Olmsted County held its first-ever Fix-It Clinic on Saturday, May 3, in partnership with Reuse Minnesota. The clinic was held during Rochester’s annual EarthFest Expo, a one-day event celebrating sustainable innovation, community connection, and shared learning.
Local news station KAAL was onsite to cover the event and featured the fix-it clinics. Community members were invited to bring in broken or damaged items to be repaired for free by skilled volunteers.
At check-in, participants described the issues with their items and had them weighed to track how much waste was diverted from the trash. They were then paired with volunteer fixers and menders to work together on diagnosing problems and making repairs. Many participants got hands-on, learning how to disassemble and help fix their items.
A total of 76 items were brought in, and an impressive 80% were successfully repaired on site. The items ranged from textiles and toys to small appliances and lamps. Volunteers enjoyed sharing their skills, learning from one another, and empowering others in the community to embrace repair and reuse.
Click here if you would like to learn more about volunteering at a future clinic.
Olmsted County plans to host more Fix-It Clinics in the future. Please visit their website for updates and upcoming dates!
This event was made possible by funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Statewide Waste Reduction and Reuse grant, supporting our shared commitment to sustainability and waste reduction in the community.
Last week, we shared simple reuse and repair habits anyone can adopt to reduce waste. This week, we’re building on that momentum by tapping into the wisdom of our community! We asked Reuse Minnesota members to share their best tips for shopping secondhand. Enjoy these tips you can use when shopping for clothing, electronics, furniture, and even event supplies!
Thrifting isn’t just about saving money, although that is a nice perk! It’s about making thoughtful choices that reduce waste and help build a more sustainable future. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just getting started, these tips can help you make the most of your secondhand shopping experience.
Amanda J., Free Geek Twin Cities | https://www.freegeek.org/
“Always expect the unexpected! If you go in looking for a very specific item, chances are you’ll leave disappointed (unless it’s super generic). Keep an open mind and be pleasantly surprised.
Check electronics for battery leakage before buying.”
Roxanne S., Nine Lives | https://www.ninelivesthrift.com/
“Carry a measuring tape! Measure yourself and the garment, and don’t be afraid to try things on—even over your clothes. Pro tip: Nine Lives sells measuring tapes in-store!”
Shawnda S., Family Pathways Thrift Store | https://www.familypathways.org/thrift-stores/
“The golden rule: if you love it, grab it! It might not be there tomorrow. Look one size up and one size down. Sizing varies wildly between brands and eras, and items may have been altered or shrunk.”
Brock L., Device Pitstop Maple Grove | https://www.devicepitstopmg.com/
“Windows 10 support ends this October. Need to upgrade? Device Pitstop has tons of pre-owned, Windows 11-ready computers—perfect for stretching your dollar.”
Robin H., ReStore | https://restore.tchabitat.org/
“Bring your room and doorway measurements to ensure things fit. Use your imagination! That cabinet might become a coffee bar with a little creativity. Check out [ReStore’s DIY page](https://restore.tchabitat.org/restorediy) for inspiration.”
Jeremy M., LumberStash | https://www.lumberstash.com/
Jeremy sources secondhand clothing with his friend Cassie, who rebrands it with the LumberStash logo, giving each item a sustainable, stylish twist. Check out her work at thewildthimble.com
Amy H., Prism/Shop for Change | https://prismmpls.org/program-overview/shop-for-change-thrift-shop/
“Get to know the staff—they’ll clue you in on the best times for new arrivals. Be curious, go slow, and always make two passes. You’ll be amazed at what you spot the second time around.”
Morgan S., Old School | https://oldschoolthrifty.org/
Planning an event? “Thrift your decor! You can find tablecloths, plates, napkins, and more—it just takes time. Start early, and stick to your theme and color scheme. Bonus: Wear clothes that make it easy to try things on or bring your measurements and a tape measure!”
Diane R., ReStore | https://restore.tchabitat.org/
“I keep a note on my phone with measurements from around the house—window sizes, furnace filters, bookshelf space, and more. ‘Measure twice, buy once!’”
