If You Can't Repair, Reuse

Our house is significantly clutter-free. Every few months, my family looks around to see what we do not need or use any longer. We categorize these items into three groups: donations for  charities, the Reuse Centre or an Eco Station. 

Before making a decision on an item, we ask “can it be repaired, reused or recycled?” Phones, computers, CDs, light bulbs and cables are tricky items to know what to do with. Does this sound familiar? Do you feel the same way?

E-waste can be very harmful to the environment. It contaminates soil and groundwater supply and exposes us to hazardous chemicals. Technology is beyond an average consumer’s grasp to repair. Moreover, it is often cheaper to buy a new product than to repair a broken one.

While repair is complicated, there are still options to reuse these items. Here are a few ways to reuse that I think are worth sharing.

Let me start with old cell phones that you no longer want to use:

• Use your old cell phone as an alarm clock or convert it into your offline GPS for the car. 
• Turn it into a security camera and set it up as a doorbell with a camera. There are apps available to do such a setup.
• Use it as an emergency phone and keep it in a place where you might need to call an emergency line, say in your kitchen or bathroom.
• Give your old phone to children as a wifi-only device.

An old smartphone from 2013 running on the custom lightweight operating system.

Photo: Sunanda

Compact discs are another common unwanted/unused item in many households. Instead of throwing these away, you can reuse these for household décor items like lampshades, photo frames or a pen stand.

You can make similar décor items with old video or audio cassettes and floppy discs.

Photo: City of Edmonton Reuse Centre

Earlier this year, I went on a trip and forgot to pack my phone charger. I could avoid this problem if I had a backup charger packed in my travel bag. If you have a new phone or laptop charger, consider using the old chargers as backup chargers. Check to ensure that they are compatible with your new device. You can use backup chargers in your car, or in different rooms in the house.

Here are a few more ideas for reuse: 

• Reuse old and slow laptops with lighter Linux operating systems. 
• Use an old desktop hard disk for additional storage or network storage to share files within your home.
• Repurpose circuit boards into jewelry 

If you have electronic cables that you do not use any longer, you can donate them to the Reuse Centre (computer, phone and TV only). Or, you can drop these off at any City of Edmonton Eco Station. Some retail stores also accept cables, batteries and chargers. 

So next time, before you discard your electronics, give reuse a chance.

- Submission by Sunanda (Volunteer)

Reuse Centre: A Wedding Store

When I got married 10 years ago, I didn't have a huge budget. I made my own invitations, and my best friend helped me with the decor and planning. Yes, it was stressful (mostly for my friend, haha), but at the end of our day, we were so proud of what we were able to do with a limited budget. I think most people take pride in showcasing something they have made themselves. It is very fulfilling to be able to create a beautiful and personal thing for your special day.

For this post, I will share some wedding decor ideas, and create wedding items from materials at the Reuse Centre. You might ask, "What can I possibly get there that I can use for a wedding?" So, I'm going to show you a few easy projects you can do to not only save money (only $5 per 25 kg), but also help you reduce waste created from planning your special event.

1. Egg carton flowers and mini-cupcake/mini-donut holders

Paper flowers have slowly been taking the place of balloons, which is awesome since balloons end up in landfills. Instead of using card stock, you make roses out of the egg cartons.

It took me one carton to make five roses and other flowers

Hand-painted each rose with red acrylic paint.
 (I think they turned out eggcellent!)  

Painted with food safe acrylic paint

2. Empty containers for a candy buffet or favours

Instead of buying a box of jars for your candy buffet, check out the Reuse Centre for an amazing variety of tin cans, bottles, and jars. Start collecting empty containers from your own home. Take the labels off, wash thoroughly and voila, you have candy containers! Baby food jars are perfect for holding wedding favours such as mints, tea leaves, plant seeds, etc. 

Just a few empty containers from my kitchen

A bin of baby food jars at the Reuse Centre

3. Old picture frames are multi-functional

The Reuse Centre has a lot of  picture frames that you can use to show the seating chart for the guests, or to simply display pictures of the couple. Large-sized frames can become fun props for wedding pictures or photo booths. 

