“Freecycling” (www.freecycle.org) is an easy-to-use Internet service for people who want to trade things locally. Membership is free, and after a quick registration, each local group allows its participants to post messages for objects they want to unload or request items they need. Although it is not limited to construction materials, there are plenty of building treasures being swapped by more than 1.3 million members in about 2,700 communities. Also try www.build.recycle.net and Sustainable ABC for lists of similar organizations across the country. Internet auctions such as those on eBay frequently include construction materials. The trick with eBay is to make sure you actually are purchasing a recycled product, rather than a new one.

Another good place to find used building materials is your own neighborhood. Your neighbors who are remodeling probably will be thrilled that you want to take that old bathtub, shower door or fireplace mantel off their hands. Houses set for demolition also are gold mines for materials, especially wood, hardware and fixtures such as sinks and cabinets.

Habitat for Humanity operates retail outlets called ReStores that sell used and surplus building materials at a fraction of their regular prices. The proceeds from ReStores help fund construction of Habitat for Humanity housing. Local construction companies and salvage yards often are willing to unload their “waste” onto eager takers. Look up “used,” “recycled,” “salvaged,” “antique” or “junk” in the Yellow Pages.