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October 2012

NERC’s Advisory Members

Distinguished Benefactors

Consumer Technology Association (CTA)

Benefactors

Coca-Cola

Samsung

Waste Management

Sustaining Members

  • Advanced Drainage Systems

  • American Beverage Association

  • Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)

  • Blount Fine Foods

  • BlueTriton Brands

  • Bulk Handling Systems

  • Casella Resource Solutions

  • CLYNK

  • Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Inc.

  • Council of State Governments/Eastern Regional Conference

  • Eco-Products

  • Fire Rover, LLC

  • GDB International

  • Glass Packaging Institute

  • Henkel

  • Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI)

  • International Bottled Water Association

  • Keep America Beautiful

  • Keurig Dr. Pepper

  • MRM

  • Nestle USA

  • NEWMOA

  • PaintCare

  • Plastics Industry Association

  • Re-TRAC

  • Recycling Partnership

  • Republic Services

  • Reverse Logistics Group

  • Revolution

  • Serlin Haley

  • Sims Municipal Recycling

  • Sonoco

  • Strategic Materials

  • Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC)

  • TOMRA

  • US Composting Council (USCC)

A list of all the logos of our Sustaining Members can be found under Advisory Members

MEMBERSHIP

Renewing Supporting Members

NERC NEWS

STATE UPDATES

CONNECTICUT

ADVISORY MEMBER NEWS

OF GENERAL INTEREST


NERC's mission is to advance an environmentally sustainable economy by promoting source and toxicity reduction, recycling, and the purchasing of environmentally preferable products and services.


State and Advisory Member Updates, as well articles of General Interest and guest blogs are provided as submissions to NERC and may not reflect the policy or position of the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.

NERC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.


MEMBERSHIP

We are delighted to welcome the Connecticut Recyclers Coalition (CRC) and Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority as renewing Supporting Members.

A hallmark of NERC is the strength of multi-stakeholder involvement and problem solving. This is a direct result of the active participation and support of NERC's Advisory Members. NERC has more than 50 Advisory Members. To see a complete listing and the benefits of membership, visit the NERC Advisory Membership web page.

The broad spectrum of interests represented by NERC's Advisory Members and Board Members and their willingness to participate significantly contribute to the unique and important role that NERC plays in recycling in the region.

NERC NEWS

Getting the Answers Just Got Easier!

We all work hard at trying to figure out what else we can do to make our recycling programs have greater impact. We read blogs and recycling rags, participate on listservs and webinars, and search the Internet to gather as many pieces of information as we can. While we do all this, we also wish there was an easier way to get the information that we need.

NERC's Fall Conference is designed to do just that — a compact schedule of a day-and-a-half of sessions with expert speakers. Get your questions answered about best management practices for pay-as-you-throw, zero waste, food waste collection, and single stream recycling. In addition, panelists will discuss the future of implementing these diversion and collection programs, what we will all need to do to maximize the public's participation, and the policies we need to promote to move these programs forward.

Conference Dates — October 23–24, 2012
Location: Hotel Northampton, Northampton, Massachusetts

Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are available!

For more information, contact Mary Ann Remolador, NERC's Assistant Director & Conference Organizer.

Reuse Marketplace - New Website Promoting Reuse!

Description: http://www.reusemarketplace.org/new/templates/default/images/masthead/title.pngCapture Value. Exchange Reusable Items.
Save Money. Reduce Waste.

 

The Reuse Marketplace website is a free regional network for businesses, institutions, governments, and organizations to find, sell, trade, or give away reusable and surplus items that would otherwise be disposed as trash. This online Materials Exchange allows members to post items they no longer need, as well as items they might want. The website includes more than 30 categories of items; making it a great marketplace for exchanging items.

The Reuse Marketplace replaces the individual states' Materials Exchanges in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It also includes the states of Delaware, New Jersey, and New York, making it a true regional resource. There is also the opportunity for more states to join the Marketplace.

The Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. (NERC) is proud to be the administrator for the Marketplace and the opportunity to promote reuse across state borders.