Perfect for a rustic feel

My models!
 

4. Broken crayons to wax seal invitations

There is an area at the Reuse Centre with all the school supplies to stock up on crayons, envelopes or stationary. But if you, your friends or family members have kids, chances are they have broken crayons lying around the house. For this project, all you need are crayons, a glue stick, a candle, and an old metal spoon. Melt a piece of the glue stick and crayon in a spoon and pour it onto your envelope. At this time, you can either stamp it with a personalized stamp or let cool.

  

You can also mix different crayons for a rainbow effect.

5. Tissue paper/gift wrap rolls can become napkin ring holders 

                

From these rolls (photo taken at The Reuse Centre)

To these cute napkin rings

There is not much to say here. Simply cut the rolls to the desired size and paint in the colours of your choice.

6. Books used as centerpieces

I saved the best for last. Honestly, this is something I wish I had thought of when I got married: using books as centerpieces.This idea is genius because I can't think of a more personal centerpiece than books specifically picked by the couple according to their tastes or motif. Not only that, but having books as centerpieces eliminates the need for wedding favours because the guests can bring home whichever book they want. There will be zero waste with this idea. I mean, what more can guests ask for? Food. Party. Books.

So, there you have it, just a few ideas for you! I'm sure once you enter the Reuse Centre and see all of the items in there, your mind will light up with other projects. Please comment with your own Reuse Centre ideas or creations.

Enjoy planning!

                                                                                        Photos and Submission by Mariz F (volunteer)

'Tis the season to reduce, reuse and save

It’s almost Christmas! Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I usually do mine online because I find more sales online compared to in stores. The downside of online shopping is the packaging waste it creates (packing peanuts, bubble wrap, boxes, etc.). Consolidating all items into a single package can reduce this waste, but only if the order is coming from one store, and often that only happens if a person makes a special request to combine items for shipping.

This year, I am replacing little knick-knacks that I usually order online with a couple of gift ideas that don’t create extra waste, require minimal crafting skills and cost less than $6. I would love for you to try them too! Of course, there are other wasteless options available within various budgets: gift cards, tickets to movies and other experiences. Check out the Wasteless Gift Guide post for more ideas.

1. Potted plants

These small plants are not only very cute, they are also low maintenance and air-purifying. Although they may not be as Christmassy as poinsettias (which don’t always last long), the pots can easily be decorated with ribbons or fabrics to make them look more festive. You can paint the pots, write a cute message, or make a Christmas terrarium.  Let your creativity work!

I got these succulents at Ikea for $4.99.

2. Secondhand books

Some people frown on the idea of regifting, but there are certain items that are perfect for enjoying then passing on, like books. Books are timeless and their contents never get old. Even if a book looks a little worn out on the outside, the inside will be brand new to a person who hasn’t read it yet! Plus, there are many secondhand books out there that look brand new. All that is required is some cute fabric wrap and you are set.

The Reuse Centre has many books to choose from. If you’re looking for another great option, the Edmonton Public Library has a Books2Buy event coming up on December 14 and 15 at the Enterprise Square location downtown. 

Books2Buy is a regular event where the library sells excess inventory of books, audiobooks, CDs and more at discounted prices. You can get kids’ books and paperbacks for just a dollar! See complete pricing at the Edmonton Public Library website. 

At a previous Books2Buy event, I was able to fill up this box with 27 fairly new books for $10. Amazing, right?

So there you go. Just a couple of affordable and sustainable gift ideas for you to try. Remember, it's the thought that counts! 

Finally,  because we all like to save money at this time of year I wanted to share about a free app called Flashfood. It helps you find local stores selling discounted items that are close to their expiry or best before dates. This food is safe to eat and tastes great. Hopefully more grocery stores will start using the app, as it reduces avoidable food waste and helps budget-conscious consumers find food at reduced prices. Definitely worth trying this season while planning for the celebrations with friends and families that will involve food! 

Well, that's it for now. Enjoy your holidays!

Photos and Submission by Mariz (Volunteer) 

Smash those pumpkins

Pumpkins ready to be smashed

Halloween is over, and so is the pumpkin season. What did you do with your Halloween pumpkins? Have you ever considered reusing them to have a smashing good time?

