News

Reuse Minnesota is pleased to share the results of our recent board election. All candidates received well over 50% of the votes casts and we are excited to welcome them to the team. Hannah Jenkins returns for a second term, and Katie Drews, Charley Langowski, Jason Mumme, Emma Pardini, Melissa Seeley, and Audrey Woychick will all join the board for their first term in January 2025.

These individuals represent a wide swath of the reuse world and their diversity of backgrounds will be great assets to the organization. We are also excited to have two new members representing Greater Minnesota. We greatly appreciate all the candidate's willingness to share their skills to help grow Reuse Minnesota!

REUSE24 conference recap: Highlights from Reuse Minnesota’s 5th annual event
Reuse Minnesota hosted its 5th annual conference in the Twin Cities from October 8-9, 2024. Preconference site visits took place on October 8, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore local reuse organizations. The main event was held on October 9 at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, bringing together 200 experts, thought leaders, and change-makers from across the nation—and even from Scotland! The conference facilitated networking, learning, and exploring ways to strengthen and expand the reuse economy. In addition to the in-person attendees, eight virtual speakers participated. Attendees were grateful to learn about other reuse efforts happening outside of Minnesota. 

Preconference tours and social hour

Five Reuse Minnesota members generously hosted preconference site visits, offering participants an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their organizations. 

Participants learned more about the social and economic impact these members are making in our community. We are thankful to these hosts for helping us kick off the conference: Furnish Office & Home, Loose Parts Laboratory, Macalester College, Minnesota Tech for Success, and Recovery Bike Shop.

Following the site visits, Minnesota Tech for Success generously hosted a social hour where conference guests had the opportunity to mingle and connect, sharing their personal and professional connections to reuse.

Keynote and conference sessions

This year’s conference featured a wide variety of engaging breakout sessions. With an array of 20 sessions, attendees commented that it was difficult to decide which one to attend! You can check out the full list of sessions, descriptions, and speaker bios in our conference guide. 

Our keynote speaker, Shontel Isham, owner of Nibi Earth and representative of the Leech Lake Tribal Reserve, shared her experience and insights into the reuse and social programs in Cabin Country. The audience appreciated how she humanized reuse, inspiring attendees to consider its role in connecting and strengthening communities. 

Back by popular demand, we also hosted a hands-on programming session where attendees could learn new skills such as mending, furniture upcycling, creative arts, and mindfulness. This afternoon session was the perfect energy booster after enjoying our delicious lunch planned and prepared by culinary students from Hennepin Technical College.

Additional conference highlights

• Book swap - Attendees, as well as Hennepin Technical College students and staff, participated in a book swap. A variety of topics from cookbooks to children’s literature were swapped.

• Silent auction - Items donated to the auction featured an assortment of upcycled items and reusable products. Proceeds from the auction will support Reuse Minnesota’s work in educating the public about reuse, advocating for supportive policies, and promoting local reuse businesses and organizations. 
  
  

Thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors
We are grateful to our sponsors for their continued support of our event. Their generosity makes it possible for us to plan and deliver an impactful experience. This year, we had a record 15 exhibitors! They were busy engaging with attendees during scheduled breaks. We appreciate their presence in helping foster connections within the reuse community.

Sponsors: Brave North Technology, Bridging, Eureka Recycling, HDR, Hennepin County, Minnesota Cloth Diaper Bank, Minnesota Waste Wise, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Mission Critical Systems, PaintCare, Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy, r.World, The Green Mission, and University of Minnesota ReUse Program.

Exhibitors: Better Futures Minnesota, Bridging, Dodge County, Hennepin County, Hennepin Healthcare, Homebody Refill Market, Minnesota Toy Library, MnTAP, PaintCare, Park+Coop, r.World, Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy, Reuse Minnesota, Space by Space Organizing, and Minnesota Waste Wise. 

We would also like to extend our thanks to the team at Hennepin Technical College, whose culinary students and instructors created a menu that met dietary needs, used reusables, and helped reduce food waste by letting attendees take home leftovers.

Looking ahead

Reuse Minnesota is excited to continue working with our members and partners to make Minnesota a leader in sustainable reuse practices. For more photos and highlights from REUSE24, visit our website.

Ways to get involved

• Become a member of Reuse Minnesota as an individual or organization

• Register to attend our annual meeting on November 20, 2024

• Donate to support our work

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter

• Follow us on social media @reusemn

• Email us if you'd like to be considered as a site visit host, speaker, sponsor, or exhibitor at REUSE25

We’re excited to continue growing the reuse economy in the year ahead!

Reuse Minnesota would like to thank everyone who joined our fundraiser or participated in our online silent auction. Together, we managed to raise $4,332. More than 70 family members, friends, and colleagues of Reuse Minnesota members gathered at Sports Page in Bloomington on July 11 for a fun event, connecting and sharing with fellow reuse enthusiasts and enjoying delicious food.

A guest noted that it was a nice mix of ages and genders, a lot of energy, and a board of directors team that worked well together to make it a great time and get people on their way with purchases soon after the silent auction closed.

