TUCSON, Ariz. — Homes are not the only ways that Habitat for Humanity promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle. The not-for-profit organization has also been involved in a green retail effort since opening the HabiStore Home Improvement Center in February 2006.

"New and used building materials from everything like bricks to windows to doors" are for sale at the HabiStore, said Michael McDonald, the Habitat for Humanity executive director.

The store, located at 3840 S. Palo Verde Road near East Ajo Way, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

"We've been in operation two years and we've diverted 110 tons of materials," McDonald said. The estimate is from the Tucson based group Freecycle.

The retail store sells items like couches, ovens and refrigerators donated by community members, including businesses.

"We certainly didn't expect people to donate their kitchen tables but we appreciate it," McDonald said. "It's helped us a lot."

Director of retail operations, Terri Dee, suggests people call the donation line at 520-889-7200 before bringing items to the store.

The proceeds from the store are put back into Habitat for Humanity, including for the construction of new homes.

"The store has allowed us to build three homes that we otherwise would not have been able to afford otherwise," McDonald said.

Each home currently costs Habitat about $135,000 to build.

But each small contribution does help as items at the store range in price from a few cents for screws to a couple hundred dollars for ovens.