Turning waste into gold
Ever wonder what industries do with all those extra parts they produce? Are you looking to start up an art project anytime soon but don’t know what materials to use? Are you on a tight budget and want to make your holiday gifts this year? If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, you should head to the Scrap Exchange in downtown Durham.
The Scrap Exchange is a Durham-based nonprofit with a mission to promote creativity, environmental awareness and community through reuse. They take “waste” that industries discard and give people the opportunity and ideas to turn it into treasure…at a very low cost. With each purchase, you can know you supported the reuse of objects that would have been otherwise shipped to the landfill. In Durham’s case, that landfill is in Lawrenceville, VA, 88.5 miles away.
In search for Halloween costume supplies, a friend and I visited the shop last week. Upon entering, we discovered a room full of blue barrels and shelves brimming with all kinds of objects. Novelty soon turned to inspiration, as the store had many displays and even a gallery that showed how one could use discarded objects to enhance the look of furniture, make stylish wall art, and craft unique gifts. They also have a studio where they hold classes on designing costumes and masks.
With the holidays coming up, there are movements to bring awareness to America’s consumerism (i.e. Buy Nothing Day). This year, I have made it a goal to make and buy reused/recycled gifts to keep the spirit of giving alive while reducing the amount of waste we produce.
If you are interested more in this topic, here are some websites you can visit.
- Wikihow.com - Lots of ideas and instructions on how to make great gifts.
- 101 Great Gifts to Make
Feel free to post any websites and ideas you have for making gifts this holiday season!
5th Annual Charity Game Night for The Scrap Exchange
I read your blog and saw that you are a fan of The Scrap Exchange. We are having a fundraising event this weekend and would love to have you attend or pass this notice along to your friends and family.
Thanks and sorry for the intrusion.
Kelley
Scrap Exchange Board President
5th Annual Charity Game Night for The Scrap Exchange
Mission - Promote creativity, environmental awareness and community through creative reuse of industrial discards.
Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 7pm-10pm
Location: The Scrap Exchange Store, 548 Foster Street, Durham, NC
-No-limit Texas Hold-em is the game of choice.
-Beginner and veteran poker players welcome.
-For every $20 donated to The Scrap Exchange, players will receive $200 in poker chips and a tax deductible receipt.
-No need to pre-register but reserve your space by emailing Kelley at kdennings@gmail.com
-The player at each table with the most chips at the break and end of the night will receive a prize.
-Drinks and snacks provided.
Current prizes include gift certificates from: Carolina Rollergirls, Barnes & Noble, JJill, Drag Bingo, Phydeaux Dog Supplies, Frankie's, Consolidated Theaters, Galaxy Theater, Red Lobster, Nice Price Books, Sarla licensed massage therapist and more added daily.
Can't attend - Make a donation here - http://www.scrapexchange.org/donate/financial.htm