During the silent auction, bidders could win unique hand-crafted items, themed baskets, experiences, and services. We are so thankful to all the individuals and organizations who generously donated items for the auction.

Reuse Minnesota used the free Givebutter.com platform to accommodate bidding by phone or computer before and during the event, so folks could monitor their bids without hovering. Payment closeout was as simple as pushing a button in an email to confirm purchase.

The group also heard brief highlights from Executive Director Emily Barker that included offering creative mending clinics, tours of places that practice reuse, school programs, and the most recent Rebates for Repair which rebated nearly $8,000 to consumers and supported repair businesses.

The funds raised from the event will contribute to our efforts in educating Minnesotans about reuse, advocating for reuse-supportive policies, and promoting our thriving reuse businesses and organizations. Special thanks go to the Reuse Minnesota board of directors for their hard work in planning this successful event!

You can check out our event photos here: 

Reuse Minnesota supports organizations and businesses that divert waste and prevent the need for resources for new manufacture by educating, advocating, and promoting reuse, repurposing, upcycling, and repairing items. Members range from individuals to businesses like thrift stores, nonprofits, and government agencies that support reuse.

We are excited to celebrate today with our friends across the country as Minnesota and California join New York and Colorado (and soon Oregon) in expanding the right to repair across the United States!

As you may know, this day has been many years in the making. Work to bring Right to Repair to Minnesota began legislatively nearly a decade ago, in 2015. Many individuals and organizations worked hard to get us to this day by writing letters, making phone calls, providing testimony, and meeting with policymakers to make the case for Right to Repair. And our policy makers did the hard work of educating their colleagues and meeting with all constituents on the issue. Despite opposition from some sectors, the broad support for this legislation allowed this day to be possible and we are grateful to each person who took the time to make sure Minnesota is one of the leaders for digital fair repair!

You may be wondering what changes now. While there are still unknowns about the readiness of manufacturers to fully comply with the requirements of the law today, what we do know is this: Manufacturers for many consumer electronics including smart phones, tablets, laptops, TVs, cameras, and more, business enterprise equipment like servers and networking equipment, and appliances (sold on or after July 1, 2021) must make the tools, parts, manuals, and diagnostics available to any individuals and businesses who want to make repairs. The Minnesota right to repair coalition will be watching to ensure this happens. And if you find yourself or your business in a situation where it seems the law is not being followed, please contact the Minnesota Attorney General's office.  

One of the most exciting things about today is that, when combined with the laws already in place or becoming effective today, nearly 20% of people living in the US will be covered by electronics Right to Repair protections. This is huge in ensuring fair and equitable access to technology, the ability for small repair businesses to thrive, and for individuals to be able to make their own repairs if desired.

Learn more about Right to Repair across the United States. 

 

Each year, Green Sports Alliance members and partners collaborate to create two new playbooks—blueprints for sustainability in sport and entertainment. This year, Reuse Minnesota is proud to announce its role as a contributor to the Reuse Playbook. We are honored to have shared our experience and ideas for this playbook, which was presented at the 2024 Green Sports Alliance Summit.

“Reuse within the field of sports provides an opportunity to connect with individuals who may not otherwise think much about reuse. Encouraging reuse in social spaces like sports is critical to normalizing reuse.“ - Emily Barker, Executive Director, Reuse Minnesota.

Dive into the 6 fundamentals:
1. Environmental and Social Benefits
2. Economic Opportunities
3. Procurement & Design Considerations
4. How to Launch a Reuse System
5. Measuring Success and Continuous Improvement
6. Fan Experience, Communication, and Amplification

Learn more and access the playbook online: www.greensportsalliance.org/playbooks/reuse

Repair is one of the most environmentally beneficial forms of reuse. Repair keeps useful items in working condition and requires minimal (or no) new materials to achieve. In addition, repair has a significant impact on the local economy as repair jobs are more difficult to outsource or mechanize.

Reuse Minnesota is currently conducting a survey to learn more about why people choose repair and how repair can be incentivized in Minnesota. As a thank you, all respondents will receive a rebate of up to $75.

How to participate

• During the month of June 2024 have an item repaired by a repair business located in Minnesota. Repairs made outside Minnesota are not eligible.
• Complete the survey and email a copy of your itemized receipt to info@reusemn.org by June 29, 2024. Receipts must include the business name, item repaired, date, and proof of payment.
• Receive a rebate for 60% of the cost of the repair, up to $75.
• Up to two (2) rebates per household. One survey must be completed for each repair.

Restrictions

The following is a list of eligible and ineligible repairs. If an item you would like to have repaired is not listed, please contact info@reusemn.org to clarify eligibility.

• Eligible: Clothing, shoes, small appliances (e.g. toasters, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners), sports equipment, consumer electronics (e.g. mobile phones, TVs), outdoor gear, furniture, bicycles (excluding full tune-ups), sewing machines, musical instruments.
• Ineligible: Home, vehicle, and large appliance (e.g. refrigerators, dishwashers) repairs, and basic maintenance (e.g. knife sharpening, tire replacement).

