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When I first visited Song of the Robin Bed & Breakfast and Animal Sanctuary (formerly Red Robin Song), I instantly fell in love with it. It's a vegan bed and breakfast just over the New York border from Massachusetts. And with 85 acres of trails and ponds, plus dozens of rescued animals, it's hard not to relax and have a great time. The owner, Lisa Robinson, and I became fast friends and over the years, I've been back many times to visit, host numerous film screenings and the first annual Reuse Retreat. My parking spot for The REUSE! Box Truck at Song of the Robin. Not such a bad view, eh? On numerous occasions, Lisa and I would meet and talk about ideas to bring more reuse solutions to the guest house and sanctuary, as she wanted it to be as eco-friendly as possible. This past summer, I finally had the opportunity to bring The REUSE! Box Truck for a longterm stay and offer Lisa some official consulting services. I came up with a plan to help Lisa get the guest house back up and fully running, as it had been affected by the pandemic and people love donating STUFF to non profits. After a successful summer of cleaning and purging with a huge yard sale and donations, the guest house did fully re-open. But now with the guest house fully open, Lisa had another problem. Sometimes, weekend volunteers were sleeping in the guest rooms that she could be renting out. So, it was time to figure out a place for them to sleep. Me and Betty White Around the same time, there was an unfortunate passing of Betty White, the beloved white rabbit who was always a favorite of guests at Song of the Robin. Since she liked humans better than other rabbits, Betty had lived alone in a larger shed that conveniently had electricity and air conditioning. So, Lisa and I got an idea and then I brought in my resident unique tiny space builder, Derek "Deek" Diedricksen. You can watch the short video of what we did here: After we completed the transformation (and added a cushion to the couch), I slept in "Betty's Bungalow" for a couple of nights to see if there were any upgrades needed. For example, drinking coffee was of course one of my first tasks in there and I realized that I needed to make some coasters from some of our scrap cutoffs. This project was a perfect example of how reuse helps save resources, money and time, while benefitting people, planet, and wallet. (👤) Benefits the People - a unique space for people to sleep and for Lisa to celebrate Betty (🌎) Benfits the Planet - saved resources by using almost entirely pre-owned/used materials (💰) Benefits the Wallet - saved Lisa well into the 4 figures with used materials and opened up another guest room to rent. In addition, it was a great way to turn the sad situation of losing Betty into a positive by celebrating her with this structure and unique art piece by Deek . I kept this pelican painting from the yard sale with the intention of Deek doing something awesome. I'd say that he nailed it. If you're interested in staying at Song of the Robin Bed and Breakfast, visiting the animal sanctuary and seeing Betty's Bungalow in person, head over here for details. If you're interested in teaming up with Deek on a project or for some consulting services from me, reach out here. Watching the yaks graze outside the window of Betty's Bungalow. Not such a bad view, right?

Capturing an Atypical Look at Getaways Without a Typical Impact I first met Chris and Pam Daniele at Tiny House Summercamp  in 2019, where Chris and I connected over some Massachusetts concerts past. Like so many people I've met at the annual event, I connected with them afterwards online. But their posts and photographs hit different. They're able to almost let you step inside the amazing cabins and unique rental properties that they capture. And their coloring is just hard to put into words. Unlike others that I've connected with in the past, I see the couple at camp each year, as they live close by. And this past year, we got into a conversation about the eco-friendliness of their work. After hearing just a couple of stories, I knew Chris and Pam would a perfect fit for an interview. So, here we are. 1. In a time when apps let everyone step up their photography game, your photos stand out well above the rest and have such a unique vibe. What was your initial inspiration to get into photography and how did you come to choose your focus? Chris - When I was a kid I had a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 35mm camera, and I’d bring it everywhere. I was always snapping pictures in the woods, photos of my pets, and would take pictures of my room when rearranging the posters on my walls. My mother always shot as a hobby, and when the Canon Rebel G 35mm came out in 1996 she picked one up. Having a real camera like that at my disposal, I began taking it to concerts, family functions, to school, pretty much everywhere I could find a subject to shoot. In high school I was lucky enough to have the option to take a photography class for half the day everyday, and that’s where I really was able to dive deep into professional techniques, developing my own film and enlarging my own prints. Jump ahead almost 2 decades and in 2015 shortly after we started dating, Pam and I booked a trip to an off-grid cabin in Upstate New York, and I brought my camera along to capture our adventures. Once we got back home and started editing the photos, we decided to share them with the cabin owner and eventually we were hired to come back to capture more photos of the cabin. This seemed like a great untapped opportunity! Pam - I was a novice with limited access to cameras when I met Chris.  