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Sunday, November 13, 2016

SCRAP PDX: How Upcycling is Changing the Way We Shop

SCRAP PDX (Photo Credit: Annie S./SCRAP PDX)

Since its establishment in 2009, SCRAP PDX has been changing people’s mindsets on shopping and waste by “inspiring creative reuse and environmentally sustainable behavior by providing the educational programs and affordable materials to the community.” The nonprofit store in Portland, Oregon is a collection of bits of odds and ends, including file folders, computer diskettes, and speaker wires, which would otherwise be thrown away. The organization diverts 140 and 150 tons of materials from landfills through a donation process from individuals and local businesses, which is then sold at a bargain to the public. Ultimately, SCRAP PDX hopes to educate people on their purchasing habits and how they’re using things.

What started as a small shop for scavengers, crafters, and artists, SCRAP PDX has grown to a Portland institution. Furthermore, the success of the store has inspired other cities to adopt similar businesses, which has been organized under SCRAP USA.

If you’re interested in learning more about SCRAP PDX or creative reuse, you can begin by taking their Crafternoon workshop, a themed class focused on a creative reuse project, every other Wednesday from 4-6 pm. You can also visit their website at: http://scrappdx.org/

SCRAP PDX is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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