Step 1: Repair, restore or adapt an existing item

The best environmental choice is to repair, restore or adapt a product you already have. You may need professional help but it could still be cheaper than something new and it's far better for the world's forests.

Did you know? Timber makes up 7-10% of material taken to public waste sites but most of it could be used again.

Top tips for your old timber

Don't send old items to landfill. Here are some ideas for passing the timber on.

• Who else would like your old or extra timber?
  Can friends or neighbours use the spare timber from your house or garden? Would a local school or community group appreciate timber off-cuts from your DIY or home improvements project?
  

• Can you find a new home for your old furniture?
  Some charity shops take good quality second hand furniture and there are over 300 furniture recycling projects around the UK that pass reusable items on to low-income families. These are coordinated by the Furniture Recycling Network, who can tell you about a scheme near you.
  

• Is your timber good enough to sell?
  Some quality timber items, such as doors, fireplaces and kitchen units might be worth selling to a recycling yard, through an advert in a local shop, newspaper or via SALVO!, experts in reclaimed building materials.
  

• Does your local authority recycle timber?
  Fauna & Flora International can tell you whether your local authority recycles wood from its household waste sites or has other timber recycling schemes.