The Reuse Marketplace is supported by the following state agencies and private businesses:

State Sponsors

Private Sponsors

SEC Broadens Its Scope Beyond Computers to Include Copiers and Printers

In January 2013, the State Electronics Challenge (SEC) program will broaden its scope to include imaging equipment – printers, copiers, and multifunction devices. "This change has been on the SEC horizon for a few years and is coming to fruition now that the EPEAT® system is adding imaging equipment to the product registry that allows purchasers to identify "green" products," said Patty Dillon, SEC Program Manager.

Until now the SEC program has focused on environmental stewardship of computer equipment by state, regional, and local government, including purchasing more sustainable computers and monitors, saving energy and operating costs through power management, and environmentally responsible recycling at the end-of-life. Starting in calendar year 2013, Challenge Partners will be asked to expand these activities to embrace imaging equipment in their offices, including:

  • Modifying procurement bids and contracts and purchase EPEAT-registered printers, copiers, and multifunction devices; which contain fewer toxic chemicals, are manufactured with postconsumer recycled content material, and are easier to recycle;
  • Ensuring that power savings features of units in operation are turned on, resulting in energy and cost savings; and
  • Recycling used equipment using electronics recyclers that are certified to the stringent environmental performance standards of Responsible Recycling Practices (R2) , the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment®, or to R2/RIOS.

The updated SEC program requirements are now available on the SEC website.

Expansion of the Challenge to cover imaging equipment results from the publication of a new environmental performance standard for printers, copiers, and multifunction devices by the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Availability of this new standard, and its addition to the EPEAT system, allows Challenge Partners, to easily identify products that are more environmentally sustainable, which until now was quite difficult. The IEEE standard establishes environmental performance requirements for imaging equipment such as reduced toxics including brominated flame retardants, postconsumer recycled content, energy conservation, and design for end-of-life recycling. The EPEAT Registry of printers, copiers, and multifunction devices that meet the IEEE standard will be launched in January 2013. "With the purchasing tool in place, it now makes sense to add imaging equipment to the Challenge program, since Partners can now address sustainability throughout the product lifecycle — from purchasing through operation and disposition," said Dillon.

Make Electronics Stewardship and Sustainability a Goal for 2013

Now is the time to get ready for the new year as it's right around the corner. Establish some new goals. Make sure that electronics stewardship is among those goals. Check out the State Electronics Challenge, offering a step-by-step plan to sustainable electronics and free assistance in meeting program goals!

Join the State Electronics Challenge program staff for a one-hour webinar on Wednesday, November 7 at 3:00 pm eastern to learn how state, regional, local, and tribal government, as well as schools, colleges, and universities, can demonstrate sustainability and environmental stewardship, and reduce costs through responsible purchasing, use and disposal of office electronics.

The State Electronics Challenge is a voluntary national program, open free of charge to any state, tribal, regional, or local government agency, as well as any school, college, or university. The SEC promotes environmental stewardship of computers, monitors, printers and copiers throughout their lifecycle – from purchasing "green" products through power management and responsible end-of-life management — resulting in measurable reductions in energy, greenhouse gases, toxics, solid and hazardous waste, and associated costs. See our brief fact sheet for a program synopsis.

Attend the introductory webinar to learn how your organization can join the Challenge and benefit from the program's free technical assistance, action plan, implementation tools, and annual recognition. Already, the SEC has nearly 100 Partners in 35 states representing more than 145,000 people. For a list of current Partners, see our website.

NERC Staff Present at National and Regional Events

NERC staff has been, and will continue to be, very active on the speaking tour. In August Lynn Rubinstein, Executive Director of NERC, presented as part of a webinar in Connecticut about Recycling Market Development; What It Is and Activity in the Northeast.

In September she made four presentations:

  • The State Electronics Challenge at the Montana Economy, Energy, & Environment Conference in Bozeman, Montana;
  • Moderated a panel as part of the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse (ERCC) Workshop on the Future of E-Scrap Laws, Future Trends Impacting Electronics Recycling Policies in Dallas, Texas;
  • Also in Dallas, she moderated and presented the first meeting of R2 Certified Recyclers and Supporters;
  • Delivered a webinar about What is 3rd Party Certification & Why is it Important? as part of the eXplore eRecycling Peer Learning Community project of the National ARC.

