We’ve Got a Busy Few Months Ahead
The Reuse Bazaar
Have you ever spotted a piece of furniture on the side of the road in front of someone’s house with a big “FREE” sign taped to it? Probably. Have you ever stopped for it because it just so happened to be exactly what you were looking for, but you really didn’t want to spend the money on a brand-new one? Hopefully!
Maybe it was a little roughed up, but at the unbeatable price of free, how could you pass it up? So, you brought it home, gave it a good cleaning, and it turns out it was the perfect new addition to your space.
Now, imagine if all those household items across Sonoma and Marin counties that might otherwise end up on the side of the road were gathered in one place for the community to shop. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Reuse Bazaar.
This Saturday, September 26th, the annual Reuse Bazaar is back at the Sonoma Grace Pavilion! Volunteers will be accepting donations from 8–11 a.m., followed by free community shopping from 12–3 p.m. And when we say this event is big, we mean it! Last year, we recovered more than 34,000 pounds of items in just one day, thanks to 287 carloads of donations and 424 shoppers. You can see just how big the event is below. The entire space fills up with donated items for the community to browse and bring home for free. It’s a great way to find something new-to-you all while practicing reuse.
It’s Not Trash: Reclaiming and Transforming is Open at Petaluma Arts Center.
Created by Reuse Alliance’s community of artists, TexTILES brings together artists from diverse backgrounds, traditional and contemporary fiber arts techniques, and the shared commitment to reuse and repurposing materials. Each participant created their own work of art, handmade using textile waste such as fabric scraps, old upholstery, and clothing swap remnants. Some artists drew from techniques learned through skills-based workshops from the Reuse Hub, such as fabric scrap weaving and crochet, while others experimented the materials in unexpected ways, pushing the boundaries of what textile waste can become.
Every unique tile carries a story of its own. The materials, techniques, and processes hold histories that are expressed and told through the hands of each artist. Threaded together, these tiles rely on one another for connection and support, forming a mosaic tapestry that celebrates community alongside the beauty and possibilities of reuse.
Thank you to our incredible community of artists for your participation in this project:
Rhonda Goodman, Gisela Hermeling, Renate Kempf, Soli Martinez-Gonzalez, Nancy Rappinsky, Emily Robinson, Laina Torres, Joanne Wang, Veronika Waylonis, and Emily Wong.
Upcoming from Reuse Alliance
Repair Fairs
Saturday, October 10th, 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 am
-1:00 pm
Saturday, November 14th, 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Saturday, November 21st, 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, October 16th,
5:00 -7:00 pm
Repurpose Your Old Computer with Linux:
Saturday, October 17th,
3:00-5:00 pm
Workshop: Upcycled Sweater Mittens:
Sunday, October 18th,
1:00-3:00 pm
Trash Printmaking (Reuse Campaign Edition!):
Saturday, October 24th,
2:00 -4:00 pm
Soldering 101: Electrical Connections:
Sunday, October 25th,
1:00 -3:00 pm
Sculptural Crochet: Fabric Scrap Baskets:
Friday, November 6th,
5:00-7:00 pm
Community Events
Reuse Bazaar: Sign up here to volunteer.
Halloween Costume & Decor Swap:
Drop off your items at the Reuse Hub (Wed-Sun 12- 6 pm) from 9/14 - 10/3 or at Refill Mercantile (Wed-Mon 11 am- 6 pm) from 9/14 - 10/2. “Shop” the Swap on October 3rd from 1-5 pm at the Reuse Hub!
Reuse Hub Open House One-Year Party:
Join us for a one-year celebration on Wednesday, October 14, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm for some food, some fun, and a tour of The Hub to celebrate a year of reuse!
Help us sew 50 pairs of cozy upcycled mittens to donate to Sonoma County Acts of Kindness and keep unsheltered community members warm this winter. We’ll provide the pattern and materials. Kickoff begins October 11th.
More in the Bay Area
Watch this profile about Strange Exchange!
National Happenings
November 3rd: Reuse Alliance is hosting its 2026 Q4 Creative Reuse Center Roundtable
Fund your nonprofit project with this grant from The Pollination Project
October 19th or 22nd: Sign up for a free virtual training session to learn how you can use reuse as a solution to plastic overconsumption
Job Opportunities
Reuse Alliance: Event Coordinator — Petaluma, CA, with travel throughout Sonoma County
Revitaliste: Project Manager — SF Bay Area/Hybrid
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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