That being said, even with only an iPhone I was able to capture and create some beautiful photos. Particularly I was drawn to macro photography, the finest details I could focus on with my phone. When Chris and I started dating he encouraged me to make use of his camera with one of our earliest joint thrift finds, a Sigma 70-300 mm Lens we scored for $12. My earliest photos are stunning macro images of exotic flowers I shot using that lens. I eventually came to purchase my own new/used Canon 6D, shout out to B&H Photo for their decent selection of used camera gear. My focus these days is on interior design, architecture and landscape but I still play with macro from time to time. 2. As people who are eco-conscious, how do you factor that in when you travel and stay in so many other people's places? On the surface, the Short Term Rental industry didn’t seem like it would be a huge waste generator; at least not to us when we were first getting started. But not too long into it, we realized how much waste was being produced: trash bags only used for two nights are barely full, sponges meant to last a while being tossed after each guest leaves, food waste not being composted, dreaded Keurig coffee pods that have the audacity to be wasteful and not taste good; the list is substantial. We began traveling with our own sponge and reusable Keurig pod. We bring home compost if we can, as well as the trash bag to finish using it at home. Our number one rule however is that we never drink the bottled water provided. The majority of the places we are staying have guaranteed safe drinking water, so there is no need for plastic bottles. 3. Of all of the cabins and getaways that you've stayed in, do you have any notable stories of repurposed structures, ones made with reclaimed materials, etc? Many of our clients are incredibly eco-conscious and creative people which as you know is a great combo! We’ve seen storage containers turned into ultra warm spaces with modern design, a turn of the century ice house reimagined as a family retreat but one major pop out is Ben Sargent of Bent Apple Farms in South Londonderry, Vermont. He has a cabin built out of an old horse run-in, an old equipment shed that is now an amazingly cozy space, and the barn which is built with mostly repurposed materials, including an ancient toilet. He also is a big thrifter, 95% of the cabins are furnished with antiques. 4. So, while I'm certainly a solutions guy, we do have to address the problems. Where do you see the most waste in your daily life? Food packaging is without a doubt the big one. Without access to farmers markets and being in a bit of a food desert, we are shifting our focus to figuring out how to reduce it. One huge step we took was investing in an Almond Cow in 2022. It is a nut milk making machine that is a one stop shop for easy at home use, it has been a game changer. I wish I could estimate how many containers we haven’t needed to recycle because we own this one thing! The next step we will be taking is switching to buying in bulk for a large amount of our staples. Here's a link to a bunch of pre-owned or open-box Almond Cows. 5. In your personal experience, how do you think recycling has worked and NOT worked as a solution to waste? Pam - I am woefully uneducated in this regard and can only offer anecdotal takes. I think that recycling is a bit of a scapegoat for the overconsumption of plastic products. Prior to my journey into reducing my own output, I would believe that a plastic bottle of polar everyday is ok. Other staples included single use plastic take out containers, plastic cups for parties, plastic shopping bags, just so much plastic was coming into my life. And because of the magical blue box that I carried down to another magical blue box that took them all away I remained blissfuly ignorant of my wasteful contributions. When the choice was made to be more conscious, I’m not even sure what the catalyst to that was, I just started to feel incredibly icky about it. This can easily get into an even deeper discussion about American individualism and capitalism but I think at the end of the day, the choice to recycle is also a choice of how you consume, but that was not the question. Chris - I think what has worked is being more conscious about the amount of single-use plastic we choose to purchase (or take - as Pam mentioned plastic shopping bags at stores). It’s funny to see how many employees are so shocked when you’d rather just carry out two or three items you’ve just purchased than taking that plastic bag they want to give you SO BADLY. The problem is that the “recycle me!” stamp on all of these products is an easy cop-out to finding better, more sustainable ways to package items, passing off the responsibility to the consumer. 6. How do you think the U.S. could step up the solutions to our waste problem? Have you seen or heard of anything anywhere else? Pam - I can’t pretend to have much knowledge of our countries relationship to recycling. However, over the past few years I’ve seen headlines about “plastic eating enzymes” with a potential to reduce landfill waste in a matter of days being developed in universities. A quick google search shows story after story of young people inventing new ways to clean the planet. This sounds incredible, so why doesn’t the government throw some money at that? Obviously, I am not a scientist or sitting in an office politically with any ability or knowledge of how funding works, but I just think if it’s even 5% possible it’s worth it at this point. I’m also well aware that one government is not a solution to world wide problem. Chris - I’ve heard about many countries who have invested in ways to repurpose almost all of their recycled plastic into roadways. Obviously this takes a huge shift in big corporation’s greed to address the problems and invest in solutions, so unfortunately I don’t see the US heading in this direction any time soon. 7. It's funny. I always tell people that reusing is nothing new. It’s been going on long before we were here. Do