Small changes can lead to a big impact. Whether you’re thrifting to save money, reduce waste, or both—these tips are a great place to start.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2025
Free mending events and sewing machine workshops offered by Reuse Minnesota this May
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Reuse Minnesota is excited to announce a series of free events in May aimed at helping community members extend the life of their clothing and build their sewing confidence. These events are perfect for anyone looking to reduce waste, save money, and learn valuable repair skills.
Mend-It May at Old School Thrift
Throughout the month of May, Reuse Minnesota will host Mend-It May, a series of free, appointment-only mending sessions at Old School thrift store, located at 1901 Nicollet Avenue South in Minneapolis.
Unlike past mending clinics, these events will feature one-on-one repair appointments with a mender. Each participant will receive a dedicated 30-minute session to have their clothing or textile items mended. Space is limited, and appointments are required.
Sewing machine basics workshop: Pedal to the Metal
In addition to Mend-It May, Reuse Minnesota is offering Pedal to the metal: Sewing machine basics, a hands-on workshop perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher. This free workshop will be offered on two dates:
Attendees can register for a 25-minute one-on-one session where they will receive personalized instruction covering the essentials of sewing machine use. Participants will learn how to:
Note: Attendees must bring their own sewing machine. Machines will not be provided. Space is limited for all sessions, so early registration is encouraged.
These events are part of Reuse Minnesota’s mission to promote repair and reuse throughout the state. Funding is provided by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Environmental Assistance Grant.
For more information or to sign up for an event, please visit Reuse Minnesota's website at reusemn.org/events or contact info@reusemn.org.
About Reuse Minnesota
Reuse Minnesota is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing reuse in the state of Minnesota and beyond.
Reuse Minnesota builds partnerships and supports a strong network of businesses and organizations focused on reuse. Through education, advocacy, and promotion, the organization raises awareness about the benefits of reuse. It is dedicated to advocating for repair, resale, and rental businesses, helping to promote the reuse economy. Their goal is to make reuse a central part of everyday life, contributing to a more sustainable future for Minnesota.
For media inquiries, please contact: Carolyn Wieland 612-314-6283carolynwieland@reusemn.orgreusemn.org
Throughout the month of May, Reuse Minnesota is offering free mending sessions at Old School thrift store, located at 1901 Nicollet Avenue South in Minneapolis.
Unlike our past mend-it clinics, these events will consist of a single mender offering one-on-one repair, by appointment only. Each attendee will have a dedicated 30 minute spot to have their item(s) mended. If you have more than one item, please prioritize which mend you would like repaired first in case menders are unable to get to/finish additional items. Types of mends that could be made include repairing seams that have come undone, reattaching buttons, patching holes, and more. Zipper repairs will be limited (if you sign up for a zipper repair, we will contact you to ensure we are able to make the repair).
We will have basic materials on-hand, but please bring all parts of the item(s) needing repair, if you have them, including buttons that have fallen off.
To check available times and book a slot, click here.
Please only book one slot to ensure as many people as possible can participate. If you would like to be considered for additional spots or if you have questions, please email us at info@reusemn.org.
Late arrival/No show policy: If you arrive late for your appointment, we are unable to extend your time. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the appointment will be cancelled. If you no show without first contacting our staff (info@reusemn.org), we will be unable to offer you a rescheduled spot. Cancellations should be made no less than 24 hours before your appointment, so we can attempt to offer the spot to someone else. Thank you!
Funding for these events is provided by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Environmental Assistance Grant Program.
We are excited to announce that Reuse Minnesota is featured in the April 2025 edition of Wedge Community Co-op's Cultivate magazine! Be sure to check out our spread on pages 10-11 for more details about our work and upcoming events.
