Photo by Julen Garces
When we talk about sustainability, the terms reuse and recycling often come up, sometimes interchangeably. Yet, these practices are fundamentally different, each with its own set of benefits and challenges.
Reuse involves using an item again for its original purpose or repurposing it without significant processing - like using a glass jar as a container for bulk foods. Recycling, on the other hand, entails breaking down materials to create new products, often through an energy-intensive industrial process - like melting down plastic bottles to make new plastic items.
Environmental differences
From an environmental perspective, the impact of reuse versus recycling is quite different.
Reuse reduces the need for new raw materials, minimizes waste, and consumes significantly less energy. In contrast, recycling, while still beneficial, involves processes that consume energy and can produce waste and pollutants. For example, recycling aluminum requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce new aluminum, yet it still involves significant industrial processing.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation emphasizes the substantial benefits of reuse within the framework of a circular economy. They highlight that reuse, along with other circular strategies, can significantly reduce environmental impacts by keeping products and materials in use and designing out waste and pollution.
For instance, the foundation explains that shifting to a circular economy could halve carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 across various sectors like mobility, food systems, and the built environment. This illustrates the profound impact that reuse and other circular practices can have on reducing environmental footprints.
Cost advantage
Reuse often saves money for consumers and businesses alike.
Photo by Karolina Kaboompics
Consumers save money by reusing products instead of buying new ones. Reusing containers, furniture, and clothing directly cuts down on household expenses and can avoid or reduce disposal costs.
Businesses that implement reuse strategies, such as remanufacturing or refurbishing products, quite often spend less on raw materials and energy. Remanufacturing a product typically costs 40-65% less than making a new one from scratch (US EPA). By designing products for reuse, companies can extend the lifespan of their products, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering the overall cost of goods sold.
Businesses that adopt reuse practices can also enhance their brand image and build customer loyalty, which translates to increased sales and customer retention. Companies like Patagonia and IKEA have implemented reuse and repair programs that save money and also attract environmentally conscious customers.
Social impact
Reuse encourages community engagement and education. In Minnesota, opportunities to foster community spirit while promoting the benefits of reuse are growing.
Photo by Andrea PiacquadioHere at Reuse Minnesota, we’re thankful for funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Environmental Assistance Grant Program which allows us to host Mend-it Clinics throughout the year.
County-sponsored Fix-It Clinics invite residents to bring broken household items, like small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more, to be repaired for free by volunteers. These events not only extend the life of the items but also help build community connections as people come together to share skills and knowledge.
Likewise, Loose Parts Laboratory is a materials center for community members to utilize salvaged “found objects” from everyday life in classrooms, workshops, art spaces, and community events, providing the essential ingredients for enriching childhood learning, creative expression, and development.
These initiatives prove that reuse is not just about environmental benefits. By participating in these events, people are contributing to a more sustainable and connected community.
Supporting local economies
ArtStart’s core program, ArtScraps, is a creative reuse store of donated, recycled materials, a destination for people to obtain supplies and inspiration for art projects with low environmental impact. Over 50,000 pounds of scrap material and discards are reused.
Austin Creative Reuse (ACR) has created numerous jobs and supports local artisans by providing affordable, gently used creative materials and a marketplace for these items. ACR began as a 100% volunteer-run organization and has grown significantly, now operating an 11,000-square-foot facility in the Windsor Park neighborhood. This growth has included the creation of paid staff positions to support their expanding operations.
Promoting a local culture of reuse fosters long-term sustainability and conscious consumption. By embracing reuse, we’re paving the way for a more sustainable and conscientious society. And that simply benefits everyone.
Photo by Matheus Bertelli
Understanding the differences between reuse and recycling reveals that while both are important for sustainability, reuse often offers greater benefits. It can be more resource-efficient, cost-effective, and supportive of local economies, building a culture of sustainability.