The City of Edmonton’s Compost ‘S Cool organized a free pumpkin smashing event on the afternoon of Saturday, November 2. People were invited to bring their Halloween pumpkins to smash and prepare for composting. Everyone had a great time and the event gets bigger every year. This year, 479 people smashed 518 pumpkins!

Composting is a natural process that breaks down organic kitchen and yard materials. Composting turns organic materials into a dark, earthy material called compost. Finished compost improves soil and helps make your plants, garden and lawn healthier. The pumpkins brought in by participants are put through the composting process and, after a few months, will be available as food for plants. During the event, volunteers helped  people make compost tea bags. The tea bags, made from coffee filters filled with a small amount of last year’s pumpkin compost and tied closed, can later be soaked in water and used to water plants.

Pumpkin compost being made into compost tea bags

The event was fun-filled, particularly for the young ones. To smash the pumpkins, participants could drop it from a set height, stomp on it to break it down into pieces, or  crush it with a long hammer. The most popular option for children, though - resulting in a long queue of eager participants - was attaching a pumpkin to a rope plant holder and swinging it into a tree or pillar. No matter the choice, every pumpkin smashing station was manned by Master Composter Recyclers to assist with the smashing and to ensure the safety of all.

Different and fun ways pumpkins were smashed

Volunteers then collected the smashed and broken pumpkin pieces into large heaps, mixed with leaves and straw, in preparation for composting.

Smashed pumpkins become compost

After all of this hard work, people warmed up with free hot chocolate provided by Compost S’ Cool.

If you are new to composting, you can learn more about the process and get useful tips and resources from Compost S’ Cool. They organize regular workshops and information sessions for members of the public. You can learn more here.

If you missed this year’s pumpkin smashing event, plan ahead for next year. If you have a soggy pumpkin or other food scraps to discard, find out if there is a Sharewaste compost site in your neighbourhood. Follow Compost ‘S Cool on Facebook to stay up to date with all of their upcoming events and workshops!

Photos and Submission by Sunanda (Volunteer)

Waste Reduction Week Canada (Oct 21-27)

Waste Reduction Week in Canada has again come and gone! 

For those that aren't familiar with this Canadian initiative, "Waste Reduction Week" (WRW) is an annual event to inform Canadians about the environment and social ramifications of wasteful practices. WRW was developed by a coalition of 13 recycling councils and sister organizations from across Canada and happens in the third week of October each year. WRW uses its “take action” messaging to empower all Canadians to adopt more environmentally-conscious choices and provides them with information and ideas to reduce waste in all facets of daily living. (https://recycle.ab.ca/wrw/)

This year Waste Reduction Week (WRW) tackled seven different subjects related to waste, with each day dedicated to one theme. 

In my opinion, WRW in Canada has done an excellent job in educating about the vast array of waste issues that are suffocating our planet these days. What I liked most about this week is how easy it was to share about the importance of waste reduction because the organization's website, useful information and infographics were so easy to access. What made it even more simple to share with others was the fact that it was an official Canada-wide initiative - which I feel super proud of my country for having - and made it so much easier to share with businesses and organizations, such as the private school I work at.

The topics highlighted are truly some of the most imperative and urgent waste issues. As WRW has dedicated each day to a topic, let's review all that was shared for each subject and learn about how we can reduce our waste!

1. Circular Economy. Developing a circular economy is so important because products are designed so that the resources used to make products can be reused and reinvested into new products over and over again.

Circular economy is different from recycling because during the initial stages of product design, purposeful reuse of the resources is planned into the system instead of finding a recycling solution afterwards. This mindfulness in the initial stages of production reduces inevitable waste at the end of that product lifespan and also avoids possible toxic or non-recyclable materials from ending up in landfills.