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2024

Reuse Minnesota develops training and releases handbook for resale business entrepreneurs

TWIN CITIES, MN, April 9, 2024: In a recent initiative, Reuse Minnesota hosted a cohort of 25 resale entrepreneurs for a specialized training to guide them through launching or expanding a resale enterprise. The training was made possible through a grant from the State of Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Reuse Minnesota hired Cat Polivoda to share her knowledge and experience gained as the owner of Cake Plus-Size Resale and create the training and complementary handbook to help others grow in the resale space. The handbook, which is now available for download from Reuse Minnesota, offers fundamental business insights from a resale perspective and caters to individuals interested in the resale market, specifically those with a focus on selling secondhand and refurbished goods.

Participants of the training had the opportunity to engage with a panel of resale business experts, participate in group discussions, and work through reflection prompts provided in the handbook.

“The resale business development training by Reuse Minnesota was a wonderful experience! I hope this training program continues - it provided a lot of valuable information and connections for resale entrepreneurs,” said one training participant.

"The material and the instructor were very engaging! I'm also grateful that the workshop gave me an opportunity to meet potential partners and colleagues in the resale industry," remarked another participant.

The creation of the training program is part of a broader effort to enhance professional development opportunities and promote the reuse economy in Minnesota. The reuse industry generates significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. A 2022 impact study revealed that the reuse sector in Minnesota not only supports 45,000 jobs but also generates approximately $4 billion in annual revenue.

Reuse Minnesota, founded in 2012, is a member-based nonprofit organization that champions a vibrant network of repair, resale, and rental businesses, as well as government entities working to expand reuse in Minnesota. The organization aims to reduce the state’s environmental impact by promoting reuse through education, advocacy, and promotion. For further information, visit Reuse Minnesota.

Contact:
Carolyn Wieland, Communications Assistant
612-314-6283 | carolynwieland@reusemn.org

Our youth reuse programming at Edison High School and Longfellow Alternative High School is well underway! Over the past month, students at these schools have been exposed to various aspects of reuse. The program began with an introductory session that educated students on the history and benefits of reuse, followed by a series of guest speakers and interactive activities to further engage the students in the topic.

Our speakers, all Reuse Minnesota members, introduced students to possible careers in reuse and repair and complemented their presentations with hands-on activities.

ArtStart artist Brooke Steigauf shared her love of creative reuse with students, inviting them to decorate donated vinyl records. Students used different materials to personalize and express their creativity. Jason Allen and Alex Baldwin from Better Futures talked about deconstruction. Students practiced removing nails and had the opportunity to use a reciprocating saw! Amanda Jacobsen from Free Geek engaged students by bringing in gaming controllers and teaching students how to disassemble them for recycling. Students learned about textile waste and its impact on the environment from Margaret Newman known as Fabrik Marge. They got to learn basic mending skills and make mending kits!

Reuse Minnesota will be working with students at Roosevelt High School starting this week. Additional guest speakers invited to present include Minneapolis Toy Library and Cake Plus owner, Cat Polivoda. Edison, Longfellow, and Roosevelt High Schools have planned field trips to Minnesota Tool Library, Free Geek, and Better Futures, respectively.

We thank the Hennepin County Green Partners environmental education grant program for allowing us to continue building the youth reuse program we started in 2022. The application window for the 2024 round of Green Partners grants is open now. Visit https://www.hennepin.us/greenpartners to learn more and apply.

Reuse Minnesota is excited to announce we have been selected as a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner! We are part of a network from around the world that works for the benefit of people and the environment.

1% for the Planet is a global organization that inspires businesses and individuals to support environmental nonprofits through membership and everyday actions. They make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling, and third-party certification.

With this recognition, Reuse Minnesota has access to a network of 1% for the Planet Business members that commit to donating 1% of annual sales to vetted environmental organizations.

If you are a 1% for the Planet business member, please consider including Reuse Minnesota in your giving goals! Learn more about joining 1% for the Planet. 

Reuse Minnesota invited several of its members to share exhibitor space at the Minneapolis Home Building & Remodeling Expo held at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis on January 19-21, 2024. Reuse Minnesota's booth featured home vignettes that highlighted reuse, repair, and repurposing possibilities. We were joined by these members throughout the event: Hennepin County Environment, LumberStash, Minnesota Tool Library, PaintCare, Bridging, Good To Go Cups, Arc's Value Village, PRISM, and Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP). Better Futures also had a separate booth.

We enjoyed engaging the community in conversations centered around what reuse can look like inside and outside the home. Bridging shared many copies of their donation list to encourage attendees to donate furniture and housewares they might be replacing during a remodel. Shop for Change discussed how their thrift store takes donations and that the proceeds benefit their social service programs.

We are thankful for Minnesota Tool Library, Bridging, and Arc's Value Village Thrift Store for lending furniture and props for our booth!

Diana from Bridging helped supply the furniture display for our booth.

Jeremy from LumberStash connected with property managers and remodelers,
sharing his unique business model and its opportunities.

Olivia with Hennepin County was on hand to share about deconstruction grants.

Kate from Minnesota Tool Library and Gratias from PaintCare
shared how their services can help remodelers.