By embracing reuse, we can make a significant impact on our environment and communities. Let’s take this opportunity to integrate more reuse practices into our daily lives and support local reuse initiatives. Together, we’re building a more sustainable future.
Written by Cynthia Berg | Cynthia is a versatile UX & content design expert who creates captivating online spaces & content for purpose-driven organizations. Connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram or on her website.
Reuse Minnesota members and guests pose in front of a shipping container at WLSSD. The container houses items for reuse dropped off from the community.
Crisp clear Northern Minnesota air, tours of a reuse facility and a unique building restoration, and serious talk about forever chemical flame retardants in mattresses are examples of what participants find at quarterly member meetings and excursions sponsored by Reuse Minnesota. The latest, May 30 in Duluth, featured a talk, two tours and networking over lunch.
Carmen Paredes Dockry of Mano a Mano International, which re-homes medical supplies and equipment from Minnesota to Brazil, commented that Reuse Minnesota functions get their small organization out to events and places that would not otherwise be affordable or available.
Emily Barker shares updates on Reuse Minnesota's programming.
“It’s refreshing,” said Sue Doll, solid waste specialist from Anoka County, commenting that this is a group she connects with tangentially in her work. “It’s amazing how many businesses there are in reuse.”
Loose Parts Laboratory’s team learned a lot, as a startup business, through other members and trainings and webinars offered by Reuse Minnesota.
These spontaneous testimonials came out in the first hour or so of the meeting which talked about all Reuse Minnesota’s upcoming events and offerings. Then participants promoted their own events, shared things that they learned recently, announced job openings and other opportunities.
NRRI Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota - Duluth hosted and presented information about new product and process developments plus reuse measurement. Victor Krause, NRRI Senior Research Scientist, and Shawn Dolan from Second Chance Mattress Recycling, a program of Emerge, talked about markets for the clean metals and wood frames from the mattresses Second Chance disassembles. They asked the group to think about uses for the stuffing, and how to separate it into distinct categories to avoid contamination of each commodity. That’s where the PFAS question came up. “NRRI is on the forefront of mitigating PFAS,” Krause assured the group.
Victor Krause, NRRI and Shawn Dolan, Second Chance Recycling talk about their statewide diversion of furniture and mattress waste pilots.
WLSSD Next stop was over the hill and down the road to the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District’s Materials Recovery Center, next to its closed landfill, where people can drop off many items for recycling. In several separate buildings or containers, folks pay (at the gate, by approximate weight and type) to drop reusable household and construction items which others take free. They limit the amount of time and number of items taken to spread the good stuff around and keep the line moving.
When the landfill was consolidated in its current location some 1948 newspapers found there were still readable, saved to demonstrate how slowly materials degrade.
Staff explained the many different places that specific categories of recyclables go.
Guests get a tour of WLSSD, learning about the Materials Recovery Center and its drop off services.
Lunch and discoveries Some of us discovered the Duluth Gear Exchange after a brief lunch at the Whole Foods Co-op. The store sells secondhand outdoor gear and clothing. The other lunch bunch went to Dovetail Café and could stop by the Duluth Folk School or Ren Market, “a friendly little boutique for zero waste, environmentally conscious living in Duluth, MN” which is about to launch its online store.
Duluth Gear Exchange sells outdoor gear on consignment and offers mending services.
Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps To get folks thinking about reuse of buildings, the Reuse Minnesota group visited a two-story structure, made primarily of concrete, which served as executive offices and the staging area for trades necessary to building and keeping up the (also concrete) homes of the company town that housed US Steel workers from the planning in 1913 through 1933. Most recently the building was owned by a group of small businesses. Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps is rehabbing it into its own headquarters and eventually a tool lending library and other initiatives related to its mission of developing enduring workforce and life skills through service learning in historic preservation and community stewardship.
Charley Langowski with Northern Bedrock shares the vision for the space and offers some history on the space.
