Thanks to tremendous community support, Finger Lakes ReUse has navigated a challenging few years. We are now looking forward to strengthening and bringing back even more of our beloved public programming in 2022, including the volunteer Ithaca Fixers Collective and expanded volunteer opportunities. This Summer we are raising funds to support these efforts in our ReUse In Bloom 2022 Summer Fundraiser.
IMPACTS & BENEFITS
ENVIRONMENT
estimated tons of waste diverted from the landfill since opening in 2008 (over 10 million pounds!)
EMPLOYMENT
Living-wage jobs created in the community
ECONOMY
households in need provided with access to materials at our ReUse Centers
EDUCATION
participants have completed our ReSET job training program
Simple actions, major impact
From manufacturing to disposal, every part of a product’s life-cycle leads to greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to climate change. Our ReUse Centers kept an estimated 680 tons of materials out of landfills last year—and we’re working hard to expand our capabilities.
Working for a good cause
A living-wage employer with 80 employees and more than 50 regular volunteers, we believe reuse can support meaningful and engaging jobs here in Tompkins County, and nationwide. ReUse creates pathways to careers for local people who have previously experienced barriers to employment.
Low cost, high impact purchases
The ReUse Materials Access Program (ReMAP) gives back locally, connecting households and organizations in need with free materials. Since the program began in 2017, we have provided materials to over 1,341 households! ReUse enhances the economy by providing store credit to community members in financial crises.
Leading the way toward waste-free
ReUse operates ReSET, a free job training program offering two separate tracks—Technology or Retail & Customer Service. ReSET participants can apply for competitive paid apprenticeships to extend their training.
Reuse in action is complex and takes many hands, hearts and minds to successfully enact. We receive, identify, sort, value, clean, test, refurbish, and make items available again for sale, or for free to households in need. ReUse relies on the support of generous community members to keep this uniquely local service available for all.
Ways You Can Support ReUse
Volunteer with us – we work with volunteers 7 days a week. Sign up here.
Who We Are
Finger Lakes ReUse is a not-for-profit with a mission to enhance community, economy and environment by offering accessible reuse services in Tompkins County and inspiring reuse to foster in other communities throughout New York State and beyond. Sales of used materials support 70-80% of our operating expenses. We rely on fundraising to support the very best of what we do, including offering 7-day, convenient reuse services, paid job skills training, and living-wage jobs.
Thanks to tremendous community support, Finger Lakes ReUse has navigated a challenging few years. We are now looking forward to strengthening and bringing back even more of our beloved public programming in 2022, including the volunteer Ithaca Fixers Collective and expanded volunteer opportunities. This Summer we are raising funds to support these efforts in our ReUse In Bloom 2022 Summer Fundraiser.