Over the past year, we’ve been finding ways to expand the ways Lethbridge residents can share and repair. Sharing and repairing items is even better than recycling because it extends the life of useable items. Here are some of the things we’ve done over the past year:
Repair Cafes:
Our team of volunteer fixers have repaired everything from sweaters to laptops. The most notable items include a grandfather clock, a vintage quilt, and a much-loved stuffed bear. We’re always looking for volunteers! Information and the link to register for our next repair cafe are on our website.
Community Swaps:
We held our first Art and Craft Supply Swap in February. More than 200 people donated items, while nearly 400 came the next day to find new-to-you treasures.
Other initiatives:
Reuse Rendezvous:
We hosted three Reuse Rendezvous events. Participation continues to grow with a 10% increase in households and a 26% increase in the number of people visiting our online map to find items.
Workshops:
We also hosted five smaller workshops on vermi-composting, fukishiro gift-wrapping, and building pallet composters.
Little Free Libraries:
We gave away four Little Free Libraries of Things and partnered with Wordbridge Writer’s Society to install six other Little Free Libraries.
Resources:
We created a number of free resources to help Lethbridgians continue to share and repair.
Going Green Magazine:
The first issue of our quarterly magazine featured articles and tips on ways residents can share and repair.
Mending Zine:
Our free zine includes simple instructions and a free mending kit.
Share and Repair Directory:
Our online directory provides local resources where residents can borrow, donate, reduce, rent, or repair their items.
To learn more about why sharing and repairing is important, visit this page to explore ways to keep useful items out of the landfill.
Thank you to Alberta Ecotrust for supporting sharing and repairing in Lethbridge!