Next event The next member meeting will be in the Twin Cities east metro area (St. Paul or suburbs) on August 14. Under a new membership structure introduced recently, folks thinking of joining may attend two member meetings to check it out before joining. There will be a $10 to $15 charge for the associated tours (tours free for members). There are other Reuse Minnesota-sponsored events that are free to attend thanks to grant funding. Join the 120 passionate reuse advocates, supporters and organizations at reusemn.org.
Written by Margo Ashmore
New used shelving was purchased by Margo Ashmore, Reuse Minnesota board member, to make Minneapolis Toy Library's "music section" easier to access. The shelving was purchased from Better Future's ReUse Warehouse.
When kids come to the Minneapolis Toy Library, they encounter various types of donated shelving holding the toys they may check out. The shelf collection got a little more sturdy with the addition of some contributions that came through Better Futures Minnesota on April 15. Both organizations are members of Reuse Minnesota.
Better Futures does deconstruction – the taking apart of houses by hand – and curbside pickup of large items for the city of Bloomington. Shelving – whether free-standing or formerly built-in – comes from those sources to the ReUse Warehouse store.
Better Futures crew members unloading shelving at Minneapolis Toy Library.
The warehouse is open to the general public. You can find their hours here. Popular building materials include flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, doors, windows, and even dimensional lumber and mechanicals. Our board member, Margo Ashmore, purchased these three shelves and arranged delivery to the Minneapolis Toy Library. The shelves are replacing smaller, rickety shelves in the “music section”. Those shelves will find new use in the storage area.
Teresa, one of the Minneapolis Toy Library leaders, said the new used shelves replaced these backless black shelves which will rotate into their non-public storage area.
At the toy library’s Northeast branch, its leaders receive small stipends but it’s a labor of love making the library accessible six days a month so people can check out toys.
Mi, a visiting parent, signed up for a toy library membership as the crew was unloading. She left with a couple of armloads of toys, saying “Children will play with some toys for such a short time. They lose interest fast, so rather than buy all these things that can be so expensive, the library is great.”
Minneapolis Toy Library will hold a training for lead volunteers to run the open hours at the Northeast location on May 26 from 4-5pm. There will be a garage sale fundraiser on May 23-25 and June 6-8.
Broaden your perspective by delving into a new book! We asked several Reuse Minnesota board of directors to share their favorite books on environmentalism and climate change. Check out your local library and add these picks to your reading list!
Margo Ashmore, Board of Director Book recommendation: Climate Justice by Mary Robinson
“It helped me understand that social justice and environment are intertwined, that we don’t have to give up on one to help solve the other. It’s a fast, inspiring read, a woman diplomat’s point of view."
A quote from the book: (About a meeting on implementing the Paris Agreement, November 11, 2016)
“Forty-eight of the poorest countries made an extraordinary pledge: They would receive all their energy from renewable resources by 2050. Having some of the countries most vulnerable to climate change lead on delivering the goals of Paris was a powerful and humbling declaration. The message was clear: There was no turning back. The rest of the world would forge ahead with or without the United States.”
Miriam Holsinger, Board of Director Book recommendation: Plastics: A Toxic Love Story by Susan Freinkel
“It was very honest about the good and the bad around plastics and offered lots of incredible history of the material. It was very engaging and an easy read.”
Emily Noyes, Board of Director
“The book starts as a great history of the evolution of plants from their first appearance on earth, and then reviews human evolution in conjunction with access to forest and savannah biomes. The second half of the book focuses on the impact of human migration, colonialism, and finally, 21st century agricultural practices on contemporary tropical forests. It helps to contextualize how our current ecological crises related to deforestation and monoculture came to be, but also has a beautifully broad historical scope of the incredible role that tropical forests have played in the creation of everything that we know and love today. A call to action cloaked in a heartfelt celebration of horticultural diversity and resilience!?”