And in October, Lynn, as well as Athena Lee Bradley, NERC Projects Manager, will participate in the Pathways to Zero Waste, New England Workshops, and two days later Lynn will present at the Connecticut Launching Innovation Summit (see article below).

And in November, Lynn will be the keynote speaker at the annual Massachusetts Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) Advisory Board Meeting and Award Ceremony, in Holyoke.

A NERC Blog worth Repeating: The Recycling Trifecta

Have you scoped out the NERC blog yet?! Since recycling market development is part of NERC's mission, an occasional NERC blog theme is showcasing companies in the Northeast that use recycled materials in the manufacturing of new products.

The companies discussed in "The Recycling Trifecta" provide an excellent example of "closing the loop":

"Today's entry connects three companies – Red Hook Brewery, Poly Recovery, and Foss Manufacturing.

'The Recycling Trifecta' is a video which shows how Poly Recovery, a full service recycling company located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, worked with Redhook's Portsmouth Brewery to find markets for its plastic waste — including green PET packaging strap used to hold boxes of bottles. The recovered plastic is turned into fiber by Foss Manufacturing to be used in such items as linings for automobile trunks and indoor and outdoor carpet.

Foss Manufacturing is a manufacturer of engineered, non-woven fabrics and specialty synthetic fibers located in Hampton, New Hampshire. The company's fabrics are used to make a variety of products, including athletic mats, carpet, and wall coverings. Each month Foss purchases about 60,000 pounds of recycled resin from Poly Recovery.

According to the folks at Poly Recovery, their customers include 8 of 10 of the largest manufacturers in New England; which make everything from flower pots to surgical tubing to board games. In fact, under Poly Recovery's '100-Mile Model,' the company guarantees that all material that it collects and processes at its facility is sold within a 100-mile radius of its Portsmouth headquarters.

Redhook was able to reduce its waste by 63,000 pounds in just the first six months! And, Poly Recovery works hard to keep these recovered resources from Redhook and other businesses right here in the Northeast.

Another fine example of recycling at work for our regional economy!"

In order to be sure you see all the NERC blog postings, and know when a new blog posting has happened go to the blog and scroll down the left hand column until you see the "Follow by Email" block. Enter your email address and hit submit. For more information about the NERC blog, contact Athena Lee Bradley.

STATE UPDATES

CONNECTICUT

Launching Innovation Summit October 4

The third sustainable materials management summit, Launching Innovation — Transforming Materials Management in Connecticut, will be held on October 4 at the Riverfront Boathouse in Riverside Park, Hartford, CT.

Confirmed speakers include Bob Gedert from the City of Austin, Kerrin O'Brien from the Michigan Recycling Coalition, and Lynn Rubinstein from the Northeast Recycling Council. CT DEEP's Deputy Commissioner Macky McCleary will also share highlights on Governor's Recycling Working Group findings.

The last phase of our transformative materials management journey is to move from learning and ideas to action. We will hear inspiring stories of how others have implemented innovative efforts throughout the country — including zero waste policies, funding mechanisms for solid waste management programs, and keeping your business innovative with constantly changing recycling markets. This will serve as our rallying point to help build ownership and consensus for launching our sustainable materials economy in Connecticut and the region. The target audience for this event is municipal officials, solid waste and recycling professionals, solid waste collectors and haulers, school administrators, and interested citizens.

This event is co-sponsored by the US EPA Region 1, with partners including the Northeast Recycling Council, Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association, Connecticut Business and Industry Association, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, Connecticut Council of Small Towns, Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc., and Connecticut Recyclers Coalition.

ADVISORY MEMBER NEWS

Advanced Data Reporting System Comes to Northeast

Many of you will have heard about the Re-TRAC data management system over the years and how it has been used by state governments and others to collect and track waste and recycling information from local governments. What you may not have heard about is the fact that an entirely new version of the Re-TRAC system — called Re-TRAC Connect™ — was launched in 2011 with a wide range of powerful new features. Re-TRAC Connect is already being used as the data management system by two State Governments in the North East: Massachusetts and Vermont. The State of Connecticut has also recently shortlisted Re-TRAC Connect after an RFP process and is currently evaluating the software.

