Free Geek 1731 SE 10th Ave
This was our first stop on our 2nd field trip. I really enjoyed touring this place. They are doing amazing things on keeping e-waste (electronic waste) out of our landfills or even worse in third world countries. Starting January 1, 2010 disposal of computers, tv's and monitors will be prohibited in Oregon. Free Geek is a drop off site for the Oregon E-Cycles program but also so much more. Free Geeks mission is to reuse, recycle and educate the public on computers. One way they accomplish their mission is with two programs. The first one gives people a free computer with monitor after volunteering 24hrs of service. These are great refurbish computers. 2nd program teaches people how to build their own computer. If you don't want to volunteer to get a computer they have a store you can purchase from. I dropped off a few computer parts that we no longer needed. They will either use the parts to refurnish a computer for someone or break down the parts into individual pieces and recycle it safely.
Community Warehouse 3969 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Community Warehouse collects and redistributes donated furniture and household goods to families in need with no charge to them. The warehouse is open to the public to donate but they go through agencies to distribute the items. One of the main agencies they work with is the Department of Human Services (DHS). One great way individuals, groups or offices can do to help this nonprofit is to hold collection drives. Items most often in demand are blankets, towels, twin mattresses and kitchen items. Community Warehouse can pick-up the items but currently only go out to 185th in Hillsboro. Next time you do a little spring cleaning or have a garage sale take a look at the items and drop them off at Community Warehouse instead of Goodwill. Nothing against Goodwill but the families that the Community Warehouse serves Goodwill isn't even an option.
SCRAP 2915 NE MLK Jr. Blvd
Now this place is a creative persons dream. SCRAP (School and Community Reuse Action Program) started with a couple of teachers collecting end of the year art supplies to pass along. Now they host their own art classes, no-school day camps for kids and inspiration to artist all over. They sale a bit of everything at very low prices. You can find old magazines, feathers, tiles, fabric, crayons, and so much more. SCRAP is a great place to visit with little ones and also to take unused or unwanted art supplies.
Rebuilding Center 3625 N Mississippi Ave
Corey and I have visited this place a few times. On this field trip I learned more about the passion and mission behind the organization. Sadly I don't remember our guides/founders name but he was very funny and entertaining. The Rebuilding Center helps redirect construction materials from the landfill. They sale doors, door knobs, windows, light fixtures, floor broads etc. This place is huge and in the middle of Mississippi Avenue. The rebuilding center in its self is a showroom of what you can do with the material they sale. The ceiling, doors, walls and floors especially in their offices are made out of old windows and doors. I wish I was that creative. Other services they offer is deconstruction of buildings in a eco-friendly way. Taking the building a part piece by piece to preserve material for reuse. The Rebuilding Center also offers classes in reusing material for household items such as tables or art work. The center is a part of Our United Village whose message is to strengthen neighborhoods in Portland to better support the community.
At the end of the day I felt the take home message was there should be little material that ends up in our landfills. If we purchase, use, reuse, and donate wisely we should produce very little waste. Just by visiting or in your case reading about these amazing organizations we are now aware of a place to take our computers or buy our next one, donate that unused guest bed, take all those old Altoids tins and where to find the matching light fixture in our houses. If you have any of these items and don't have the time to take them where they could go let me know. I would be more then happy to drop them off for you. Happy reduce, reuse and recycling too you all.
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