Jenny Kedward, Board of Director Book recommendations: Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan and Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale by Adam Minter
“Omnivore's Dilemma was the first book I read about our food systems. I read it in my 20s and it opened my eyes to how growing and using our food has changed and our relationship to food has evolved. Like all Pollan's books, he does a great job of breaking down the complications and nuances of our food system into four accessible stories: corn farming, organic labels, meat production, and local foods. While there are many books that might get into the nitty gritty of food production better, Pollan's book includes the emotions and inner thoughts that I have had many times. It's a great starting book to learn how to understand and connect with what and how we eat.” “I really enjoyed Secondhand, because it broadened my understanding of life outside of the U.S. and how the secondhand flow of goods is tied to different societies' needs and wants. I've been in the recycling field for nearly 18 years and I still learned many things I didn't know, such as the false concept of expiration dates on car seats! Minter leaves you questioning previously held beliefs about what we assume are good, well-intentioned programs. Unlike many environmental-focused books, this book will leave you with a better sense of what is happening around the world on-the-ground and some optimism for how we keep our clothing and housewares useful for longer.”
“Omnivore's Dilemma was the first book I read about our food systems. I read it in my 20s and it opened my eyes to how growing and using our food has changed and our relationship to food has evolved. Like all Pollan's books, he does a great job of breaking down the complications and nuances of our food system into four accessible stories: corn farming, organic labels, meat production, and local foods. While there are many books that might get into the nitty gritty of food production better, Pollan's book includes the emotions and inner thoughts that I have had many times. It's a great starting book to learn how to understand and connect with what and how we eat.”
“I really enjoyed Secondhand, because it broadened my understanding of life outside of the U.S. and how the secondhand flow of goods is tied to different societies' needs and wants. I've been in the recycling field for nearly 18 years and I still learned many things I didn't know, such as the false concept of expiration dates on car seats! Minter leaves you questioning previously held beliefs about what we assume are good, well-intentioned programs. Unlike many environmental-focused books, this book will leave you with a better sense of what is happening around the world on-the-ground and some optimism for how we keep our clothing and housewares useful for longer.”
Jenny suggests trying Library Extension, a handy browser tool that checks your library’s catalog for book availability as you browse online. It’s a great way to easily access books and e-books from your library while you’re exploring options on the Internet.
About EPR Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy tool that makes producers legally and financially responsible for mitigating the environmental impacts of their products and packaging.” (Upstream)
This is largely based on the principles and understanding that manufacturers have the most knowledge of and influence over product design and are therefore also the most well-suited to manage products at the end-of-life stage. EPR policies leverage institutional power to reduce product waste by encouraging more sustainable, repairable, and reusable designs in the first place. It also sets the expectation that if a producer creates a product, there needs to be circular systems and mechanisms in place from the start, as opposed to perpetuating the linear take-make-waste models. While there is an acknowledgment that individuals drive demand with their purchasing, EPR policies redirect the ultimate ownership back to the producer.
EPR can outline clear and standardized approaches to managing certain types of materials and waste, as well as promote more transparency in making and substantiating claims of sustainability. All products inherently impact the environment throughout their lifecycle, so the longer they stay in use and are recirculated, the better. EPR with strong measurement, tracking, and reporting requirements can increase awareness of environmental impacts and help reduce greenwashing.
To date, the majority of EPR policies center more on recycling, which is a good start but not as impactful. The key to unlocking the full potential of EPR is to require practices and infrastructure that more effectively decrease resource extraction, energy consumption, climate pollution, and waste generated at end-of-life. EPR needs to prioritize reduction, repair, and reuse over recycling. Recycling is important when recycled content offsets the demand for virgin materials but it doesn’t eliminate the impacts that are still generated during the manufacturing phase. Reusable materials, products, and packaging are key to avoiding these impacts, reducing emissions and wastes, while also promoting the circular economy.
Current EPR LegislationSo, where is reuse-oriented EPR being done? Here in Minnesota, reusers are celebrating the passing of the Digital Fair Repair law during the 2023 legislative sessions, making it easier for consumers and small businesses to fix phones, computers, equipment, appliances, and so on. While typically not identified as an EPR bill, this legislation nonetheless is a critical step towards expanding electronics reuse and setting expectations that manufacturers are required to participate - even if just by making parts, documentation, software, and tools available to the public.
