New Programs at the Reuse Centre!

Have you heard the exciting news?

The Reuse Centre is now offering group programs and birthday party programs. These offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about how to reduce everyday waste through reusing, upcycling, DIY ideas, scavenger hunts, and eco-challenges. Each program includes a complimentary Reuse Centre Shopping Experience where your group can pick up items for future crafting.

Photo Credit: City of Edmonton

What Group Programs are Available?

Group Programs are an excellent option for community groups such as daycares, Girl Guides or Scouts, sports associations, seniors’ groups, youth groups, schools, or any other interested social group. Programs must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance and are available year round.

We offer 1.5 hour or 2 hour program options, and each program can accommodate up to 30 individuals. You can choose from the following themes:

DIY Kids | 6 - 11 yrs
DIY Youth & Adult | 12 yrs and up
Green City Challenge | 6 yrs and up

Why not brush up your upcycling skills and book a program today? Also, stay tuned for more information as we will be offering a few pre-registered workshops in the Fall.

Photo credit: City of Edmonton

What Birthday Party Programs are Available?

Want to celebrate your child's birthday at the Reuse Centre? Birthday Party Programs are available for ages 6 - 14 years. Go on a reuse crafting adventure or put on your detective hat to solve a waste mystery.

Birthday Party Programs are 2.5 hours in length which includes a 1.5 hour program and a 1 hour room rental for cake and presents. You can choose from the following themes:

Crafty Kids | 6-14 yrs
Reuse Detectives | 6-14 yrs

Book now to celebrate your child's birthday with us!

Photo credit: City of Edmonton

Did You Know We Also Offer Boardroom Rentals?

Need a place to host your next meeting, workshop, or small social gathering? The Reuse Centre’s boardroom offers an affordable, flexible space, and amenities to meet your needs, with space for up to 30 people. Discounts are available for non-profit organizations.

Booking Information
For more information, or to book a program or rental, visit our website
CALL 780-944-7424
EMAIL reusecentrebookings@edmonton.ca

A Glimpse of Reuse at The Works Art & Design Festival

Photo Credit: Siao

It was another expressive and musing year at North America's largest, free outdoor art and design festival. This year, from June 23 - July 5th, there were 55 exhibits across 29 venues within downtown Edmonton and throughout the city for the The Works Art & Design Festival. Although there were many brilliant and vast performances, design and art pieces at the festival, I wanted to give a nod to the reusers.

Right in Churchill square, Canopy by José Luis Torres brought reprieve from the beaming sunshine. This temporary installation was made of recycled and biodegradable materials. It is reminiscent of a stroll in a forest and was a wonderfully interactive piece where many Edmontonians walked through and took a break on the benches underneath. You can see large pieces of the recycled material he used in this installation. This is his second year exhibiting in Edmonton. Last year, he featured Mutations at Latitude 53 Contemporary Visual Culture.

 

 

Photo Credit: Siao

My favorite part of these festivals are always the crafting sessions and there were several stations located in City Hall and Churchill Square.  Drawing from all the different art forms found at the festival, kids of all ages were able to use those inspirations to make their own pieces. I am always awed by their creations and curious to find the next José Luis Torres.

Photo Credit:Siao

In the midst of the festival, there were a lot of vendors on the food street and art market. One stall had a great collection of prints on dictionary pages. This could be a fun idea for your own project. Instead of dictionary pages, you could use old music sheets, encyclopedia pages, or telephone books.

Photo Credit: Siao

If you missed The Works Art & Design Festival, there are still many great art and craft events around Edmonton to check out:

• Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival - August 11-21, 2016
• Kaleido Family Art Festival - September 9-11, 2016

Siao (Volunteer)

Reuse Centre's Emerald Award Success

Last month, the Reuse Centre received an Emerald Award from the Alberta Emerald Foundation, in the category of Government Institution. Emerald Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding environmental achievements and excellence across all sectors in Alberta.

Since opening in 2007, the Reuse Centre has diverted thousands of tonnes of reusable items from landfill and provided affordable items for reuse for individuals and organizations. We continue to see significant growth in the amount of items donated for reuse. In 2015, City of Edmonton residents and organizations donated 243 tonnes of items. That's an average of 20 tonnes per month, or more than 1 ETS bus. Processing and sorting all of these donations is no small feat! Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers sort through and organize all of these donations.

Reuse Centre staff and volunteers are thrilled and honoured to be recognized by the Alberta Emerald Foundation for our positive environmental impact. We look forward to continuing to divert more and more waste from landfill through reusing.

Thank you to all of our customers who purchase and donate items, and to our volunteer partner groups. We wouldn’t be where we are now without your support!