Guilty pleasure no more.
by Susan Chainey
I have been a “reuse” fan since 1965 — ever since a friend introduced me to the Denver Goodwill. Our Saturday excursions there produced the most memorable purchases of my life. We couldn’t believe anyone would give away a perfectly good toaster or a lamp that just needed a bit of wire tightening? Or a gorgeous silk dress easily modified to a perfect fit? Stuff was so cheap that it felt like a guilty pleasure.
So the Fix-it Clinic and Reuse Fair at the Rohnert Park-Cotati Library was my idea of a perfect Saturday excursion. Outside the library were festive and informative booths representing diverse efforts to reduce the consumerism and throwaway culture that threatens our global future. Included were the artisans every fair needs. Inner tube feather earrings, remade jewelry from garage sale and thrift store finds, art cars representing years of gluing castoff treasures to create a work of art, recycled cyanotype fabric patches, gorgeous bottle cap necklaces . . . it was hard to pull myself away.
As I headed to the main event – the Fix-it Clinic inside the library – I first had to stop at the Clothing Swap. Great clothes and jewelry—for free!? The garage sale of my dreams! Thrilled, I scored a circle pin (I think a few of you of a certain age know what that is). Just outside the entrance there was a well-attended outdoor bicycle clinic where Community Bikes was equal parts repairing and teaching.
Finally, inside the library was a huge space filled with what could easily be likened to Santa’s Workshop. The mood was light and everyone seemed to be having fun. At one table a cell phone fix-it center looked so official and inviting I almost wished my i-phone was broken. At other tables volunteers were repairing broken lamps, toasters, juicers. In the back, fixit volunteers sat at sewing machines or were hand stitching garment repairs. One sweater looked like new after two moth holes were expertly darned. Lots of people with broken lamps and appliances sat patiently waiting and chatting. Judging by the crowd at this Fair, reuse is on fire and it’s multigenerational. My teenage grandchildren find it as exciting as I did nearly sixty years ago. Now with the added (guilt free) consciousness of working toward a healthier planet!
(Susan Chainey, guest contributor, is a writer and photographer)
At the July Reuse + Repair fair there were 75 preregistrations and another 20 walk-ins. We avoided emissions equivalent to driving 11,195 miles - that’s more than three trips across the country - with just one fair. Check the website for upcoming Repair Fairs and reach out if you’d like to help out.
Upcoming Reuse Events
September 6 : Deadline for PV Reuse Funding Opportunity from DOE
‘The Department of Energy is providing up to $20 million over three years for research and development projects to create innovative and practical approaches to increase the REUSE and recycling of solar energy technologies.’ First step is a Letter of Intent (LOI) due September 6, 2023.
September 30 : Repair in K-12
Culture of Repair has opened their Fall 2023 Grants cycle for proposals to develop programs and materials for teaching about repair in K-12 educational settings.
September 30 : New York State Reuse Grant
NYSAR3 has developed the Community Reuse Grant to recognize community-based partnerships, businesses, groups, or non-profit organizations whose work has or will lead to lasting benefits that enhance community quality of life and ensure stewardship of the environment.
Reuse in the News
Our hearts go out to all those affected by the fires in Hawaii. Our friends at Reuse Hawaii are registered as a partner with Maui Disaster Response and Recovery Support working to support the relief efforts. If you are looking for ways to help they suggest donating to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement operating the Maui Relief Storage Facility next door to Reuse Hawaii or to Hawai‘i Community Foundation or Maui United Way.
Reuse in the News
Researchers have released an interesting look at the impact of decades of public messages about recycling
Refugees are making Amsterdam a Circular City with help from the United Repair Center.
“There are currently more than 25,000 resale, consignment and Not For Profit resale shops in the United States.” Which one did you visit on National Thrift Store Day?
What Happens to all the Stuff we Return? This article in The New Yorker is equal parts horrifying and fascinating.
Reuse to Amuse
“Eggs? Yeah, we fix ‘em.” That’s not all they fix at Roy’s Food Repair
If you’ve ever made a pop top bracelet a pop top lamp shade is next level…