Many other states are developing EPR legislation, notably within the world of packaging. Maine and Oregon were first to implement laws in 2021, followed by California and Colorado in 2022, and New Jersey and Washington in 2023. The level of reuse investment in these bills varies, but hopefully, efforts will continue to prioritize this, and programs will be established. EPR is certainly on the rise in the United States, with many other states considering similar changes. More legislation is expected in the future as momentum continues, including Minnesota with an EPR for packaging and paper products (PPP) in development.
Becoming completely “zero waste” is most certainly a challenge, but with more EPR that prioritizes sustainable design, reuse and repairability, and circular infrastructure, there are clear opportunities for reducing the environmental impacts and waste generation of our products and materials. The best thing we can do is to work with policymakers and industry leaders to move towards more holistic ownership of products, more equitable distribution of financial and managerial responsibility, and ground legislation in more waste reduction, repair, and reuse whenever possible.
Reuse Minnesota has been building partnerships for over 10 years. In this blog post shared by Bridging, learn more about our work, or growth, and why our collaboration has been so valuable to the community. Bridging was a founding member of Reuse Minnesota and their participation within our organization and network has been incredibly valuable.
We thank Bridging for supporting our work from the start and continuing to find innovative ways to promote reuse.
Read the Bridging post here.
Reuse and the Minnesota State Fair might not seem like topics that go hand in hand, but with a little planning, anyone attending the Great Minnesota Get Together can help reduce the amount of stuff that ends up discarded.
Along with the sunscreen and comfy walking shoes, be sure to add these items to your packing list:
In addition to what you pack, it is also useful to think about items you might pick up at the fair and bring home, especially the freebies. We know these are seen as important marketing tools for businesses, but they are often items that are redundant to what we already have (looking at you reusable water bottles) or are things that will quickly end up discarded, such as keychains or squishy earth-shaped balls. Often we don't realize until an item is already in our hands and we are walking away that we've picked up something we don't want. If you give some thought to this ahead of time, it is an easy way to make sure you only take home items you want and will use. Similarly, if you have a smartphone, instead of picking up flyers or business cards, consider snapping a picture or scanning a QR code.
And a final tip, be sure to stop by the Eco Experience building in the northeast corner of the fairgrounds and find your way back to the reuse and repair table (look for the big moose)! Reuse Minnesota staff and board members will be there on the first two days of the fair doing reuse trivia with our "new" spin wheel custom made from scrap and reclaimed wood! Many of our member organizations will be there the rest of the days. Several will have prize drawings for gift certificates to shop used, memberships, or classes. Check out the schedule here.
See you at the fair!
The move-in and move-out days at college can be some of the most hectic times on campus. For out-of-state students and those living in the campus residence halls, managing and storing furniture, supplies, and equipment can be difficult during the summer. Some items are only needed for a year and often end up being tossed or tucked away in a basement. It’s not always clear how to engage in sustainable use and reuse as a college student, but some universities are pursuing initiatives to make it easier and more accessible.
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota ReUse Program operates a Pack & Give Back program, a semi-annual donation sort in which materials from the college community are collected and then offered for free to students. This program runs at the end of each semester and aims to divert usable goods from the campus waste stream and reduce the demand for new purchases.
Another service the University of Minnesota ReUse Program provides is the summer storage program. The program began in 2020 when the pandemic required the storage of student-owned materials since many were not about to return to campus after spring break. Since then, it has become a resource for students needing short-term storage for small items. Participating students receive a triple wall box to pack their items for storage and pay $40 per box for the duration of the summer. From there, the boxes are stored in a university warehouse that uses pallet racking. There are currently 175 students who have taken advantage of the opportunity, totaling up to 26,592 pounds of materials stored. More students are anticipated to sign up when leases end throughout August. Unclaimed items are held for ninety days and then donated to the Pack & Give Back program.
