Celebrating Reuse One Day at a Time
Although now more often associated with mattress sales, the original Labor Day celebration in the United States was held in 1882. It was both a celebration of labor and laborers and a call for better working conditions and pay. In honor of that history, this month’s issue of Reuse News highlights some of the labor that goes into reuse. Take a little time this Labor Day to appreciate the value of that work, and how it helps make our world a better place. Know someone who works in reuse? Send their story our way, and we’d love to profile them in a future newsletter.
Take a little time this Labor Day to appreciate the value of that work, and how it helps make our world a better place. Many good things come from real people who took time and effort to care for their craft, and that is something to celebrate. So even if Labor Day is just a day with great sales or a three-day weekend for you, don’t forget that it’s also about the people who make reuse possible.
Refill Store Owners
Not only are these small business owners contributing to the vibrancy of the local economy, but they are often educating the public about plastics, chemicals, policy, and more.
Photo: Rob Mirante, co-owner of Refill Mercantile
Thrift Store Sorters
What happens when you donate to a thrift store? Every item has to be sorted, evaluated, priced, and put out for sale. These unsung heroes see everything from the amusing to the downright dangerous come through the donation side of your local thrift store.
Photo: Rohnert Park Flipside Thrift worker
Repair Shop Technicians
With the rise of technology, e-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams, with Californians alone throwing out an estimated 1.5 tons a minute. Yet there are skilled technicians working everywhere to keep your tech operational in the face of every obstacle manufacturers can put in their way.
Photo: Jon, owner of Sagebrush Repair
Repurpose Crafts People
From small Etsy shops to large companies, the reimagining of reclaimed materials combines creativity, skill, and business acumen. Every product made from reclaimed wood, patchworked denim, or old binders (can someone invent something, please?) keeps precious resources in circulation through ingenuity and effort.
Photo: Elliot Breeden, maker of Beanie Baby coin purses
Upcoming from Reuse Alliance
Repair Fairs
Saturday, September 12th, 1:00-4:00 pm
Saturday, September 19th, 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Saturday, October 10th, 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 am
-1:00 pm
Click here to sign up to volunteer or pre-register* an item at an event.
*Pre-registering your item lets us know how to prepare for your item; it does not guarantee a spot in line, as we take items on a first come first serve basis.
Workshops
Friday, August 28th, 5:00-7:00 pm
Soldering 101 — Electrical Connections:
Sunday, August 30th, 1
:00 -3:00 pm
Basics of Mending and Patching by Hand:
Saturday, September 5th,
1:00 -3:00 pm
Reverse Applique with T-Shirts:
Sunday, September 13th,
12:30-3:00 pm
Bookbinding 101: Hardbound Book:
September 19th, 1:00-5:00 pm &
September 20th,
1:00-3:00 pm
Soldering 101: Electrical Connections:
Sunday, September 27th,
1:00 -3:00 pm
Community Events
texTILES: Be a part of our community art installation:
Submissions due Friday, August 28, 2026
If you’ve volunteered or taken a workshop with us, you’re invited to make a piece for our upcoming installation at the Petaluma Arts Center. Click here to learn more.
Saturday, September 26, 2026. 8:00 am-3:00 pm at the Grace Pavilion at Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
More in the Bay Area
Listen to the KALW segment about the Revolutionary Act of Repair.
August 27: Sustainable art exhibition presented at SRJC Petaluma.
September 17th: Fashion show exploring textile repair, community connection, and more.
National Happenings
Find out more about the upcoming Reuse Awareness Campaign and how you can spread the word here.
Urge your member of Congress to support the Truth in Labeling Act
September 14th: Explore the benefits of circular supply chains. Pre-register here.
November 18 & 19: Annual Deconstruction & Reuse Conference (early-bird pricing ends August 31st)
September 29th: Free Webinar: Used textiles in the global circular economy
Job Opportunities
Reuse Alliance: Event Coordinator— Petaluma, CA, with travel throughout Sonoma County
Did you know you can become a member of the Reuse Hub? Support our work, access benefits, and be a part of the reuse revolution. Details here.
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