In April 2012, MassDEP began using Re-TRAC Connect to deliver their annual Recycling and Solid Waste Survey, which is a prerequisite for municipalities wishing to apply for a Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grant. "MassDEP needed online survey tools that would be extremely user friendly, efficient and flexible" said Brooke Nash, Branch Chief, Municipal Waste Reduction Program. "Re-TRAC Connect has met, and actually exceeded, our expectations." In July 2012, MassDEP issued its Recycling Technical Assistance Application to cities and towns through Re-TRAC Connect. "The application process is simple for municipalities and is a huge time saver for MassDEP recycling staff," Nash added. MassDEP plans to explore the potential to use Re-TRAC Connect software to collect information from additional types of reporting entities in the coming year.

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has been using Re-TRAC Connect since January of 2012 for Solid Waste, Recycling, Organics, Hazardous Waste, and E-Cycle mandatory reporting from various types of reporting entities including Recyclers, Landfills, and Compost facilities.

Another NERC member, Pennsylvania DEP, is considering transitioning to Re-TRAC Connect from their existing Re-TRAC "Classic" system. This would bring the total number of State Governments using Re-TRAC Connect to ten, with several more in the procurement process.

Nationally, Keep America Beautiful is using Re-TRAC Connect to collect information from all of their affiliates and the US EPA will soon be using the new system for all data reporting aspects of the WasteWise and Federal Green Challenge programs. The flexibility of the system is such that it is also being used as the national reporting system for both the Recycle Mania recycling competition (colleges and universities), the Recycle Bowl recycling competition (K–12 schools), and the GameDay Challenge (recycling competition at College football games).

retracWhile Re-TRAC Connect is designed to help organizations efficiently collect data online from reporting entities, a new type of account is now available that gives any type of organization submitting reports through the system (e.g., local governments, businesses, universities, K–12 schools, etc.) the ability to also access a wide range of tools and resources free of charge. An organization can create one of these free accounts at any time to take advantage of:

  1. Powerful tonnage tracking that can help them manage material data from any type of program. An impressive array of detailed analytical reports is available to users who are using this feature to manage their data in the Free account.
  2. Local governments can publish an online profile of their programs that the public can access.
  3. Users can add drop off and facility locations to a web-accessible search interface to help the public find local recycling and diversion opportunities.
  4. The Curbside Value Partnership has embedded a free online communications training tool in the system (CVP Connect) that provides recycling educators with access to best practice tutorials, campaign samples, and creative templates (for more info visit CVP Connect).

With a regional initiative in the US Southeast states just wrapping up to demonstrate how Re-TRAC Connect can be used to measure and compare data across states and efficiently aggregate information nationally, the dream of an integrated, accessible data management platform for the sustainable materials management industry may soon become a reality.

More information about Re-TRAC Connect and how to create a Free account can be found at Re-TRAC.com

UNTHA America Attends Waste-to-Fuels Conference & Trade Show

UNTHA shredding technology America, Inc. shared its waste-to-energy expertise at the Waste-to-Fuels Conference and Trade Show in Mystic, CT on September 16–18, 2012. The conference provided an educational forum for both the public and private sectors regarding the advances and benefits of waste-to-fuel technology.

Located in Hampton, NH, UNTHA America is a division of the Austrian-based UNTHA shredding technology GmbH, one of the world's leading providers of size reduction equipment for the recycling industry.

The conversion of waste materials into alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol, as well as renewable electricity, has sparked major interest from corporations and communities because of the significant environmental and economic benefits. At the conference, presentations were given on waste conversion technologies, biofuels from waste, processing waste materials into feedstocks, and many other intriguing topics.

UNTHA America is heavily involved in waste-to-energy technology thanks to their XR series primary shredder and TR series secondary shredder. Both of these models play key roles in the waste conversion process by helping to convert household and industrial waste into secondary fuel.

"The first step in the latest waste-to-energy conversion technology is having household waste or similar commercial waste go through biomechanical treatment in order to reduce its volume, create consistency, and stabilize the organic substances in the waste," says Bernhard Mueggler, President and CEO UNTHA America. "First, the waste undergoes pre-shredding, as provided by UNTHA's XR models. This produces course and medium particles. Next, the waste goes through various separation processes in order to reclaim recyclables and eliminate inert materials. Finally, it is put through a secondary shredder, using models such as those in UNTHA's TR series. These produce fine particles which can then be burned as fuel, producing heat, and as a consequence, clean electricity."

