiti, where there is urgent need for these items due to the large numbers of patients with broken or amputated limbs.  Global Links is mobilizing to collect hundreds of these items immediately.

Items can be dropped off at Construction Junction anytime during our regular business hours.  All items donated should be clean and in good condition with no broken parts.

Read more...

Hard to Recycle Collection Schedule 2010

February 5, 2010

The Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) has released their 2010 Hard to Recycle collection schedule.  Collection dates are set for:

  • Saturday, May 8th
  • Saturday, June 26th
  • Saturday, July 17th
  • Saturday, September 25th
  • Saturday, October 16th

All collections events run from 10am to 2pm.  Acceptable items include: tires, E-waste, useable building materials, medical supplies, cell phones, alkaline batteries, CFLs, and printer/toner cartridges.  Some fees apply.

For questions or directions, call PRC at 412-488-7490 x 236.  Hard to Recycle collection events are made possible through PRC's partnership with eLoop llc, Liberty Tire Recycling, Global Links and Construction Junction.  Click here for more details.

 

Enter to Win a free RenPlan® consultation

March 13, 2009

Enter to win a free consultation at your home with a design professional!

The Community Design Center of Pittsburgh's RenPlan® program offers in-home consultations with design professionals.  You can choose between architecture, landscape architecture and interior design.  The consultation comes with a Resource Guide, full of design information, local service providers and resources for your home improvement projects.  You'll also receive an Action Plan, outlining the advice and next steps suggested by your consultant.

For more information visit the CDCP website or call 412-391-4144.  To enter to win a free RenPlan® consultation, valued at $150, click here and fill in the pop-up entry form.  One winner will be selected and notified on April 3, 2009.

Free firewood

January 16, 2009

The staff at CJ has started stock piling pallets that we can't make use of so that someone else can make use of them as firewood.  Please help yourself to as many of these pallets as you'd like.  Please click on the "read more" for a photo... and here's to the beauty of use and reuse.

Read more...

CJ closed for MLK Jr. Day

January 16, 2009

Construction Junction will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  

County & City recycling Christmas trees

January 9, 2009

Christmas trees can be recycled through Jan. 23 at four parks, county officials said

The drop off sites are in the parking lots of Boyce, North, South and Settler's Cabin parks, which will be open for residents to drop off their used trees during normal park hours.  The trees will be turned in to mulch for use in Allegheny County's nine regional parks.

Decorations, lights and tinsel should be removed from the trees.

Read more...

CJ's Holiday Hours

December 19, 2008

Please note that Construction Junction will be closed on December 24th, December 25th and January 1st.  Additionally, we'll be closing at 3 pm on December 31st.

Changemaker: Lisa Schroeder, Riverlife Task Force

December 12, 2008

Pop City is one of our favorite weekly e-newsletters.  Check out this great article about Pittsburgh's Riverlife Task Force by Abby Mendelson.  It is very exciting to see what the future holds for Pittsburgh's riverfronts including Point State Park, Mon Wharf Landing, South Shore Riverfront Park, Convention Center Riverfront Park and Majestic Star Casino shore area.  We think Pittsburgh just keeps getting better and better!

Jonkanoo Festival

December 5, 2008

This Saturday the Legacy Arts Project is hosting Pittsburgh’s first ever Jonkanoo Festival. Traditionally this event is held in the Caribbean; it celebrates life that sprung from a people enslaved in body but not in mind or spirit. Pittsburgh’s day will build on this tradition and also strive to educate participants about greening.

The festival will be held Saturday December 6th from 10 AM to 7 PM at the Kingsley Center in East Liberty.  At the Jonkanoo Festival the Legacy Arts Project is using the "arts as a vehicle to raise consciousness and encourage participation of inner city residents in the Greening of America."

Learn more.