What can you do to support this? Check out these tips from WRW below:

• Engage in products/services that use smart design and recycled materials

• Prioritize access over ownership (e.g. consider borrowing or renting items that you don't need often)

• Extend the life of materials through swapping, repairing/refurbishing

• Support companies that offer take-back programs

• Purchase refurbished products

2. Textiles. Fast fashion is one of the leading waste contributors and one of the top polluters of our environment. Factories of fast fashion companies often do not have proper water-treatment systems, resulting in the harmful dyes and chemicals leaking into rivers and streams where water is collected for household use. Additionally, sweatshops are known to underpay their workers and disregard safety regulations, making working conditions dangerous. These are the key messages from WRW on what you can do:

• Practicing conscious consumption

• Learning about the environmental impacts of clothing production

• Repairing clothes before purchasing new

• Repurposing clothes into new outfits and accessories

• Extending the life of textiles through reuse: clothing swaps, shopping thrift, and donating clothes.

3. Champions & Innovators. This day celebrated communities, individuals, and organizations that are disrupting traditional business models to embrace waste reduction initiatives and making big gains in waste reduction.

Doesn't this sound just like... the Edmonton Reuse Centre?! Yes, yes it does! In this post, I'd like to commend the Reuse Centre for being a one-of-a-kind place in Edmonton Waste Services that promotes the ideas and benefits of reuse, provides affordable items to organizations and individuals, and thereby diverts waste from the landfill.

If you've never been or don't know anything about the Reuse Centre, they have a collection of a wide variety of materials, ranging from arts and crafts supplies, home decor, media, metals, needle craft supplies, office and school paper, plastics, wood, and various other items that are all sold by weight - meaning you can grab your goods for cheap!

Source: City of Edmonton 

4. Plastics and Packaging. It is well known that single-use plastics are one of the leading contributors to the world's waste problem, with our oceans and landfills drowning in it. We can all work towards reducing our plastic use and learn to dispose of items properly. Here are some key tips from WRW:

• Make simple changes in your everyday life to reduce your plastic footprint. Every action counts.

• Use circular economy principles in product design and business models to reduce plastic waste.

• Learn about how plastic affects marine environments and how you can take action.

• Learn how to reduce and reuse plastics in everyday life through WRW's online resources.

• Find resources and links to other plastics awareness campaigns.

5. Food Waste. It's inevitable that households will produce food waste, but how much is too much? It doesn't make any sense that there are approximately 800 million people starving around the world, when the total world food production is more than enough to feed everyone. Food waste often happens in North American kitchens when food and produce in the fridge goes rotten - and this is something that can be completely avoided! WRW sets out simple guidelines to reduce food waste and asks those that are committed to take a pledge. Here are the tips suggested by WRW:

• Learn about food waste in Canada.

• Take action to reduce your food waste by:

• Planning meals and making a grocery list.

• Storing fruits and vegetables properly so they last longer.

• Getting creative with leftovers.

• Understanding the difference between best before and expiry dates.

Click here to take the pledge!

6. Swap, Share & Repair. Swapping, sharing, or refurbishing extends product/material lifecycles and diverts them from disposal. On Saturday of Waste Reduction Week, Canadians were encouraged to think about the lifecycle of their materials and learn more about sustainable consumption, the sharing economy, and extending the life of materials through reuse.

Keep in mind that this can be done anytime and anywhere! The best way to reduce and reuse waste IS to give your products a new life by trading them elsewhere and, in turn, receiving something new! Edmonton's thrifting, trade, and consignment scene has been growing, with new events and initiatives happening every couple of weeks, so this is a great opportunity for people to get out there and do some swapping and sharing!


7. E-Waste. E-waste has definitely been the focus in the past two decades as technology has become an essential part of everyday life. Did you know that globally last year, the total amount of electronic waste reached 44.7 million tonnes and only approximately 20 per cent was recycled? Our electronics are made from materials like chlorinated solvents, brominated flame retardants, PVC, heavy metals, plastics, and gases that could poison the environment if not recycled properly.

Source: City of Edmonton

WRW says that a majority of households have old electronics kicking around. Since most Canadian municipalities do not offer curb side e-waste pickup, many residents rely on collection events for proper management of these items. Organizations, schools, and municipalities were encouraged to host an e-waste collection event for reuse and/or responsible recycling during Waste Reduction Week. 

In Edmonton, we currently have 4 Eco Stations where you can drop off your electronics for FREE! How great is that?! 

