Blog

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.”

Recently, Reuse Minnesota Executive Director, Emily Barker joined Natalie Heneghan, former Rethos Education Manager who now works for Habitat for Humanity La Crosse, for an online class centered around Reuse for Real Estate.

The class introduced Minnesota real estate agents to climate-conscious resources that they can pass along to their clients. While many consumers think sustainability requires new "green" products, reused materials are our best option to reduce our carbon emissions and energy usage. The goal of the class is to equip real estate agents with the most up-to-date and localized resources in the Twin Cities reuse economy.

In the class, real estate professionals learned about the environmental, social, and economic benefits of reuse in Minnesota and how they can take part in sustainable living and material management. Before making specific recommendations for real estate agents and building owners, the instructors covered how reuse lowers greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for new materials and giving the old materials new life. Reuse in real estate also greatly reduces the amount of bulky and heavy materials sent off to landfills. Specific topics covered included:

• Ways to sustainably and reliably maintain your home: Small projects add up to big reductions in energy costs, wasteful renovations or repairs, and operational emissions

• Resources for DIY reuse projects: Online and local resources for guidance and knowledge for various DIY reuse projects in and around your home

• Deconstruction and salvage: Sustainable alternatives to the demolition of buildings including information on properties and projects that may qualify for grant funding. (Currently only in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties.)

• Reuse of building materials and the best places to buy used materials: Where you can participate in the circular economy and “close the loop” by buying used and often vintage building materials, home goods, and furniture.

• Sustainable management of unwanted household items: With warmer weather comes spring cleaning. Tips for managing unwanted home goods, where to donate, and reducing waste generated from downsizing.

• And more!Fix-it clinics, the Twin Cities salvage market, and how reuse in real estate can reduce costs, particularly for new homeowners.

While old homes may deter potential homebuyers, these properties have a history that can be told and sold. Old homes have character and cultural significance that new homes cannot compete with. With some simple DIY projects, we can preserve the history and uniqueness of old homes and address any flaws that may concern home buyers. There is value in historic homes and buildings. Reuse starts with you. Reuse Minnesota and Rethos invite you to learn how you can make an impact by engaging in reuse from your home and community. 

A recording of the presentation can be seen on Reuse Minnesota’s YouTube channel. If you are interested in attending the class in the future, which real estate agents can take for 1 CE, check out Rethos’s class offerings.

Happy New Year from Reuse Minnesota! This season allows us to reflect on our year and gives us the chance to make the changes we’ve been looking to make. Regardless of your 2023 resolutions and goals, remember to be proud of the work accomplished this past year and to keep an eye out for opportunities to come.

When viewing the magnitude of environmental issues, it can be easy to become overwhelmed, but don’t worry! If you are looking to live more sustainably and incorporate reuse and repair into your everyday life, start with habits that make sense for you. For individuals just starting to think about reuse in their lives, a good first step is to incorporate reusable items for everyday convenience. This could be putting tote bags in your car for shopping, packing a reusable water bottle  or straw with you , or  purchasing  items that are sold in reusable packaging. If you have already incorporated these changes into your routine, consider bringing your reusable containers to restaurants for leftovers, or to grocery stores for produce and bulk items. 

If you are looking to challenge yourself in the new year and make the biggest impact, start thinking about where you do your shopping and choose the most sustainable options. Learn where you can shop for reused items in the Twin Cities area on Reuse Minnesota’s member directory. If you need some new-to-you clothes, decor, or entertainment consider shopping second hand. You'll save some money and find one-of-a-kind items! Planning a remodel in 2023? Be sure to incorporate reused materials into your design and take any usable items you remove to one of our members who sell used building materials.

If being more creative is one of your resolutions for 2023, take the time to think of ways to repurpose household items and think creatively about reuse.. There are many different DIY projects that you can pursue with materials that would otherwise be considered waste. And if you are not a DIY type, check with your local schools or childcare centers, as many will gladly accept items such as excess craft supplies, magazines, and egg cartons. 

If you are looking for more information or ways to be sustainable in the new year, read this Living Green 365 post from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and check out the resources we have available on our website. To help motivate you,  we share our staff and board’s reuse resolutions for 2023 in the video below!

This holiday season, “think outside the box” when packaging your gifts! Your home (and recycling bin) may already contain items that make great alternatives to traditional wrapping paper and gift boxes. Single-use food packaging is perfect to reuse when packaging toys or clothes. Household linens like blankets or pillowcases can easily accommodate large or bulky items. Most of the time, the whole point of wrapping gifts is creating a brief moment of surprise, which can easily be accomplished without purchasing additional single-use items and creating more waste. 

