Why I’m so happy to be here.
by Phoebe Schenker
Executive Director, Reuse Alliance
Sure, reuse reduces waste and emissions, creates local jobs, builds resilient communities and helps the disadvantaged, but if I’m honest … I’m in it for the dopamine. I love finding the exact size door I need at the salvage yard, bringing a favorite electric tea kettle back to life when it has mysteriously stopped working, and replacing my disintegrating favorite t-shirt on Thredup. What could be more satisfying than the look on a young girl’s face when she’s just learned how to mend her favorite jeans? Or visiting a center for creative reuse and getting all the supplies for my Halloween costume (used!) for four dollars (I can't even get a coffee for four dollars!)? I love helping someone clean out a closet and finding new homes for all the things they no longer want. I even enjoy returning those little green baskets to the strawberry farm.
It’s that feeling, when my discard is someone else’s treasure and when something headed for the landfill doesn’t end up there, that I want to share with everyone all the time, which is why I’ve taken on this role and why I’m so energized by this opportunity.
Our mission is to divert valuable resources from becoming waste, by advocating for, collaborating with, and supporting the many businesses and organizations that are working so hard to recirculate materials in our communities. So how do we do it? We have an ambitious plan to create a local model that’s replicable nationwide. We can’t (and don’t want to!) do it alone. The collaborating part means learning from all of your experiences on the ground. If you run a reuse enterprise please consider filling out this survey (The Listening Tour) so we can better learn how to support your work.
Every month, in this newsletter, you can expect a story or profile of reuse from a different perspective. We’ll be highlighting upcoming events and opportunities, bringing you positive reuse news, and sharing some fun things to click on (because it’s not all dopamine and we could all use more joy in our lives!)
And please reach out any time with suggestions for content (info@reusealliance.org) or requests for help (phoebe@reusealliance.org).
Teaching mending skills at the Mending Library, Carlsbad Earth Day 2023
Upcoming Reuse Events
July 23 - 30 : Zero Waste Week North Bay
Join Zero Waste Sonoma for a week of zero waste events culminating in a Reuse and Repair Fair on Saturday July, 29th at the Rohnert Park Public Library. Reuse Alliance will be there - we’d love to meet you and whatever you bring to repair!
August 13 - 16 : CRRA 2023 Conference + Tradeshow
The California Resource Recovery Association annual conference is happening in Burlingame, CA. If you’re attending, the Prevention, Reuse, and Repair (PRR) Technical Council is meeting Monday, August 14 from 7:00 am – 8:00 am. Registration closes July 28th.
Reuse in the News
REI is expanding their Re/Supply stores. The future is used.
Some great coverage of electronics repair in the Washington Post.
Open for Maintenance, the German Pavilion at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, is not without controversy.
EPA Draft Strategy to reduce Plastic Waste comment period extended to July 31st. (Comment now!)
Reuse to Amuse
Did you know you can stream full episodes of The Repair Shop on Youtube right now? Warning: there are so many episodes…
Junk Kouture! It’s just what is sounds like…
I could watch ReClaimItpdx unload the truck all day…