This year, Reuse Minnesota was selected as one of Wedge Co-op's 2025 Change Matters partners. The Change Matters program is a powerful initiative that raises funds for local non-profits and community-enrichment organizations through customer donations at Wedge Co-op's registers. Shoppers are invited to round up their purchases to the next dollar, and while these donations may seem small, they make a significant impact. On average, the program raises $10,000 each month, with 100% of the funds going directly to the selected partner organizations.
To celebrate our partnership, Reuse Minnesota is hosting two exciting, interactive events at Wedge Co-op locations in April:
April 12: Join us at the Lyndale location from 2-5 pm for a free book swap. Bring any gently used books you no longer need, and browse what others have to offer!
April 19: Stop by the Linden Hills location from 2-5 pm to transform discarded t-shirts into produce totes. This hands-on workshop will show you how to repurpose old t-shirts into useful, eco-friendly bags.
These events are part of our ongoing efforts to educate the community about the benefits of reuse. For more details, visit reusemn.org/events.
We are so grateful for the support of Wedge Co-op and the Change Matters program, and we look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events!
Stearns History Museum teamed up with 510 Art Lab to host their first-ever Fix-It Clinic on Friday, March 28, in partnership with Reuse Minnesota. This free community event offered a fantastic opportunity for individuals to have their textiles and household items repaired by skilled volunteers.
At check-in, participants provided details about their items and any issues they were experiencing. After weighing the items (to track how much waste was kept out of the landfill), they were paired with a volunteer fixer or mender. Together, they worked to diagnose problems and find creative ways to restore the items, with participants getting hands-on, disassembling and assisting with repairs.
A big thank you to Handyman's Inc. for generously donating supplies and tools, and to 510 Art Lab for hosting the event.
Upcoming Fix-It Clinics:
Reuse Minnesota is excited to announce the appointment of its new board officers for 2025. Margo Ashmore will take on the role of president, bringing her leadership and passion for reuse to the forefront. Emily Noyes will serve as vice president, while Katie Drews steps into the role of treasurer, and Jason Mumme will serve as secretary. We are excited to have these passionate individuals on board to help Reuse Minnesota continue its work of promoting reuse and reducing waste across the state.
February 14, 2025
Reuse Minnesota seeks volunteers for new fix-it clinics across Greater Minnesota
TWIN CITIES, MN – Do you have a talent for fixing, tinkering, or mending items? Reuse Minnesota invites skilled individuals to volunteer at the upcoming Fix-It Clinics across Greater Minnesota, helping residents repair their items, reduce waste, and share valuable skills within their communities.
In partnership with five regional organizations, Reuse Minnesota is helping launch these clinics to encourage the repair and mending of items, extending their lifespan, and reducing waste. This initiative promotes sustainable practices while strengthening community bonds through hands-on skill sharing and resource collaboration. Volunteers with experience in fixing, mending, or carpentry are encouraged to sign up, as well as individuals who are willing to assist with general event needs.
The partners include:
- Chisago County - Dodge County - Olmsted County - Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management - Stearns History Museum
Each partner will host a Fix-It Clinic approximately once a quarter, with the potential to increase in frequency. If you’re interested in sharing your skills or supporting these events in one or more of the regions listed, please fill out the volunteer interest form: https://forms.gle/XUf1tSjBD6onsVws9.
Additionally, youth under the age of 18 are welcome to participate with adult supervision. Adults can submit a form for any interested youth using a link at the end of the form.
This program is made possible through a Statewide Waste Reduction and Reuse grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
For more information, please contact Reuse Minnesota at fixit@reusemn.org.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Carolyn Wieland 612-314-6283 carolynwieland@reusemn.org reusemn.org
Reuse Minnesota is excited to share that we have been selected as the April 2025 Wedge Community Co-ops Change Matters Partner! This program offers patrons a chance to support local nonprofits by rounding up at the register. This funding with help support our programming and operations and we greatly appreciate this opportunity!
Our friends at Elpis Enterprises were also selected as the January partner.
Read more here.
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!
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
© 2025 Reuse Minnesota. All rights reserved. | Reuse Minnesota is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