Here are Reuse Minnesota’s eco-friendly packaging and wrapping tips for you. Save money and time by reusing and repurposing supplies already in your home! Watch our video! Sustainable gift wrapping hacks video.mp4

• Use empty food packaging containers. Rinse and reuse plastic clamshell containers or berry baskets. Take empty cereal or snack boxes and turn them into gift boxes. When you’re finished with a tin of nuts or cookies, save them to refill with homemade goodies and treats. Empty glass jars are great at disguising the wrapped item since the extra weight stumps those trying to shake presents to guess what’s inside!

• Think beyond traditional wrapping paper. Wrapping paper can rip or tear if you have an awkwardly shaped gift. Instead use textiles around your house that can serve as “wrapping paper.” Lightweight blankets, scarves, sheets, or towels all make great substitutes. Research fabric wraps or furoshiki to learn how to wrap presents with fabric, or keep it simple and toss the fabric over the item before it’s handed off to unwrap.  

• Make your own reusable fabric wrap or bags. Put your sewing skills to use and create your own supply of reusable fabric wraps or gift bags using scraps and rags. 

• Reuse holiday cards as gift tags or embellishments. Holiday cards have the potential to be upcycled into fun crafts. Cut out or trace parts of a holiday card you’d like to reuse. You can use a roll of masking tape or a coffee cup to trace a perfect circle. Cookie cutters offer fun shapes you can use to trace too! Use your new cutouts as gift tags or decorate your package with the new embellishments.

• Reuse gifting supplies you already have. Save boxes, bags, ribbons, bows, and tissue paper and reuse them the following year. It’s important to note that most recycling haulers do not accept gift wrap or tissue paper. Your best choice is to not use them at all, or reuse as much as you can. After giving a gift, feel free to ask if the receiver plans to reuse the wrap/big/tissue - if they aren’t, offer to take it to use again (that may feel awkward the first time you ask, but it shouldn’t! It’s better to not have it go to waste.). When you gather with friends and family, remember your gift wrap container and announce early on that you intend to reuse as much of the single-use wrapping people don’t want to reuse themselves. As people unwrap, fold and stash the unwanted pieces to have less to sort and clean up later.

• Plan a scavenger hunt for gifts and skip gift wrapping altogether. Carefully placed clues makes the anticipation of finding the gift even more exciting. By the time your recipient finally gets to the last clue, they may be thankful they don’t have to unwrap the gift!

Giving gifts in non-traditional packaging encourages conversation around your intentions to use fewer resources and reuse what you already have. Not only are you giving a gift, but you’re also opening your recipient’s eyes to the possibilities of reuse and intentional lifestyle choices. You can also consider starting the conversation before giving your gift - reach out to family and friends to encourage everyone to wrap gifts more sustainably this year. It can even be a game to see who has the most creative reuse for their gift wrapping! 

Which of these eco-friendly gift-wrapping ideas will you try this year?  

Today is National Regifting Day! While it’s beneficial to have a specific day for this concept, we believe it is a mindset to celebrate all year long.

Regifting is the act of taking a gift you’ve received and giving it to someone else. Doesn’t seem too difficult, does it? After all, sometimes we don’t have a need or want for an item. Maybe you have a fragrance sensitivity to lotions or candles, but you know someone else that loves to have a variety of body products or scents in their home. Or perhaps you have plenty of sweaters and don’t need to drive demand for the production of more clothing in the fashion industry. What are the best options when someone gives you an unwanted gift?

Don’t clutter your home, store an unused item, and contribute to society’s over consumption of products. Instead, consider passing it along to someone else, or resetting expectations that gifts aren’t needed for the occasion. Gifts don’t always have to be shiny and new to be appreciated! One that is chosen with intention and thoughtfulness will have more meaning to its recipient.

Reuse Minnesota has come up with some regifting strategies to help get you through any gift giving or gift receiving scenarios.

Tips for regifting

• If you are hosting an event, make it clear that you do not expect guests to bring gifts and that their presence is a gift itself. This is especially helpful if you are hosting a birthday party or wedding, and are trying to avoid extra stuff you don’t need.
• • “Camryn is not asking for birthday gifts this year. She is excited to spend time with her friends! If your child really wants to pick out a present, we will donate it to another child at our local family resource center.”
  • “No gifts please.” - If you see this on an invitation, honor it!
• If you have certain gift-givers that often purchase items you do not want or need, politely tell the gift giver a month+ in advance that while you appreciate the gesture, you are trying to focus more on the spirit of the holiday, or event, and don’t expect a gift.
• • “Mom, this year I’m going to save you the stress of having to get me a gift. I have everything I need and cannot wait to celebrate with you!”
  • “In place of a gift this year, we’d appreciate a donation to our favorite non-profit.”
  • “Instead of swapping gifts this year, let’s try out that new <insert activity or experience> !”
• Have an occasion that involves gifts? Suggest a regifted swap! Set the expectation that everyone brings a recycled or regifted item. See how creative you can be!
• Share why you think the item is perfect for your recipient. A meaningful note communicates that you put a lot of thought into the gift.
• If you have an item that might seem odd to give on its own, add complementary items or include a gift certificate for an experience.
• • Gently used art supplies can be bundled with art classes
  • Cookware can be packaged with ingredients to make a favorite recipe
  • Soaps, lotions, or candles can be regifted with a free night of babysitting

