Leverage Green Building in Southern California: How To

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, the shift towards sustainable living and construction practices has become more crucial than ever. In Southern California, the concept of green building is taking root, offering a path to eco-friendly homes that align with the principles of environmental conservation. The Southern California Chapter of Harvest Eco-Salvage, HarvestWest, is a Non-Profit Corporation that has become a notable player in green building and deconstruction. Our dedication to keeping usable and recyclable building materials out of landfills has made us successful in the space.

Harvest West Eco Salvage: A Commitment to Green Building & Sustainable Deconstruction

HarvestWest’s program sets us apart for a variety of reasons. First, it’s been granted permanent 501c3 Non-Profit status by the IRS twice. Second, we’ve been creating pathways for straightforward sustainable deconstruction since 1999 under The Eco-Logic Foundation. The program, later rebranded as Harvest Eco-Salvage in 2017, has cultivated an impeccable IRS standing over two decades, conserving millions of tons of building materials from being consigned to landfills.

We also operate as a unique self-funded non-profit. Unlike typical thrift store donations that rely on thrift store values, Harvest bases donations on IRS-Real Estate Appraisal value. This valuation considers age, condition, and market conditions, excluding the value of the underlying land.

The scope of work we take on in a project varies. We cover everything from total teardowns to major remodels. This ensures that the donation process is not only environmentally responsible, but also economically viable for donors.

We also don’t rely on government grants, donations, volunteers, or public funding. Instead, operational costs are covered by the donor, who, in turn, receives a substantial tax deduction. This approach not only supports skilled construction jobs, but also diverts significant waste from landfills.

Benefits of HarvestWest

To illustrate the effectiveness of the Harvest Eco-Salvage program, let’s compare it to a typical thrift store donation scenario:

• Thrift Store Donation: A 2000 sq. ft. ranch-style home may provide a thrift store with various items, valued at an average of 10 cents on the dollar. Donors often face challenges defending the valuation of their contributions.

• Harvest Donation: In contrast, Harvest receives a broader range of materials, including structural elements, metals, concrete, hardware, accessories, flooring, and site improvements like outdoor features, fencing, pools, and solar panels. The valuation is based on an IRS-qualified Real Estate Appraisal, substantiated by appropriate documentation.

Green building practices are gaining momentum in Southern California, and we’re making it a no-brainer for property owners to take advantage with a unique and proven-effective solution. By partnering with HarvestWest, homeowners and businesses contribute to the creation of eco-friendly homes while enjoying substantial tax benefits. It’s a win-win scenario that not only supports the environment but also strengthens local communities. Embracing green building with Harvest West Eco Salvage is a step towards a sustainable future for Southern California.