you have any memories of your parents or grandparents reusing in unique ways? Pam - My family was pretty thrifty, we shopped secondhand for about half of everything we owned. I don’t know though if it was out of necessity or out of the thrill of the chase, but it was naturally integrated into our lives. The useful skills for repurposing and fixing weren’t passed onto me for some reason though which I find mainly irritating. It’s the memories of my grandmother mending clothes to last longer or my grandfathers general handyman abilities that make me want to be better in that regard. Chris - One of the biggest ways I can remember my parents opting for used vs new, was all of the sports equipment my brother and I would need throughout the years. Playing hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, and racing BMX, my parents always bought second-hand gear. They knew we would be growing out of that stuff pretty quickly, and it was just the smarter thing to do. We were always big thrifters and loved hitting up the weekend tag sales and flea markets. Growing up, I think it was just a more affordable way to get the remote control cars, wrestling figures, and video games that my brother and I wanted so bad. I can recall things like furniture, even if purchased new, would be used for decades until they were in shambles. My parents and grandparents would do whatever they could to make an item last before having to replace it. 8. Do you have any notable stories about saving money on something because you bought it used instead of new? Pam - I don’t lust after too many things of the material variety but I saw a pair of Bean Boots with no laces and a buckle and fell head over heels (pun intended). The boots new are $279 and I shiver to think about spending that much, so I said I would search second hand. Not even five minutes into my search on Thredup, do I find a lightly worn pair, my size, $75. Boom. Sold! I’ll have those for a long time and the fact I brought them used just makes them better. Chris - Where do I start?! I am a thrifter at heart, and absolutely love the search for that unicorn piece of music gear that someone is selling at a tag sale and they just want to get rid of it. If I had to choose one score, it would be back in about 2010 while out on a day’s adventure of tag sales, I stumbled across 3 items at once and immediately knew what they were. 2 vintage Electro Harmonix guitar effect pedals and a vintage Ludwig snare drum. I walked away paying only $15 total for the three, knowing their worth being about $1,500. I still have two of the three and use them often! 9. Have you ever taken anything out of the recycling bin or trash to reuse somehow or maybe found something on the side of the road? Pam - When I was working in kitchens (breeding grounds for wastefulness), I used to take things out of the trash all the time: unopened cans of fruit, condiments, salsa, you name it. They would throw these things away for the dumbest reasons. Dented can? Toss. Not expired, but getting close? Toss. Not enough room on the shelf? Toss the oldest one. It was sickening and I was poor so it came home with me. I also worked for a wedding banquet facility and when they were redecorating they threw away everything and I picked up some great frames and other decor. Chris - As a kid, trash day was my favorite, because I’d ride my bike around the neighborhood and see if anyone was tossing out something cool! If I saw an old shelf or broken old radio, I’d grab them to tinker with and repurpose somehow. Last year Pam and I took a drive around the day after a neighborhood tag sale, and the amount of useful free items on the curb that we found was insane! Just last month, while bringing our trash down to the local transfer station, I noticed a dumpster full of scrap lumber. I asked about it and they said it was their “burn pile” and I could pick through if I wanted. I ended up filling our SUV with so much perfectly usable lumber that would’ve cost us over $500! We are always in need of lumber for many projects around our property, so I will be keeping an eye out for another “burn pile” to appear! 10. And lastly, what’s the best thing that you ever got used and why? Got a photo? Pam - When I sit here on my used couch in my thrifted sweater, looking at my walls of vintage art, I genuinely think that all these things that have had multiple lives before living here and are now getting used for even longer are the best things I have ever got used. Most recently however, tragedy had struck our home. A stunning Victorian hanging lamp that came with our home fell from the sky and shattered into 1,000,000 pieces, as did my heart. I scoured the internet for a replacement and managed to find one, for $450, totally insane. After six months I was getting ready to make the investment just to have this beautiful part of our home back. Well the universe certainly works in mysterious ways because not even ten minutes after we were chatting about our defeat while perusing at Brimfield did not one but two of these lamps materialize in front of us. And for $50 we were able to replace the globe and all was right on our world again. Chris - Like Pam mentioned, we live in a home furnished and decorated with almost all second-hand items. There is so much more character in vintage tables, chairs, rugs, antique art and repurposed wooden crates as side tables. It’s hard to choose a favorite, as we are finding new (used!) items almost weekly when we are traveling. One item that I’d have to say I’m super stoked to have found recently is a vintage Technics turntable that we scored for $1 at a tag sale! To learn more about Chris and Pam's work and see some amazing photographs of places to stay, head over to The Cabinpedia. To order STAY VOCAL T-Shirts like Chris and Pam are wearing in their profile photo, head over to the STAY VOCAL sho p .