Macalester College
Macalester College features zero waste programs on its sustainability page, including free swaps, a free garage sale after move-out, and “Make Art Not Waste” - an annual student-led Earth Week event encouraging students to engage in environmental activism through art created by materials destined for the landfill. University-level reuse and waste reduction programs are essential in fostering sustainable minds and empowering students to continue championing the climate movement through academia, advocacy, and action.
Are you a college student looking to pick up more sustainable habits, for environmental or economic reasons? Check out Hennepin County’s budget-friendly sustainable living guide for college students, keep an eye out for community reuse or repair activities, and encourage your university to initiate these programs that support more sustainable reuse options, particularly during move-in/move-out!
Secondhand shopping has been receiving more attention as an affordable, sustainable, and engaging way to find clothing, home goods, and more. Operating primarily on a donation basis, thrift stores serve an important role in the circular economy, keeping materials from landfill and connecting them with shoppers. Secondhand shopping—in addition to its affordability and more sustainable model—serves an important social purpose. Thrift stores serve communities all around us by providing an accessible way to engage in reuse.
Reused goods are typically more affordable than new ones. While some antique or vintage items may cost more than their new counterparts, a majority of the secondhand market consists of quality, affordable goods seeking a new home.
Thrift stores boast diversity in the clothing department compared to chain retailers. While not all of the clothing may be your style, there are always some hidden gems on the shelves. Additionally, buying clothes at thrift stores provides a low-cost way to try out new styles to see what works for you!
Many people thrift for its social benefits: a more engaging experience, to bond with friends and family, or to browse local and vintage clothing and goods. Many thrift store regulars build relationships with retail employees and choose to shop at the thrift store first. Reuse is an excellent way to build connections and explore local goods, opportunities, and even friendships!
Your dollar can go further at thrift stores than it can when buying new. Many rely on thrift stores as the more budget-friendly option. These stores play an important role in connecting people with quality, and necessary goods. Consider exploring some mission-based reuse retailers in your area and learn where to donate your unneeded items. Donate Good Stuff is a great resource for learning where to donate items you no longer need!
Sometimes the most unexpected discoveries are the most exciting. Browsing a thrift store is a great way to find your new favorite pair of jeans or the perfect painting for your living room. Secondhand shopping provides an affordable way to find the items that will brighten your space and complement your wardrobe.
Thrifting, especially at larger reuse stores, can be intimidating at first. With so much to look through, it feels like you can be there for hours. And you can! But you can also be there for only twenty minutes. Knowing how you shop best can turn a trip to the thrift store into a leisure activity. There is no best way to shop secondhand, but here are some tips if you’re looking to try it out:
Stick to one or two departments, depending on what you’re looking for at the time.
Don’t go in with overly specific expectations. Inventory is always changing, so being flexible is important and will result in an opportunity for creativity. Alternatively, if you know exactly what you need, such as a specific item for your kitchen, write those things down so you can always keep an eye out for them when you make a thrift shop stop.
Invite friends and make it an event with dedicated time. With so many great finds hidden throughout the store, you don’t want to be too rushed!
Have a plan, be creative, and allow yourself the time to find the next best thing for your home and/or wardrobe.
For a more tailored experience, consider Arc Value Village’s personal shopper service. This unique opportunity is great for people who have a particular style in mind.
See Hennepin County’s Guide for great thrifting for store recommendations and more!
Some secondhand shoppers see thrifting as a formative experience on how they shop and spend their money. Three current Minnesota GreenCorps members shared their varied experiences with thrift shopping, how they were introduced, and what it has meant for them.
Heidi shared that her first time thrifting was in the 4th grade and was part of a money lesson. With $100, she could get bags full of clothes from secondhand stores compared to just a few items from the mall. She and her mom ended up skipping the mall that day.
