My first few jobs in Oregon 30 years ago, I attacked with all the fervor of today’s recyclers.
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We drove 100 miles to retrieve truckloads of used boards for a weathered look on the interior. I always checked the scrap pile for short pieces before cutting a long one. I pulled nails out of old lumber, bent them straight, and drove them into new homes again. There was no name for it then; just common sense and low-budget aesthetics, but some of us were paying attention.
As labor rates rose, the Energy Crisis dissipated, and developments devoured the landscapes, many habits were discarded. At $20 and $30 an hour, a lot of nails can be bought in the time it takes to straighten one. We learned it consumes more energy to drive the 100 miles than to stay put, rough up some planks, and “distress” them with stain and paint.
Now, it swings back the other way, and the carbon footprint has become larger than a site full of steel-toed boots. 
Garbage dumps have turned into recycling centers, sponsoring workshops and green celebrations, building a community culture and social network in a small town. Salvage yards are sources for stunning architectural pieces which can be incorporated into new construction. More importantly, the client is onboard, and “green building” is now a requirement on the resume.
Sadly, it does cost more to rehang an old door carefully retrieved from salvage than to install a pre-hung split jamb primed unit—a lot more. Used lumber is cracked and twisted and uneven, making humps in the sheetrock. Better to tear it all out for a fresh, clean line. Engineered studs save trees in the forest, but doubles the price of framing, wiping out the gain and probably quite a bit more painful. We can separate the debris, but does it justify the added truckloads to different disposal sites?
While the focus on Green Building is an important discussion, as builders in relentless competition to hold prices down, we have a long way to go. The truth is that we are taking a lot of the Earth’s resources—whether new construction or renovation—to produce shelter for our neighbors. We are learning that each decision has a consequence and should at least be considered.
And there are success stories. 
By chance, I was dropping off a sink at our recycling depot and spotted 600 SF of oak flooring, the perfect amount for my current project. Whoever took it apart knew how to put it together because every single nail was pulled, every piece was reusable. It was stacked and bound together, tongues and grooves aligned, just like out of the box. The cut ends (without tongue or groove) were clearly marked. Although it was stained very dark and worn inconsistently, sanding an oak floor new or used would make no difference. The key was in how it was packaged.
Everyone wins. The wood was salvaged and given a new life. Oak trees were spared. The other guy was paid labor and saved a dump fee. I added a gorgeous floor to my portfolio and my client saved money.
If you are paying attention, some days recycling truly makes sense.
