Sustainable Florida Recognizes Resource Depot As Leader In Creative Reuse
Think of the last object you recycled. Many of us recycle, and of course recycling more objects, more often, is a great way for Floridians to be sustainable. However it isn’t the only way, and it doesn’t need to be the only step in the “lifecycle of trash.”
Reuse, the practice of giving items a second, third or even fourth life before they are recycled, is what Resource Depot hopes to encourage, with an added educational and creative twist. They collect items that are clean, safe and reusable, items that would have otherwise gone to a landfill or straight to a recycling center, and distribute them freely through membership to local teachers for use in creative projects. Viewed in a new light, these items can inspire both students and teachers alike, as well as help supplement already stretched supply budgets in area schools. Everyone – the donor, the teacher, and the student, and our environment – benefits through the practice of reuse.
Recognizing its work to creatively keep reusable materials from the landfill, Resource Depot was acknowledged by Sustainable Florida with a Best Practices Award for a Non-Profit at their September 13th Annual Awards Dinner, held at the PGA National Resort and Spa.
Each year, Sustainable Florida appoints a panel to evaluate nominated individuals, businesses and organizations who exemplify their values of sustainable practices that are attainable as well as economically beneficial. This is Resource Depot’s first time of both being nominated and recognized as the winner in the non-profit category.
“We are thrilled and humbled to be recognized for our efforts in education and environmentalism,” Executive Director, Jennifer O’Brien, said.
O’Brien is already thinking ways the organization can continue to reach a greater number of teachers and students in Palm Beach County. “In the coming year, we plan to continue to expand our reach into the community to encourage others towards sustainability and conservation of resources to benefit our education system.” Last year alone, Resource Depot kept over 300 tons of materials out of the landfill through reuse.
Now think of that last object you recycled again. What could it become?
Resource Depot offers memberships to local educators, student field trips, and teaches public workshops on creative reuse, as well as accepting a variety of donations. Visit www.resourcedepot.net to learn more.
