Stardust Building Supplies, a nonprofit building materials reuse center and deconstruction operation in Phoenix, Arizona, encourages reuse and repurposing through innovation, education and community partnerships; and envisions a sustainable community where all usable materials are repurposed or reused. Proceeds generated by Stardust Building Supplies stores are used to support the organization’s deconstruction activities (Stardust Deconstruction), as well as other local nonprofits including Angels On Call, Computers For Kids, and Gifts In Kind. Over the past 17 years, Stardust has increased its focus on diverting usable building materials from local landfills while providing a resource for low income homeowners who are interested in remodeling their homes. Stardust operates retail warehouse stores selling building supplies donated by manufacturers, distributors, contractors and individuals. This process diverts reusable building materials from local landfills making new and nearly-new materials available within their community at 50-80% off retail prices. Since inception, Stardust has diverted over 2 million pounds of usable material from the waste stream each year. Click here for more info.
If you're in need reusables for back-to-school or anytime of the year, then we have win-win situation for you! Reuse Alliance now an affiliate of ReuseIt.com. By purchasing high-quality, reusables at ReuseIt.com, you can support the work of Reuse Alliance. By using our affiliate link below when purchasing, they will donate a portion of the profits to Reuse Alliance. Click here to find reusables for every part of your life..
Do You Support 1%?
If your organization has a contribution plan through 1% for the Planet, then you can donate to Reuse Alliance through them. Search for our profile at: http://bit.ly/1percent-RA
Welcome to the homepage of Reuse Alliance New York!
Our chapters are led by reuse sector professional who lend their time & expertise to RA. To find out how you can get involved in NY’s reuse sector, please contact your State Chapter Coordinator: Harriet Taub (harriet at reusealliance dot org)
GET INVOLVED! Please let the Chapter Coordinator know which committee(s) or specific tasks listed below interest you most, as well as your available level of commitment/skills:
Suggested Committees & Sub-Committees
Chapter Steering Committee (also includes all sub-committee chairs and region leaders)
Help plan chapter initiatives
Assist with fundraising/sponsorship
Report on who can offer ideas of grant opportunities or make introductions
Attend chapter-sponsored events or programs in your region
Identify opportunities for including reuse in environmental education and programs
Draft/review reuse language/content for program development
Oversee sub-committees
Assist with program & partnership development
Public Policy & Advocacy Sub-Committee
Identify current roadblocks and opportunities
Identify grant opportunities for policy work
Provide updates on draft/pending legislation & opportunities for comments
Liaise with politicians / legislators in your region on behalf of the chapter
Draft policy language for potential policy and regulations
Work on existing reuse sector research project
Member Services Sub-Committee
Assist with the planning of local/regional/state reuse summits & events
Assist with the development of our online resources & best practices documents
Assist with the development of our Reuse Sector Data Collection Standard project
Research business models for subsectors of reuse – building materials reuse and deconstruction, creative reuse, thrift stores, etc. (e.g. review grading systems for lumber / work with orgs like USGBC, BMRA, etc.)
Weigh in on the design/redesign of transfer stations to include reuse
Research/establish partnerships with storage & logistics firms on behalf of the sector
Assist with development Reuse Portal/Directories
R&D Services, Case Studies Development
Identify successful business models / case studies
Draft/review case studies
Seek funding opportunities for all member services
Marketing & Outreach Sub-Committee
Research programs, courses, workshops, apprenticeships, volunteer/intern opportunities that teach various aspects of reuse & repair skills to augment member database
Identify ways to partner with and promote these programs to potential students, continuing education adults, transitional programs, DIY movement
Assist with research and inviting reuse stakeholders to join the chapter
Chapter promotion
Assist with development of media contact list
Media outreach for chapter launch, exchange launch, events
Member outreach
Seek out other state/local environmental conferences (Recycling, Environmental Education, Green Building, etc) where RA or its members could present/host booth
NY C&D Material Trader Sub-Committee (Reuse Alliance New York is launching an online exchange focused on reusable building materials)
Review and offer feedback on exchange functionality and content
Assist with outreach for launch of exchange – builders/contractors, designers, non-profits/reuse centers, C&D task force, media
Identify potential sponsors for the site (funds would help with site administration, marketing and annual software subscription/hosting service)
Identify volunteers to assist with site management
Region Leaders
Be able to host an onsite meeting of area members (or locate one)
Be willing to attend and/or co-coordinate or start a local Green Drinks
Perform some member & media outreach in your area
Utilize one or more social media sites (Twitter, Linked in, and Facebook) to spread the word
Suggested Regions:
Capital region: open
NYC metro area: Harriet Taub (harriet at reusealliance dot org)
Hudson Valley: open
Finger Lakes: open
Long Island: Eric Martin (eric at reusealliance dot org)
Additional ideas or questions? Contact: Harriet Taub (harriet at reusealliance dot org)
Other Services:
New York Biomass Trader
NY Biomass Trader (a service of Reuse Alliance), is a virtual marketplace that helps New York State reuse and recycle biomass-related materials, products, and services by selling or trading the materials with others. NY Biomass Trader turns disposal costs into profit, diverts organic waste from the landfill, and provides an opportunity for you to build working relationships with your neighbors.
The following are some biomass materials that can be exchanged through NY Biomass Trader:
Food scraps from restaurants
Landscaping waste
Residue from food and wood processing
Farming waste
Biomass-derived products that can be exchanged include:
Soil amendments (compost, mulch)
Liquid fuels (biodiesel)
Solid fuels (biochar, wood pellets)
Services that can be posted are:
Bio-digester equipment sales
Carters
Waste prevention consultation
Feel free to visit the website, and learn how and why to use the online exchange by viewing: NY Biomass Trader 101.