If you are a resident looking to drop off your electronics at a City of Edmonton Eco Station, make sure you take a look at the guidelines for other acceptable/unacceptable items.

I hope this movement inspires you to be your own champion in reducing waste and in finding more ways to reuse the things in your life!

Until next time!

Submission by Jessica (Volunteer)

Reuse Ideas for the Kitchen

September is the perfect month for establishing new routines and getting into a groove after the chaos of summer. For me personally, September was also about adjusting to a new home after a big move.

Food, as always, is a big theme in this reorganization period. So, I thought I’d share my favourite ways (as well as some aspirational ways) to reuse everyday items. Ever-present yogurt containers and glass jars aren’t just for leftover lasagna, they can be used proactively to reduce waste!

I love to drink smoothies in the morning and I recently discovered Earth’s General Store on the eastern end of Whyte Ave. Earth’s General Store  encourages customers to use reusable containers for bulk products like nuts and seeds in a similar way to Bulk Barn (my true love). They also carry bulk products like frozen fruit, peanut butter and pierogies. Pierogies are, arguably, unrelated to smoothies, but they’re also my favourite ‘easy meal’ to keep in the freezer. Old ice cream pails or margarine tubs work perfectly for easy-stacking freezer grabs and I am so so excited to be free from the single-use packaging for these staples!

Truth bomb here: I spend way too much time (and probably money) at La Boule. All my time there sipping teas and munching on croissants has made me realize how often I buy bagged bread from the grocery store when I could be pursuing better crafted loaves sans plastic packaging. So here’s the dreamy bit—I’m going to make my own fabric bread bag. Sewing has never been my forte, but I think I’m up for the challenge.  Whether from my own home or from the Reuse Centre, giving old fabrics a new life not only keeps them out of the landfill, it also means that I won’t be wasting plastic bags for my bread on an almost-weekly basis. It might even allow me to visit new bakeries all around the city to find bread for my bread bag!

Last but not least: I’ve grown extremely affectionate about Veg in YEG. For those who have not heard of it, this is an urban farming group near the University of Alberta. They’re great for a couple of reasons: firstly, I can bring my organics and compostables and use their composting facility (thank you!); secondly, they sell incredible produce without the use of wasteful packaging that can be picked up or delivered to nearby areas. They operate on a pay-what-you-want structure which is such an important thing to have so near to the University (and in general). My favourite experience is Nicole showing up to my door with a reusable container full of luscious greens that I simply transfer to my own glass jar for storage. My greens stay fresh for longer and we forgo any wasteful packaging.  Win, win!

My more recent deliveries have included garlic, onions, tomatoes, kale, beets, sage, oregano, thyme and a special blend of herbs for making tea.

Nicole also let me take a sweet rainy-day photo of her--what an actual angel.

Cheers! And happy harvest season.

Photos & Submission by Jess B (Volunteer)

2019 Waste Reduction Hero

In early September, we had the opportunity to present this year’s Waste Reduction Hero Award at the Edmonton in Bloom awards ceremony. This was a special opportunity for us as we awarded one of our long-time volunteers.

Charlotte started volunteering at the Reuse Centre in November 2011. For eight years, Charlotte has sorted through materials donated to the Reuse Centre with a smile on her face or a story of joy to share with fellow volunteers, staff and customers. Charlotte began her volunteer work at the Reuse Centre through a partnership with Goodwill Industries of Alberta and later graduated from their program. She continues to volunteer independently and remains committed to her role as a citizen supporting sustainability within our community.

Charlotte is a great leader and mentor to her fellow volunteers. She takes personal ownership of contributing to the mission of the Reuse Centre each shift as she arrives with items to donate, whether it be gift bags, beautiful stationery, old calendars or jigsaw puzzles. Charlotte and her fellow volunteers have sorted more than 2 tonnes of items since the start of 2019. 

Over the last 8 years, Charlotte has volunteered close to 3,500 hours. She has made many friends over the years and customers and staff greatly appreciate her presence and strong work ethic.

We are grateful to all of our volunteers and the work that they help us do here at the Reuse Centre and in the community.

