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Choose to Reuse Week — October 14–21, 2006

Thirty-two million pounds of usable clothing and household goods—the equivalent of 486,000 full shopping carts, lined up would stretch from Minneapolis to Milwaukee—are thrown away each year in Hennepin County despite the numerous reuse opportunities provided by repair, second-hand and consignment businesses, or by donations to charitable organizations.

Choose To Reuse

In an effort to encourage more reuse, Hennepin County will host the fifth annual Choose to Reuse Week. This year's program includes:

  • Shop used first! Choose to Reuse Discounts—The county has partnered with over 30 businesses and organizations (including Arc's Value Village, Bridging, Goodwill Stores, Society of St Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores, Turn Style Consignment, Nu Look Consignment, Once Upon A Child (St Louis Park), The Reuse Center, and many more) to offer special discounts.
  • Thrift Crawl—Modeled after an art crawl, residents will get a map to participating thrift and consignment shops in the county. Visit three or more stores and be entered in to drawing for a $250 gift certificate for a used bike at One on One Bicycle Studio and additional gift certificates from participating thrift shops.
  • Scrap Art—Hosting a "trash to treasure" art activity for children at Hennepin County Libraries, showing elementary school-age children how to apply their imagination and creativity in reusing scrap material that would otherwise be thrown away.

Residents can help reduce waste, contribute to improving the community and potentially save money by following these reuse ideas:

  • Donate what you no longer need—Donating useable clothing and household goods to charitable organizations is a great way to help your community. Some organizations provide the materials directly to people in need; others sell the items to fund their organization's charitable mission.
  • Avoid disposables—Sure they can be more convenient, but they cost more and generate a lot of waste.
  • Buy well, buy once—Well-designed and constructed products will last longer, and usually save you money, even if they cost more initially.
  • Do your homework—Research before you buy and avoid impulse purchases.
  • Share your stuff—Sharing with and borrowing from neighbors and friends, when accompanied by a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities involved, can save money and build relationships in your community.

For more information on Choose to Reuse Week, visit Hennepin County Environmental Services web site at www.hennepin.us key word search "Choose to Reuse" or call 612-348-3777.