Much like the growing slow food movement, in which people want to know more about where their food comes from, there is an increased interest amongst people buying furniture and building new homes who want to feel connected to the materials used throughout their space.
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I'd also add Habitat for Humanity Restores located through US and Canada.
http://www.habitat.org/restores/
I second the vote for Habitat restores! My local one has an emailing list & they send monthly email alerts for when they are having a sale.