CJ in the Post Gazette

November 28, 2008

Construction Junction recently had two great articles in the Post Gazette.  A heart felt thank you goes out to Diana Nelson Jones and Kevin Kirkland for their reporting about our organization.  Here's a link to each article in case you missed them:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08328/930145-53.stm

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08328/930106-53.stm

Dismal economy and heightened eco-awareness boost Re-Use Center sales nationwide

November 21, 2008

In a recent article, Recycled building materials trim waste and are cheaper, too, The Christian Science Monitor reports that Centers for salvaged and donated building material are sprouting nationwide, experiencing increased foot traffic and sales as a result of the dismal economy and a heightened eco-awareness.  Click the link above to read the full article.

CJ to Receive Honor for Excellence

November 14, 2008

On Wednesday, November 19, 2008, The Social Innovation Accelerator will host a special Gauge event at their Gateway Center offices to honor one of Pittsburgh's most unique nonprofits, Construction Junction, for continued excellence in the field of social enterprise.

The Double Bottom Line Award was developed by the Accelerator and recognizes organizational distinction in the field of social enterprise.  It will be presented annually to a nonprofit organization in southwestern Pennsylvania that demonstrates strong financial health and mission-based impact through social enterprise.

Learn more at www.acceleratenow.org.

Local Food Week

September 26, 2008

Pittsburgh has been celebrating Local Food Week this week and it's not too late to get in on the action.  Events are still going on through Saturday, September 27, 2008.  Go to Buy Local PA and scroll down to see a complete listing.  Local Food Week is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, one of the best sustainable agriculture organizations in the country.

Pittsburgh Green Jobs Now Rally

September 26, 2008

Saturday, September 27, 2008

9am - 4pm, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 5941 Penn Ave, East Liberty

More Information

Women's Health & the Environment Conference

September 19, 2008

Thursday, September 25, 2008

8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Free

David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown

For more information visit www.womenshealthpittsburgh.org.

Read more...

CJ closed on Saturday 9/13 for the Big Pour

September 12, 2008

Please remember that Construction Junction will be closed on Saturday September 13th so we can host our 2nd annual Steel City Big Pour event.

Pittsburgh Design Fair for House & Garden

September 12, 2008

-- featuring green living --

Sunday, September 28, 2008 at the Grand Hall at the Priory

11 AM - 5 PM   --   $5 in advance, $7 at the door

www.pittsburghdesignfair.org

Read more...

CJ needs Big Pour clean up volunteers

September 5, 2008

Construction Junction is looking for 4 - 6 volunteers to help us clean up after the Steel City Big Pour on Sunday September 14th from noon to 4pm.  As our thank you, you'll receive a $20 store credit.  Hey and don't worry... the Steelers don't play that day until 8:15pm.  If you're interested in helping out, please contact Shannon by Wednesday September 10th at sclover@constructionjunction.org.

Build Your Own Heirloom!

September 5, 2008

- Creative reuse workshops for groups -

Gather up three to five of your friends, set a date, and look forward to building your own heirloom at Fresh Heirlooms.  Pittsburgh's creative-reuse furniture specialists invite you to book a private hands-on workshop at their Lawrenceville store, where you will receive personalized instruction, yummy treats, and all the materials needed to complete a one-of-a-kind creative-reuse project with your friends.

Fresh Heirlooms, 5218 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, www.freshheirlooms.com

Read more...

New Art Expo Call for Artists

August 29, 2008

A new show at The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, on November 8 and 9, 2008, is accepting applications from artists.  Special venue space has been created for artists who do not normally participate in shows OR have limited funds.  The show will consist of 100 juried artists in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, photography, mixed media, painting, metal and wearable art.  Learn more at www.fromtheartistsstudio.com.

Read more...

Second Saturdays at The Pillow Project

August 15, 2008

The new monthly performance/art happening for collaboration and experimentation.

Read more...

E-Waste Recycling at CJ

August 1, 2008

Construction Junction is always receiving emails from folks who want to know how they can recycle electronic waste and we're happy to report that, through a new collaboration with eLoop llc, we're expanding our electronic waste (e-waste) recycling program.  Starting today, August 1, 2008, here's how the new program will work:

Read more...