Mueggler explained that waste has enormous potential as a fuel source, but the challenge has been that it is both a diverse and contaminated medium. The shredding provided by the XR and TR models converts waste into a consistent and repeatable fuel. Once the fuel is more uniform, it can be used in conjunction with the latest conversion technologies, such as gasification, plasma arc, and other heat treatment processes.

Austria, and most of the European nations, are well established in using waste-to-energy technology. The movement is gaining ground in the United States and the Waste-to-Fuels Conference was an important conduit for sharing the latest information on the technologies and opportunities available. "UNTHA America is excited about the increased interest in waste-to-energy options," says Mueggler. "We look forward to playing a role in the future development of this field."

For more information about UNTHA America, visit www.untha-america.com or call (603) 601-2304.

OF GENERAL INTEREST

National Standards Certifications Board Update

In February 2012, a National Standards Certification (NSC) Board convened to oversee governance and implementation of the Recycling Organizations of North America (RONA) "Plan for National Standards for Certifying Sustainable Resource Management Training Programs and Professionals (the Plan)." The process was initiated by RONA and the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA), who collaborated on a federally-funded project to develop new resource management curriculum and a certification process.

Nine candidates were selected to serve on the NSC Board, including NERC staff, Athena Lee Bradley. The Board holds monthly conference calls and met at the recent Resource Recycling Conference in Austin. Board members also invited Conference attendees to an informational luncheon where Board Chair John Frederick spoke about the national standard for professional certification programs on a Conference panel.

The growth in the number of communities, programs, and businesses striving for sustainability has created a demand for qualified staff trained in recycling, sustainable resource management, and zero waste. Professionals in the field have agreed that national standards for training and professional development programs would positively impact the proficiency of the industry. It would also allow states and regions the flexibility to offer state or topical-specific certified training around a set of national standards.

Certification would further provide professionals with a way to distinguish themselves from others in the field. By improving the overall knowledge and understanding of professionals in the industry, certification programs help increase the credibility and level of competence in the field. Transferability within and between states and regions would be facilitated by accrediting state/regional certification programs and thus provide accredited certified professionals a way to expand their involvement. Certified "Resource Management" professionals will be required to take courses, exams, and/or other competency measures.

Through its various meetings on national certification, the NSC Board has prioritized the development of state/regional certification programs and developed an outline of recommendations that can assist a state/region in developing an industry certification program in "Sustainable Resource Management." The key components of a model state/regional certification program should include at a minimum:

  1. A broad based Steering Committee that includes state recycling organization members, municipal and regional recyclers, industry leaders, corporate environmental managers, and state government officials to lead development of a program;
  2. A minimum of 30 hours of course work that shall be in a classroom setting or in an electronic format that includes extensive exchange and dialog among the instructors and among students;
  3. Be certified by an accredited postsecondary institution;
  4. A comprehensive course on Sustainable Resource Management;
  5. Progressive proficiency exams or other exhibitions of competency as well as a comprehensive written exam to demonstrate proficiency in what was taught;
  6. Instructor criteria assuring that instructors are qualified and effective;
  7. Student evaluations of instructors and content;
  8. A program administrator or team that would administer
    • Database of certified professionals.
    • Recertification database.
    • The pre-approval process of recertification credits based on criteria established by the Certification Committee.
  9. Include an ongoing broad based Certification Committee for program management;
    • Establish criteria for recertification credits.
    • Review and update program.
    • Develop entrance requirements for alternate pathway.
    • Review and judge applications of candidates for alternate pathway.
  10. An annual re-evaluation by Certification Committee of entire course after completion of series using student evaluations and review of relevancy;
  11. An alternative pathway to allow experienced professionals to test out; and,
  12. Recertification requirements to ensure that certified professionals continually update their skills.

Key Learning Outcomes include:

    • Topic One: Introduction to Sustainable Resource Management (SRM);
    • Topic Two: Culture and SRM;
    • Topic Three: SRM Communities; and,
      Topic Four: Resource Management in Business.

Once certified, Certified Sustainable Resource Management Professionals are required to maintain their certification through continuing professional education/training on issues relating to solid waste, recycling and related topics.

