Athens Services - Reuse Donation - Clothes Materials - Don't Trash It. Donate it. - Residential Services

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Reuse:
Repair, Repurpose, Donate

Choose Reuse First! Some materials such as furniture, clothing, homewares, and electronics are not included in most conventional recycling programs. However, many times these items are still usable and their embedded value could be extended. Below are some great reuse options that could help save you money, conserve natural resources, and reduce your waste.

REPAIR

Instead of buying new, support local businesses that repair and refurbish broken items. There also exist many options for learning how to repair items yourself, from online tutorials to local classes and workshops.

Search for local repair shops & cobblers (shoe repair).
Attend a local Fix-It Clinic or a Repair Cafe event.
Dive into IFIXIT and their free online repair guides.
Improve your sewing. Find local classes or join Seamwork (an online sewing community).
Watch YouTube tutorials on repairing items.
Join your local TimeBank. (A Time Bank is a reciprocity-based work trading system in which hours are the currency. With time banking, a person with one skill set can bank and trade hours of work for equal hours of work in another skill set instead of paying or being paid for services.)

REPURPOSE & UPCYCLE

Upcycling is the process of modifying would-be-wasted materials into new items; giving them a second life that is perceived as having a greater value.

Research DIY ideas on YouTube.
Turn old old t-shirts into cleaning rags.
Checkout Upcycle That for upcycling ideas and inspiration.
Sign up for upcycling classes on Skill Share.
Research local art reuse workshops (like mosaic classes).

JOIN THE SHARE COMMUNITY

No need to buy new; join the Share Community network. Research these ideas on how to giveaway, request, or swap items for free.

Join or start your local Buy Nothing Project.
Participate in Freecycle.
Post online. (Use Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or OfferUp.
Lookup local “Buy, Sell, Swap” groups on Facebook.
Share books.
- Little Free Library. (Find or create a free book share location.)
- BookMooch
Find local lending libraries and free stores.
Host or attend Clothing Swaps. (Swap clothing or housewares. Create your own exchange among friends or find a swap near you.)

DONATE

One person’s trash is another’s treasure. If an unwanted item is clean and in good working condition, consider donation. By doing so, you are avoiding landfill waste, protecting precious resources, and maybe helping someone in need. Contact the following recommendations to confirm acceptability prior to donating.

Animal shelters. (They may accept blankets, pillows, and rags.)
Missions and shelters. (They usually take clothing and some homewares.)
Libraries. (May accept books, DVDs, and CDs.)
- Friends of the Library – Ventura County
Schools & day care centers. (May accept items for arts and crafts.)
Thrift stores.

BUY OR SELL SECONDHAND

Save money and protect the environment by shopping “new to you” or selling your used items. This is a great way to acquire new appliances, clothing, furniture, electronics, housewares, and more.

Visit Habitat for Humanity Restores.
Frequent consignment shops and thrift stores.
Use online retail sites that focus on fashion resale and reused and repaired items.
Host and attend yard sales.
Get crafty. Check out these organizations that provide upcycled materials depots and art reuse opportunities, including workshops/classes, school art and STEM/STEAM programs, teacher training, family craft days, and/or Makerspaces.
- Trash for Teaching, Powered by TwoBit. (Los Angeles)
- ReDiscover Center. (Culver City)
- Remainders. (Pasadena)
- Art From Scrap Creative ReUse Store. (Santa Barbara)
- CReATE STUDIO. (Westlake Village)

All recommendations are suggestions only, and not endorsed by Athens Services.

Please use your best judgment when engaging with these organizations, groups, or businesses.