Reuse Minnesota believes in the value of all people and chooses to be an organization that not only welcomes diverse voices and perspectives, but actively seeks to incorporate them. We are committed to ensuring individuals of all abilities, ages, body sizes, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, income levels, races, and sexual orientations feel respected in our efforts. This includes ongoing work to build authentic, lasting partnerships and take the time to listen before acting. It involves speaking up and not being a bystander to ongoing injustices or exclusionary practices. We also ground this commitment in intentionally creating inclusive access for the opportunities and resources we offer.

As an organization, much of our work focuses on the environmental aspects of reuse. We know waste, pollution, and climate change disproportionately impact certain communities, notably black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and lower-income communities. The environmental movement has a history and current reality rife with systemic racism, with a large majority of policies rooted in white supremacy. The reuse community is not immune to this.

In connecting with Reuse Minnesota members and the broader statewide reuse community, we’ve confirmed these three actions as priorities for Reuse Minnesota’s current equity work:

• Listen to and form avenues for communications with marginalized communities.
• Advocate and propose policy initiatives at state and local levels that center on environmental justice.
• Pursue funding to offer accessible micro grants, scholarships, etc. and invest in local reuse organizations.

As we work toward our vision of regenerative, reuse-centered communities that protect the environment and value the well-being of future generations, Reuse Minnesota knows we have blind spots in both knowledge and relationships. Changing this takes time and dedication to equity, not as a side program, but as a foundational aspect of who we are. We thank you for pushing us to always strive to do better.