Examples of items to regift

• Books or cookbooks you’ve already read
• Hostess gifts: kitchen towels, trinkets, bottles of wine, candles, etc.
• Puzzles, games, toys
• Family heirlooms
• Stationary sets
• Art supplies
• Gift cards
• Novelties and gag gifts; the whole point is that these are fun and can make a running joke!
• Get creative with your regifted item. Pair the item with other items to make a personalized gift basket.
• Any item you don’t want that is desired by someone else! Don’t overthink it - if you don’t want it, but know someone in your circle that would, regift it without hesitation.

There are many reasons to consider regifting. Besides being an acceptable and normal thing to do, it’s also economical and environmentally friendly. Whether you are regifting secondhand or new items, or having that discussion that gifts don’t need to be the focus, you are showing your appreciation for the other person’s friendship, support, and love!

#NationalRegiftingDay

The holidays are here and our gift to you is the Reuse Minnesota holiday gift guide! You'll find a curated list of gift ideas from our members. There are many unique ideas and some you may not have thought of before, such as gift certificates for repair services or memberships to borrow items. Our members make it easy for you to gift with intention and purpose. We hope this guide will help you normalize reuse in your gift giving all year long!

View the guide below or open in a separate window.

Image: Minnesota Retailers Association

Retail’s biggest week is here… If you plan to do some holiday shopping, we strongly encourage you to skip large corporate chains, and instead enjoy our Reuse Minnesota member guide to local and sustainable businesses around the Twin Cities. Who needs Black Friday, when you can #OptOutside and partake in Small Business Saturday and Sustainable Sunday?

Shopping local is an important way to invest in our communities, reduce the climate and environmental impacts of our purchasing, and a great way to find unique gifts! Who knows what treasures you'll find when visiting a thrift store? You can handpick a thoughtful, curated gift that will be appreciated by your recipient. You can also move beyond gifting physical items and give the gift of experiences, memberships, and classes.

Local, small, and sustainable Reuse Minnesota businesses you can support

• Hennepin Restomods LLC - Is there someone on your list who enjoys restoring cars? This is the place to go if you are looking to refresh or restore your classic car!
• Keys 4/4 Kids - Promote the love of music with the gift of a piano! Shop the wide selection of quality used pianos. You can even take home donated sheet music at no cost.
• Littles GO - Have a little one on your list who loves the outdoors? Littles GO offers rental and sales of performance clothing and gear for fast growing little adventurers. Gift cards are also available.
• Minneapolis Toy Library - Give the gift of toys without acquiring clutter! A membership to the Minneapolis Toy Library gives your loved one the ability to borrow a new toy every 2-4 weeks.
• Minnesota Tool Library - Know a DIY-er? A membership or gift card to the Minnesota Tool Library gives them access to a large inventory of tools members can use for their projects.
• Old School by Steeple People - Shop quality used clothing and home goods for your loved ones. They offer gift cards too!
• Shop for Change - Prism - Shop for new and gently used donations from local businesses and community members.
• Repair Lair - Gift quality used and repaired gear needed for outdoor activities. You can also “gift” by covering the repair of someone’s favorite existing gear.
• Repowered - Shop affordable refurbished speakers, gaming consoles and accessories, laptops and more! 
• RETHINK Tailoring- Gift the skill to mend and sew! A Rethink Tailoring membership gives you access to online support, online classes, and tutorials. Perfect for the budding sewist or person looking to expand their skills.
• Rethos: Places Reimagined - Give the gift of learning! Rethos offers workshops and classes to connect you to the tools, skills, and experiences you need to take good care of the places you love.
• Reuse Minnesota - Connect the reuse champion in your life to other reuse advocates! Reuse Minnesota offers individual memberships, or support our work and give a donation as a gift.
• Tech Fixers LLC - Know someone who had a favorite electronics item break recently? Consider the gift of repair! TechFixers can fix things like smartphones, gaming consoles, or even hoverboards!
• Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Gift quality used home furnishings and building supplies, or check out their DIY videos for giftable craft ideas for DIY’ing a gift!

Remember to support reuse by shopping these organizations throughout the year! What are other great local places you like to visit for reuse, rental, and repair?