Interested in volunteering at the Reuse Centre? Check out our website to view current opportunities.

Vanessa (staff) 

Reuse these and help the Bees

Happy belated ‘Don’t step on a Bee Day’

July 10 was International Don’t Step On A Bee Day. If you are like me, then this special day may have caught you by surprise, but do not dismay. Every day is a good day to celebrate these important insects and an equally as good day to practice reuse. So, why not do both today! Turn on some tunes by the Bee Gees or Sting, and hum along as you consider how you can reuse items in celebration of these essential pollinators.

Reuse Centre bee crafts.  Photo: Andrea

Reuse paper from around your home.

Use our blogger Ellen's tutorial for making paper, but add some bee-friendly wildflower seeds. Throughout the rest of the year you will create a buzz among your friends and family when you give gifts or share notes made from your finished product. These notes and tags are also the gift of a garden once planted. 🌷🌹🌻

A big ol' bag of shredded office paper.   Photo: Ellen Hanna

Save milk cartons, tin cans, and cardboard from your recycling.

Reuse these items to build a bee hotel that provides a much-needed rest for these buzzy critters and a home for their eggs through the winter. Or, watch this how-to video for a slightly more complex version requiring additional tools and pieces of wood. 

Don’t waste sticks, pine cones and fallen pieces of bark from parks and sidewalks in your area.

Go for a walk around your neighbourhood to observe the mighty bee in action while you collect items from nature for reuse in a bee hotel made from your gathered materials. For inspiration look at these beautiful creations. 

Odds and ends such as string, yarn, shoeboxes, paper scraps, paper towel rolls and artificial flowers still have use. 

Challenge yourself to avoid buying all new materials when getting creative with or building activities for kiddos. Rather, you can visit the Reuse Centre to find items you need for doing these Bee & Pollinator Activities created by the Edmonton Area Land Trust.

Lastly, reward yourself for a reuse project well done with a drizzle of honey in a cup of tea or on a piece of warm, buttery toast!  Until next time, swarm wishes!😉

Submission by Andrea (staff)

'Recipes' to Reuse Packaging - Part 2

World Environment Day on June 5th served as an important reminder of just how precious our resources are and an abundance of those resources are used to produce the various packages we encounter everyday.  If you missed the opportunity to participate that day, then there is no better time than to start making reuse a daily practice! Whether or not you habitually reuse containers for their original purpose by refilling or not, these ‘recipes’ provide practical and delicious ways to reuse packages for a new purpose. The following items that you may habitually discard can be reused by getting creative.

A cereal box

Has new purpose as a solar oven with benefits for the whole family: it allows you to meet one of the UN Commitments for Environment Day by reducing our energy usage, keeps kiddos busy once school is out and saves everyone from missing out on glorious S’MORES in the unfortunate case of a fire ban during your summer camping adventures.

Created with Canva

Or check out these instructions to create a more durable camping solar oven.

An empty bag of birdseed or compost

Is now a garden apron that keeps the muddy work around your yard from making a mess of your clothes! Yard work is also safer with the help of a grocery bag hat to keep the heat of the sun off! You can read more about the challenge of dealing with plastic bags throughout Canada.

Apron and hat created by a Reuse Centre customer

A stash of candy wrappers

Can become purposeful again and add style when rolled into beads for DIY jewellery. Don’t want to try this project on your own? No worries, you can book a program or birthday party with us and our staff will help!

A laundry soap container

Has new use as a sitting or hanging plant pot that offers exceptionally easy watering! Create your whimsical and practical pots with this video.

Video sourced from YouTube

Though this compilation of common packaging and reuse ideas is far from exhaustive, it will hopefully inspire more reuse in your life! Some people struggle with the idea of crafting due to the perception (a reality at times) that crafts result in excess waste. But, I strive to find fun and function from my crafting efforts that will creatively reuse commonly wasted items. Continued success to all of you also striving to find creative re-useful crafts. Please share what household containers and packaging you struggle to reuse or what is your favourite way to reuse containers and packaging? Add your thoughts to the comments section below.

All photos and submission by Andrea (staff)