Story Archives of 'construction'

Often on Word of Mouth, we look for the Next Green Thing -- new ways people are working to make the earth a healthier place to live. This applies to all aspects of our society, and Tuesday on the show, we look at one man's efforts to make the construction industry more sustainable. His name is Der Lovett, owner of Lovett Deconstruction, and you might call him a reverse carpenter. As the cost of building supplies increases and landfills are burdened by excessive waste, Der dismantles buildings piece by piece, harvesting usable materials and redirecting other materials to recycling centers. Some people recycle their cans and bottles; Der recycles entire buildings.

Producer Ryan White followed Der to work one day and filed this story. The piece was part of KBOO's Earth Day special, "Follow the Garbage". KBOO is a community radio station in Portland, Oregon. This piece comes to us via the Public Radio Exchange.
(Photo by Robert Dalton)

Many cities across the US are taking steps to save energy and reduce the pollution that causes climate change.

But one New Hampshire city is the first in the nation to come up with a plan to prepare for the effects of global warming.

New Hampshire Public Radio’s Amy Quinton takes a look at how the city of Keene is preparing to adapt to a warming climate.

Homeowners looking for protection from unscrupulous contractors may soon get it from state lawmakers.

A bill before the House of Representatives would require carpenters, roofers and drywall contractors be licensed.

But opponents say the bill would be a burden to small businesses.

When we pass by a construction site, we're likely to assume that the workers we see are employees.

That's not always technically accurate.

Some could be independent contractors.

Now, union officials charge that some businesses have been gaming the system by slapping the label of independent contractor on workers who in every way ought to be called employees.

The unions say the practice has cost workers and the state millions of dollars.

New Hampshire Public Radio's David Darman has more.

For 70 years, Graton Associates has been involved in preservation and restoration of historic buildings and structures. It's best known for its work on wooden covered bridges. The company was founded by Milton Graton. His grandson, Arnold Graton will talk about the family business, some of its notable projects, and the new challenges of historic preservation today.