As recycling and resource management professionals, we welcome your thoughts and opinions on the proposed key components of a model certification program. We would also like to find out if one or more states in our region would like to develop a training program that meets these program goals. Please contact Athena Lee Bradley, NERC Projects Manager to share your thoughts or if you need more information about this important endeavor.

Portland, OR Will Host Second National Reuse Conference and Expo

The Reuse Alliance is pleased to announce that Portland, Oregon has been selected as the host city for ReuseConex2012, the Second National Reuse Conference and Expo. The event, taking place on October 18–20, 2012, will feature a professional conference with experts from the reuse industry sharing best practice and replicable business models, as well as a public expo that includes a wide variety of reuse-based exhibitors, a ReFashion Show and ReArt Exhibit (repurposed and upcycled art and fashion), plus film screenings and open-houses at local reuse organizations.

The event brings people together from across the country to learn more about reuse and its triple bottom line benefits. Conference and expo attendees include concerned citizens, reuse operation managers, environmental educators, economic development leaders, environmental activists, eco-entrepreneurs, green builders, creative reuse leaders, sustainability consultants, venture capitalists, as well as recycling coordinators within corporations, government agencies, and universities.

ReuseConex is a bi-annual event held by the Reuse Alliance, a national nonprofit working to increase awareness of reuse by educating the public about the social, environmental and economic benefits of reuse. This conference is the only one of its kind in the United States. "Whether you're a resale shop manager, an environmental educator, a green builder, an urban planner, an artist or DIYer, this is the place to learn about all of the facets of reuse," says MaryEllen Etienne, Executive Director of Reuse Alliance. "From conventional reuse to creative reuse, the possibilities for reusing, repurposing and upcycling materials are endless, and ReuseConex will highlight this fact."

Local reuse centers supporting ReuseConex include Portland Metro Habitat for Humanity ReStores, Community Warehouse and SCRAP. "We're happy to welcome ReuseConex to Portland. The conference's focus fits perfectly with the state's efforts to reduce waste and create green jobs," says local host committee chair, Joe Connell of the Portland Metro ReStores. Andy Olds, Operations Manager of Community Warehouse, adds "ReuseConex will be a perfect chance to showcase Portland's sustainable ethic, and shine a spotlight on reuse efforts in the area." And according to SCRAP's Executive Director, Kelley Carmichael Casey, "Portland has the reuse chops to host a spectacular experience for guests to the conference from all over the world."

Corporate and government supporters include the City of Portland, Multnomah County, Metro, Keen Inc., Portland State University, The ReDirect Guide, the Museum of Contemporary Craft, Chinook Book, Junk to Funk Trashion Collective, iWasteNot Systems, and U-Haul. Portland's Mayor, Sam Adams, is delighted to see the national conference in his city. Adams said, "It's only fitting that ReuseConex should take place here in Portland as we are a national leader in sustainable policies and practices. Our City and my office are committed to supporting reuse, as evidenced by our support of PDX Reuse and our city's Annual Reuse Week." And Portland Commissioner Nick Fish adds; "We're so proud that these outstanding community partners call Portland home. Their work to promote reuse is a vital part of Portland's commitment to sustainability. We're looking forward to a great conference in 2012!"

"We are thrilled to have ReuseConex 2012 coming to Portland, where reuse is truly part of the culture," said Jeff Miller, president and CEO, Travel Portland. "In addition to learning about the benefits of reuse throughout the conference, we encourage delegates to experience what Portland has to offer on this topic through visits to local businesses like SCRAP, Portland Metro ReStore, and Community Warehouse."

Ms. Etienne adds, "Not only does Portland have a community that encourages citizens to do their part to alleviate climate change through resource conservation, it's also home to a wide range of reuse-oriented firms, such as building material salvage centers, computer remanufacturers, consignment shops, furniture refurbishers, and reclaimed-material artists which help us demonstrate why reuse is the original green collar job."

The Reuse Alliance is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is working to increase awareness of reuse by educating the public about the social, environmental and economic benefits of reuse. Reuse Alliance has an Oregon chapter that acts as a networking conduit, provides capacity building training and resources, and advocates for pro-reuse policies in the state.