Using "reclaimed" materials to create new things has become quite popular in the last few years.  If I am interpreting the hype correctly, it is supposed conserve resources and be more environmentally friendly.  Truthfully, I'm not sure what "earth friendly" means or what a "carbon footprint" is.  All I know is that reusing  something is just using good common sense.

     I grew up in a small rural community that would probably be considered on the poor side of middle class today.  Using reclaimed materials was standard practice.  Here are a few of the many things I have made out of stuff that used to be a part of other things - or things that used to be other stuff - or.... hmmm. You get the idea.