Reusing Waste: Good for the Environment and Your Business

Remember, reusing materials is not only helpful to preserving our environment, but it can offer creative opportunities. I came across two noteworthy sites that allow businesses to reduce their waste that goes into our landfills and at the same time, help their local schools and youth programs.


Extras For Creative Learning, is a Boston-based center where "Teachers, group leaders, parents, and artists are able to obtain low-cost or no-cost recycled materials that offer unlimited creative opportunities to nurture learning, exploration, and discovery in classrooms, child care centers, youth groups, and beyond." The businesses that partake get the benefit of tax-deductible recycling services.



The Resource Depot is located in Riviera Beach, Florida. Here, they "collect business discards, samples, and scraps that would ordinarily end up in the landfill. These materials, such as foam, plastic, wood, and fabric, are donated free back to educators, parents, children, seniors and other nonprofit agencies."



Both centers are a win-win situation for local businesses and the community. Do some research in your own area to see if there is a reusable resource center available. If not, what a great opportunity to make an environmental change!