New Sold Item Policy

August 1, 2008

Last month, July 2008, Construction Junction broke a record.  We had more purchases in that month than in any month prior...  2558 to be exact.  This certainly is very good news and we appreciate your continued and loyal support.  As we grow we work to improve our operations and as such, starting Monday August 4, 2008, we're adopting a new sold item policy.

Read more...

Call for Refrigerator Repair Man (or Woman)

July 7, 2008

CJ will be auctioning kegerators adorned by local artists during our upcoming 2nd annual Steel City Big Pour event taking place on September 13th.  The kegerators will be equipped with everything needed, the auction winner need just add beer.  We need though to make sure when these winners take home their prize that they are in good working order.  Please email bonnie@constructionjunction.org to discuss this further if you are a repair person or know someone who is.  Thanks.

Call for Steel City Big Pour raffle items

July 7, 2008

CJ is looking for donations of brand new items we can raffle off during our upcoming 2nd annual Steel City Big Pour event taking place on September 13th.  The types of items we have received to date include golf packages, bed and breakfast getaways, shopping sprees at local businesses, gift baskets, full car detailing and art made by local artists.  This is a great way to support CJ and we would greatly appreciate your donation that will help us raise money in suport of our continued operations.  Your donation would be fully tax deductible.  Please contact bonnie@constructionjunction.org if you're interested.  Thanks.

Rain Barrels Are Back!

June 30, 2008

Now with a new and improved design!

Your Home -- Your Stream.  Make the connection.  To learn more about the Nine Mile Run Rain Barrel Initiative contact us at: 412.371.3095 or rainbarrels@ninemilerun.org

Read more...

Hard to Recycle Drop-Off Collections

June 30, 2008

Saturday, July 26, Mall at Robinson parking lot, 10 AM - 2 PM

Saturday, September 20, North Park pool parking lot, 10 AM - 2 PM

Acceptable items are tires, E-waste, freon and non-freon appliances, cell phones and printer/toner cartridges.

Read more...

2nd Annual Steel City Big Pour

June 23, 2008

 

This year's Big Pour promises to be even bigger and better than last year which is hard to believe, but true, and here's what you've been waiting for... information about the upcoming event.  We're pleased to say that all brewers from 2007 are returning for 2008, plus we're adding six more.  Click View All for more...

We'll be continuing to post information as the event develops.

Call for old refrigerators

June 16, 2008

Construction Junction needs old refrigerators that, in conjunction with local artists, we can turn into kegerators.  Do you have an old refrigerator that you don't want anymore?  If so, we want it and we'll even come get it.  Email bonnie@constructionjunction.org to schedule a pick up.  Any by the way...  we need artists too!!

CJ closed for Memorial Day

May 23, 2008

Please remember that Construction Junction will be closed on Monday May 26th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

CJ closing early Wednesday May 28th

May 23, 2008

Construction Junction will be closing early (4 pm) on Wednesday May 28th so that all staff has adequate time to get down to the Westin William Penn where we'll be celebrating our recent selection as a winner of the 2008 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards.

Calling all urban gardeners and farmers...

May 16, 2008

Rural gardeners and farmers take soil for granted.  City gardeners and farmers often don't have any.  Start singing matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match.  Lorelee, a CJ customer, is putting a pool in her East End back yard and would like to find a home for the plethora of good soil she'll be excavating.  Are you her perfect match?  If so, send an email to info@constructionjunction.org explaining your need and we'll hook you up.  Be sure to put "soil" in the subject line. 

CJ Forms Partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh

May 9, 2008

Construction Junction has formed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh to support their efforts to build affordable housing in our region. This relationship is good for CJ too, as it will provide access to an increased volume of inventory we're able to move through our store.

CJ Wins Environmental Award

May 9, 2008

Construction Junction has been selected as a winner of the 2008 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards program.

The awards program recognizes and honors outstanding achievements of organizations, businesses, schools and individuals in a wide range of environmental initiatives throughout the region. The awards pay tribute to those who have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence, leadership and accomplishment in their respective fields.

Learn more at http://www.pecpa.org/wpea