Every year 32 million pounds of usable items are thrown away in Hennepin County. Residents can choose to reuse and reduce the volume of waste thrown away by supporting businesses and organizations in our community that provide opportunities to rent, repair, resell, consign, trade, sell bulk and exchange used goods. Residents can save money, help reduce waste and support the local economy by thinking about reuse when shopping.
Helping the environment has never been so much fun! To encourage more reuse, Hennepin County hosts the sixth annual Choose To Reuse program. This year’s program includes:
“Save Cash, Save the Planet! Get Great Stuff” Choose To Reuse Month Coupon Books – The county has partnered with 80 local retail partners with 124 locations including Brides of France, Cash N Pawn, Dave’s Sport Shop, Down in the Valley, Ketter Canoeing, Lanes True Value, Magers and Quinn Booksellers, Northwestern Costume, Plato’s Closet, PPL Shop, Second Debut, Silver Angel Thrift Store and the Reuse Center. Customers may pick up a “Choose To Reuse” coupon book at participating locations or download a copy at www.hennepin.us, search “Choose To Reuse Month.”
Scrap Art – The County is hosting a “trash to treasure” art activity for children at five Hennepin County Libraries, showing elementary school children how to apply their imagination and creativity in reusing scrap material that would otherwise be thrown away. Visit www.hennepin.us, and search “Choose To Reuse Month” for locations and times.
Hennepin County offers the following tips to make the most of shopping used first:
• Keep a list of the items you are looking for – as you would a grocery list – adding items as you think of them. Need a skirt to match a blouse you just bought? Broke a serving plate while doing the dishes? Looking for a CD or video? Add these items to your list.
• Know the retail price of items you are looking for to appreciate how much money you will save by shopping used first.
• Shop thrift and used goods stores when you have time to browse. Take your time looking – if you are in a rush, you can easily overlook the “find” of the day.
• Don’t forget about renting, refilling or repairing items. Renting is a great choice if you only need to use something once in a while, like tools or costumes. Refilling
options are available for bulk foods and cleaners. Check out a repair shop before tossing out an item and buying new.
• Shop frequently and visit a variety of stores. Inventory is constantly changing, and each store is unique. Make a day out of reuse shopping. Many reuse retailers are located near one another.
• Check all items carefully, and know the store’s return policy.
• Get to know store staff, ask about specials, and sign up for the shop’s mailing list to receive sale notices.
For more info visit www.hennepin.us, search “Choose To Reuse Month” or call 612-348-3777.