Menu
Log in
Forgot password


Log in

Celebrate Earth Day with ReUSE Minnesota!

2020-04-20 10:13 PM | Anonymous
Heading into the fourth official week of MN’s Stay at Home order, where the passage of time feels surreal, it's hard to believe it's already mid-April. Yet, heading into spring, we’re reminded now more than ever how incredibly valuable life and nature are on our planet. It's fitting then, that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in the United States.

Traditionally, Earth Day celebrations center around large, outdoor events and group clean-ups, but this year is obviously quite different. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, an important way you can show support for your local community, while still being sustainable is by incorporating more reuse in your life. When we think about reducing our environmental impact, we often focus on products/packaging when we no longer want or need them and need to manage their “end-of-life” stage (i.e. can I recycle it? can it be composted?). The reality is you have a much bigger impact if you shift your purchasing habits up-front, as the environmental impacts from making new products are typically the most damaging. Reuse (including rental and repair) extends the life of products already in existence and circulation, reducing the demand for new product manufacturing. 

This Earth Day, commit to supporting local reuse businesses – some of them have online shopping and curbside pick-ups, some are looking for donations, and others will need your business when they re-open. While there are many invaluable reuse businesses across the state, we’re highlighting a few that shared updates on how they’re doing and the best ways for you to support them right now.

Arc’s Value Village – Find Everyday Needs, Treasures, and Collectibles
Arc’s Value Village stores and donation centers are temporarily closed. To help maximize your donations when Arc’s is ready to accept them in the future, pre-sort items; clothing in one box, housewares in another box, books in another box. Also, store your donations in boxes or sturdy bags (this will help with transportation too, when the time comes). Be sure to check their website for the items that won’t be accepted.

Bridging, Inc. – Furnishing Homes with Hope
Bridging is currently closed to the public until further notice. If it’s within your capacity and you’d like to financially support Bridging through this difficult time, you can make a donation. 

Bridal Aisle Boutique – Offering What You Need & Want for Your Wedding, Formal, or Pageant Event
Bridal Aisle Boutique is selling inventory and retail fixtures at fantastic prices. If you’re in the process of planning your wedding, the Bridal Aisle Team should be on your list!

Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Reused Home Improvement
The ReStore Home Improvement Outlets are closed for business until further notice. If you were planning to shop at our ReStore during this time, consider instead supporting our mission through an online donation today.

Kids Rack – Clothing, Footwear, Equipment, and Toys
Kids Rack is doing live Facebook sales and has their online sales set up through commentSOLD. They’re also offering personal shopping for customers, and can ship to the US or they also have curbside pick-up Monday – Saturday (limited hours). 

Lake Country Books and More – Sellers of New and Used Books, Music, and Media
As long as the post office keeps picking up and delivering mail, Lake Country Books is still selling – 6 days a week! Check out their selection of used books, CDs, and DVDs – a great way to entertain, education, and enlighten while staying safe at home.

Minnesota Tool Library – #MTLMADE
Find yourself with extra cash from your stimulus or tax return? Pay it forward and support the MN Tool library – buy/renew your tool library membership, make a donation, or give an e-gift card to your family and friends.

Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles, LLC – A Special Kind of Bicycle Shop 
During this time, Mr. Michael’s shop is open by appointment only (scheduled by phone only). Call 651-641-1037 to schedule an appointment to purchase reused bicycles and/or to drop off a bicycle for repair.

Repair Lair – Spend Less on Gear (More on Beer)
Repair Lair is busy making masks – in fact they’re running out of fabric! If you have fabric (flat bed sheets?!), drop it off during store hours Thursday – Sunday from noon to 6:00 pm. Or stop by to pick up a mask at a great price.

reTHINK Tailoring & Sewing Lounge – A Different Option for Shopping: Revamp Your Wardrobe!
reTHINK Tailoring is also busy making masks – if you want to contribute to these efforts for making more masks for hospitals and other organizations, make a donation today!

Rethos – Connecting You to the Tools and Skills You Need to Take Good Care of Places You Love
Rethos has a Rehab Resources page on their website with DIY tips, links to local salvage shops, energy efficiency resources, etc. As spring arrives, Rethos is here to support you as you tackle home maintenance, repair, and rehab projects. Follow them on social media too for specific project tips you can use right now!

Tech Discounts – Offering Technology for Every Need
With the shift to working remotely and distance learning, a lot of us have been faced with new technology needs. Rather than spend an arm and a leg on new tech, purchase refurbished, affordable options from Tech Discounts online!

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 us
Email Reuse Minnesota
612-314-6283
reusemn.org

© 2024 Reuse Minnesota. All rights reserved. | Reuse Minnesota is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software