Abby shared that her introduction to thrifting came from a sense of environmental consciousness. It is no secret that the rise of fast fashion has its impacts across the globe. Eco-minded shoppers benefit from not only the affordability of reuse but also by supporting the circular economy by buying what exists in their community and sparing the environmental costs of new material production and transportation. In this case, Abby’s passion for reuse inspired her to study sustainability and adopt many sustainable habits.
Many thrift shoppers care about the quality of goods, choosing to seek out vintage clothing for its higher durability. Through thrifting, Claire grew to appreciate the design and craftsmanship of vintage and handmade clothing. While some items had wear and tear, she said it encouraged her to develop her sewing and embroidery skills, allowing her to personalize and repair an otherwise perfect and unique piece of clothing. What a great way to keep clothing in use longer!
Want to share your experiences shopping secondhand? Click here!
Recommendations
Heidi’s picks
Belle Weather
Everyday People Clothing Exchange
Poshmark (online)
Abby’s picks
Buffalo Exchange
Style Encore
Thred Up (online)
Curtsy (online)
Claire’s picks
316 Vintage
MyThriftStores St Paul
St. Vincent de Paul
Reuse Minnesota staff picks:
Arc’s Value Village
Free Geek Twin Cities
Old School by Steeple People
PRISM’s Shop for Change
Repair Lair
Anybody can learn to be stewards of the planet, even preschoolers! In response to pressing global environmental issues, youth education and building sustainable habits are more important than ever.
If you ask the Minnesota Cloth Diaper Bank, it’s best to start practicing reuse when kids are very young. Single-use diapers can be costly, environmentally and financially; so much so that 1 in 3 Minnesota families struggle to obtain a sufficient supply of diapers while about 20 billion disposable diapers are thrown out each year in the United States. Cloth diapering, while requiring a financial investment initially, aims to address both issues.
Do you find yourself struggling to keep up with your kids’ changing interests or finding new and stimulating toys for playtime? Save time and money by joining the Minneapolis Toy Library! They have a variety of membership levels to choose from. Much like borrowing a book, the toy library has a large selection of toys for kids through age five. You’ll save money from not having to buy new toys and your children will have plenty of toys to choose from!
Similarly, the clothing, gear, and supplies needs of children are constantly changing. The shift in seasons and clothing sizes are reasons to consider renting clothing or shopping secondhand for your little one instead of buying new. This can be more affordable and helps avoid the need to store clothing your children have grown out of. Inventory will vary, but see what options are available in the Twin Cities area at LittlesGo and Baby Gear Group. Children’s clothing and supplies rental can be a great option for families looking to incorporate more reuse and save some time, money, and the environment! Moreover, these platforms are perfect for one-time needs or trying things out before you commit to purchasing.
An additional resource to consider are the county fix-it clinics operated by several of the Twin Cities metro counties. Volunteers come prepared to help you and teach you how to fix broken toys, mend tears and holes in a favorite pair of jeans, or repair a lamp that was knocked over in last week’s invigorating game of tag. Click here to learn more about fix-it clinics, check Reuse Minnesota’s website to see if there is a fix-it clinic scheduled near you soon, and gather some things that could use a repair.
Sustainable and simple habits make big impacts. Young children can be taught the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Modeling these behaviors yourself is a wonderful way to teach children! One way to demonstrate reuse in your family is to switch to reusables, like a lunchbox or water bottle. You can also be more creatively engaging by making arts and crafts with repurposed materials. Take some time with your family and brainstorm ways to cut down on single-use waste and get creative with how you and your children engage and understand “waste.”
Reuse Minnesota was founded in 2012 and is a member-based nonprofit that supports repair, resale, and rental businesses, bringing visibility to the reuse sector as a means to lower our state's impact on the environment.
Contact usEmail Reuse Minnesota612-314-6283reusemn.org
© 2024 Reuse Minnesota. All rights reserved. | Reuse Minnesota is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