Click the map for Google directions to the businesses featured above

@sustainablesunday

#ShopLocal #ShopSmall #SustainableSunday #SmallBusinessSaturday #BlackFriday #CyberMonday

These aren’t your grandparents’ cloth diapers! Cloth diapering has come a long way since the days of safety pins and hand washing; and while the technology and design of cloth diapers has improved, the environmental and economic benefits have stood the test of time. The Minnesota Cloth Diaper Bank is encouraging parents across the state to take another look at the benefits of cloth diapers.

MCDB was founded in 2020 by sisters, Danielle Claseman, who works in responsible sourcing, and Rachel DeVries, a pediatrician. Using cloth diapers on their own children, they wanted to help make cloth diapering accessible, affordable, and achievable for all Minnesota families.

“There are so many benefits to using cloth diapers - keeping disposable diapers out of landfills and chemicals off our babies’ bodies are some of the big ones,” says Claseman. “But with all of these benefits, we recognize that there are some financial and educational barriers to getting started. We remove those barriers so families can try cloth [diapers] pretty much risk free.”

The MCDB program loans families a “stash” of 20 cloth diapers, and provides ongoing support and resources. Diapers can be swapped for different styles or replaced with larger sizes as the child grows. Most of the cloth diapers used in the program are gently used (and sanitized) and have been donated, further reducing the environmental impact. There is no cost to participate in the program (unless shipping costs are incurred) and anyone in Minnesota is welcome to apply.

“Approximately 20 billion disposable diapers are added to landfills throughout the country each year. That waste won’t decompose for about 400 years, so the environmental implications are huge,” says DeVries. “We also know that one in three Minnesota families struggle to provide enough clean diapers. Our goal is to support families and divert as many single-use diapers from the landfill as possible.”

Since their founding, MCDB has helped more than 200 Minnesota families meet their diapering needs with cloth diapers. An unexpected contributor to their success early on was the pandemic and the supply chain shortages that accompanied it. Claseman says, “We saw a big increase in applications during the early months of the pandemic. With product shortages, including diapers, I think it sparked a renewed interest in cloth diapers which are reusable and allow you to be more self-sufficient.”

As more families are looking for ways they can reduce their environmental footprint, Claseman and DeVries want to spread the word about MCDB’s free diaper loan program.

“We want to get the word out that we’re here to help, and we have diapers and supplies ready to go! The more children we can get in cloth diapers, the more we can reduce the economic and environmental impact of diapering,” says DeVries.

For more information or to apply for diapers, visit mnclothdiaperbank.org. Everyone is welcome to apply!

If you're not in need of diapers, but are interested in volunteering with us we're always looking to expand our network of supporters. Volunteering information is available at mnclothdiaperbank.org.

About Minnesota Cloth Diaper Bank

We are working to make cloth diapering accessible, affordable, and achievable for all Minnesota families. Our aim is to minimize the economic and environmental impacts of diapering.

People

We recognize that one in every three Minnesota families struggle to provide a sufficient number of clean diapers for regular diaper changes. Due to a prohibitively large racial income gap in Minnesota, families with the greatest financial need tend to be families of color.

Cloth diapering—though a more affordable option in the long-term—is often unattainable in the short-term for low-income families with the initial cost of a diaper stash often surpassing $500.

Planet

Every year, approximately 20 billion disposable diapers are tossed into landfills throughout the country, creating about 3.5 million tons of waste—waste that does not decompose for 400 years. This heavy toll on our environment can be mitigated through the use of cloth diapers.

Though cloth diapers must be regularly laundered, the water used in this process is actually 2.3 times less than the water necessary for manufacturing and using disposable diapers.

Program

To help remove the financial barrier of cloth diapering and decrease the environmental impact of disposable diapers, the Minnesota Cloth Diaper Bank has created a free cloth diaper loan program.

MCDB’s cloth diaper loan program provides cloth diapers to families free-of-charge, with the expectation that the family will return the diapers once their child no longer requires them.

Qualifying applicants to our program receive a starting cloth diaper stash (new or gently used diapers which have been laundered and, if necessary, repaired), which they may keep for as long as they need. Once the diapers are no longer required, the recipient ships them back to Minnesota Cloth Diaper Bank, where they are laundered, repaired, and (if viable) passed on to the next family.

1 According to a September 6, 2019 Star Tribune article, “poverty among whites in Minnesota is about 7%, while the rate is more than four times higher at 32% for blacks, the third biggest gap in the country.”
2  Reinhardt, Jenn. “Cloth Diapers and Water Usage.” All About Cloth Diapers.https://www.allaboutclothdiapers.com/cloth-diapers-and-water-usage/