Was your New Year’s Resolution to rethink your consumption and reuse more in 2020? Are you looking for accessible and affordable community resources? Here are 5 ways (out of many more) to reuse in Portland:
Image via NEPTL
Borrow a Tool
Tool libraries are just like traditional libraries, but with tools instead of books. The Northeast Portland Tool Library lends out home-repair and gardening tools, free of charge, to Northeast residents and community groups. If you don’t live in NE Portland, there are three others around town - Green Lents, Southeast, and North Portland. Instead of purchasing a brand new tool you may only need to use once, check out the resources that our local tool libraries have to offer.
Image via SCRAP
Get Crafty at SCRAP
Just as the ReBuilding Center reclaims building materials, SCRAP reclaims crafting and art supplies. SCRAP is located on SW Alder Street and is a great resource for reclaimed fabric, scrap booking materials, office supplies, plastic, yarn, and more! If you’re a teacher, you can get a 10% discount on all school supplies every Sunday. And if you’re not a teacher, their materials are always priced at a 60-75% discount. (Fun fact: SCRAP used to occupy a part of the building we have now!)
Image via Free Geek
Plug In with Free Geek
Free Geek’s mission is to sustainably reuse technology, enable digital access, and provide education to create a community that empowers people to realize their potential. Free Geeks sells a wide variety of electronics, including smartphones, tablets, e-readers, video systems, and much more. Located on SE 10th Avenue, they’re also a participant of the Oregon E-Cycles program.
Reuse through Repair
Repair PDX hosts Repair Cafes all over the Portland Metro Area with experts on hand to fix items and to teach you how to fix your own items. Repair Cafes are free and staffed by dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers. Next time you have an item that needs a quick fix, instead of ditching it, check out a Repair Cafe. The ReBuilding Center typically hosts at least one Repair Cafe each year!
Image via St Johns Swap & Play
Swap and Play
St. Johns Swap & Play is a neighborhood indoor play space where families connect, swap, and share resources. There is a shared play space and swapping rooms where books, toys, clothes, and more can be shared. Memberships are available for as low as $15, with work-trade and scholarships available. Some other neighborhood co-ops in the Portland are Eastside Swap & Play, Southside Swap and Play, Woodlawn Swap ‘N’ Play, and Harrison Hill Swap N Play.