The Reuse Hub
By Phoebe Schenker
It’s Friday, and the Reuse Hub is buzzing. In the textiles corner, prep is underway for the evening’s mending workshop. Ten students will be arriving to learn patching and seam repair basics and the textile coordinator is laying out fabric scraps and donated embroidery floss in a rainbow of colors.
A visitor at the info desk is getting resources for where to donate various things they’re cleaning out of the garage. Some of the tools they can donate to the hub where volunteers will clean, sort, and package them for resale or use in our programs.
Outside, a mother and her two kids on their way to Old Navy are intently studying a display in the window about Back to School Reuse Resources in the area. The engaging exhibit shows how to save money buying second hand, where to donate last year’s now too small items, and some fun repurposing craft projects for the last days of summer.
June’s featured reuse business owner is here to restock their inventory of potholders made from denim scraps. Or reclaimed wood stools. Or can’t someone figure out what to make out of all those binders?
In the general repair area, a few volunteer Repair Coaches are prepping and packing materials for tomorrow’s Repair Fair while swapping stories of their most recent fixes. “Did you hear, the woman with the broken projector was able to source and install the broken ribbon cable and now it’s fixed!” “Great! I heard we did a record five toaster ovens at a single fair last weekend!”
Welcome to The Reuse Hub, a central place for reuse in the north bay. We are excited to announce that we have found a location at the Petaluma Outlets and, with your help, we will be making the above vision a reality! Want to know how you can help? There are so many ways!
First, we’re launching a fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $75,000 to outfit and staff the space. You can donate here and become a permanent part of the hub - or get a ticket to our opening party! Or reach out to info@reusealliance.org about larger naming opportunities and in kind donations.
Second, we want your input! What would you like to see at the Reuse Hub? You can fill out this survey and help us make sure the space reflects the community's needs!
Third, you can volunteer! We will be scheduling some volunteer work days to help get the space, cleaned up, furnished, and stocked! Sign up to volunteer here.
Phoebe Schenker is a recovering architect and the Executive Director of Reuse Alliance.
Upcoming Events
July 27 : Point Reyes Repair Fair + Clothing + Book Swaps
We will be hosting a Repair Fair and Clothing + Book Swaps at the West Marin School on July 27th. Find more details and register your item for repair at the link below. And as always we need general volunteers and volunteers for the clothing swap in addition to Repair Coaches! If you’d like to get involved email volunteer@reusealliance.org or sign up here !
August 3 : Clothing Swap + Mending Bar at the ICAsf
The Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco is hosting a fun-filled community day on Saturday August 3rd. We will be hosting a Mending Bar and there will be a clothes swap and other fun activities. Plus visit the exhibition Midnight March by Masako Miki. See all the details at the link below.
August 16 : Marin City Repair Fair + Clothing Swap
We will be hosting a Repair Fair and Clothing Swap at The Lab maker space in Marin City. This event will include a Clothing Swap and other activities. Details to register below or as always, if you’d like to get involved email volunteer@reusealliance.org or sign up here !
Opportunities
July 19 at 8pm : Reuse Alliance will be presenting at Safari West as part of their Conservation Dinner series.
Aug 3 - 5 : The CRRA Annual Conference is happening in Monterey, CA.
Aug 4 - 6 : The Build Reuse Annual Conference is happening in St. Paul, MN.
Reuse Hub Preview Party
Join us August 13 from 5:30 - 7:30pm at Brooks Note Winery in Petaluma
Come learn more about the new Reuse Hub and support this exciting new project.
Can’t make this event? Stay tuned for another preview party coming to Novato later in August.
Reuse in the News
Reused EV batteries are powering this AI data center (this is reuse not recycling and we need more of it).
This PBS report barely scratches the surface of what’s behind the thrifting boom, but it’s a start.
Reuse to Amuse
If you like unboxing videos (and repairable tech) check out the Framework 12 laptop.
Building Reuse + Sharing and Reuse Center = :)
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