Chico, Sustainable

After about five minutes of talking to Max through the window I noticed that I was really heating up, and quite likely a few parts of me were beginning to cook.

"Wow, this thing really works."

Max was sweating quite a bit too in the 97 degree heat, but unlike me, he was standing on the outside of The Cause's new greenhouse. Being the brilliant person I am, I had been conversing from the inside, where it was more like a solar oven than a greenhouse.

Of course the 6' X 6' structure will be more functional in the early spring, but what is more impressive are the construction materials--all salvaged. Panes of glass and plexiglass are creatively pieced together with discarded lumber like a patchwork quilt. I recognized a pane that said "Tropicana."

"Wasn't that at a house over on Warner?" I ask.

"Yep. The owners were redoing the windows, and they were getting rid of it and a bunch of others. I asked if I could have it, and they said 'No problem.' 15 minutes later, I returned with the truck."

I am also trying to take note of how discarded building materials can find a functional use at my home. I have been particularly keen to wood pallets and broken up concrete ("urbanite"). The pallets are as close to free lumber as one can get, while I have seen the concrete turned into backyard stepping stones and attractive borders for landscaping. A great example of the latter can be seen at the garden in back of the Chico Peace and Justice Center on Broadway near 5th Street.