We asked Mary, Customer Service & Merchandising Manager at Ithaca ReUse Center, to reflect on their experience working at Finger Lakes ReUse, and how they see the impacts of our mission statements. Thank you Mary!!

“Working at reuse, I have seen how much impact we have first hand. I have worked in most of our departments and have had the chance to see items come in through our donations intake, price the item myself, and be the cashier that checks them out with it. This job is very rewarding because I can see how the process works in the communities favor. I have worked for reuse for about a year and a half and have never seen such a consistently dedicated crew in any other workplace.

My coworkers are always so kind and really put an effort in what they do. Our ReSET and youth worker programs have also introduced me to a wide array of people all coming from different walks of life. This taught me a level of compassion and understanding as well as a great work ethic.

ReUse also helps reduce the carbon footprint and reduces overconsumption. A major reason why global warming is accelerating at such an alarming rate is due to people’s overconsumption. There have been times that we have received too many donations due to this but managing the overflow and then giving back those resources to our community definitely helps lessen the local impact.

When I moved to Ithaca, I hadn’t come prepared for the winter and realized very soon that I needed a winter jacket. The snow was only intensifying when my friends took me to Reuse and I purchased a nice winter jacket for only $8. I still use the same jacket and am now thankful I stumbled across ReUse.”