SEATTLE RESOURCES ROUND-UP
This summer, during a community event all about the circular economy and the Right to Repair movement hosted by the Black-led environmental justice group, Basilica Bio, we dug into the barriers and challenges that stand in the way of creating a more circular economy. We also shared a selection of local examples and resources to help folks feel empowered to take action locally.
There are so many examples of solutions and resources that address our waste issue beyond individual lifestyle choices, and it felt helpful to compile a non-exhaustive list of Seattle-area resources. We hope these all become household names and a regular part of our routines so we can continue to normalize the various ingredients of a circular economy including buying secondhand items, reusing, repair, sharing, and redistributing.
If you think it would be helpful for us to create a more comprehensive list of Seattle-area resources, let us know and we’ll make it happen! What else do you think should be added to this list? Email us at hello@bluedaisi.com.
Buy secondhand. Beyond Goodwill, there are countless shops you can find secondhand clothing and home goods. Some that might be worth checking out are Fremont Vintage Mall, Magpie Thrift in Capitol Hill (and a brand new location in Shoreline!), Labels Consignment in Greenwood, Ballard Consignment, and Ballard Reuse, and UW Surplus in UDistrict. You can also always host an informal clothing or housewares swap event with friends and family or visit a neighborhood yard sale.
Borrow from a tool library. Did you know tool libraries don’t just have tools? They also have sewing machines, food dehydrators, craft tools, and dishware for parties! Try thinking of them more like a library of things. Next time you’re considering buying something that you only plan to use every once in a while, consider checking it out of your local tool library. Here is a list of all the tool libraries in King County.
Explore other kinds of libraries. Did you know your local library offers more than books and movies? You can find free museum passes, tutoring, COVID tests, pocket guides with your legal rights in case you encounter ICE agents in the wild, and much more! Also, there are Little Free Libraries, Little Free Pantries, community fridges, this Little Free Bakery in Ballard, this puzzle library in Greenwood, and even a yarn library outside Tea Cozy Yarn Shop! All free ways to share and redistribute stuff among our community.
Fix your stuff. Scan this calendar to find a fix-it-fair or mending cafe near you. Repair Economy WA has a great map of repair businesses across the state. Furniture Repair Bank in SoDo collects used furniture that needs a little love, refinishes or reupholsters them as needed, and redistributes them to immigrant and refugee families. They accept donations and are also open to volunteers if you want to learn some new skills.
Visit your local zero waste store. Seattle currently has three brick-and-mortar zero waste stores: Mimi’s Zero Waste Market in Crown Hill, Ravenna Refills right by the Roosevelt Light Rail Station, and A Public Shop in West Seattle. These are great places to learn about simple grocery, household good, and beauty product swaps that help you reduce waste around the house.
Get creative. I rarely have less than a handful of crafty projects going on at once and two of my favorite places to find inspiration and buy secondhand craft supplies are Seattle Recreative (Greenwood and Georgetown) and Our Fabric Stash (in the basement of Pike Place Market).
Give it away for free. You can find others who are willing to take extra furniture and housewares off your hands through social media. Listing your items on Facebook Marketplace or in your local Buy Nothing group are simple ways to start. You can also leave stuff on the curb in a “free box”. Just be mindful of the weather so the items don’t get rained on and can actually be used.
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