I want you to take a moment right now and clear your head of outside thoughts. Take a deep breath. Now ask yourself, "Do I care more about making more money than I do about other people's survival? Would I still be happy if I made a little less money, but everyone had health care? What if everyone had a place to live and everyone could eat? And what if the planet could survive for future generations? Could I give up some of my excess for that?" If the answer is yes to all of these, reach out to me. Let's work together. Let's set up a sustainability event at your business or school. Let's talk on your podcast or radio show. Let's talk about bringing more reuse into your business or life. Let's talk about how WE can work together to make positive change for our planet and our people. We can't be selfish. We can't do it alone. We're connected citizens of a shared planet. The more we communicate, the more we work together, the more change we can ACTUALLY create. Together, let's escape the waste of a great planet to live on and a beautiful future for generations to come. Like Alison Cove from USEFULL said in a post the other day, " climate change is NOT a political issue." It's an issue of survival; for you, for the planet, and for every single person that you know, including YOU. So, are you in? Suggested Listening: "I'm Surprised You're Surprised" by Company Retreat We're never gonna wake up If we don't start sleeping We're never gonna calm down If we don't stop screaming We'll just keep reopening wounds, And they'll all keep bleeding, And we'll all keep wondering why dark history's always repeating. I'm surprised  your surprised I'm impressed  your impressed I can't believe  you believe  that you're actually  doing your best Cause I see what you see And I've been where  you've been Read all the same stories. So I know how they end. I know how they end. Have we all forgotten  the days When our walls' inscriptions Were still  written in movements And truths  were consistent? Are we all just talking  to talk? Is anyone  still listening? Are we really  the change we want to see? I'm not convinced Or just acting  belligerent. I'm surprised  your surprised I'm impressed  your impressed I can't believe  you believe  that you're actually  doing your best Cause I see what you see And I've been where  you've been Read all the same stories. So I know how they end. I know how they end. We all wind up dead. You're gonna  wind up dead. Everything that you gain you lose. Don't let it include  your head. Everything that you gain you lose. Don't let it include  your head.

This isn't a blog post. This is a serious question that we should all ask ourselves. If you answered yes, please take a look around our website for ways to action. If you answered no, please ask yourself again.

Bridging The Gap Between Trash and Art Supplies I first came across artist Brad Bianchi's work online and seeing that he lived in Pittsburgh, where I had once lived and still stop a lot, I knew that we'd meet. And after an initial meeting and bonding over reuse, coffee and a similar love for 80s pop culture, we started finding ways to work together. We've collaborated on numerous projects over the years like STAY VOCAL T-Shirts, a custom art piece for The REUSE! Box Truck and finding a place for the truck to park when I roll through Pittsburgh! It's always great seeing Brad and his vast array of unique pieces. And I love trying to figure out what materials he used in a piece. You'll experience that below. Enjoy! 1. So, when people visit your galleries, it's clear that you like a few different styles and mediums. The first one that got us collaborating was your "Bradlines" series. How did that come to be and how has it evolved? My line works started when I was around 16. Back in the days of landlines, I would watch both my parents doodle while on the phone. So I started mimicking these patterns and creating my own style. It has evolved in so many ways for me over the years. I have drawn on a wide range of mediums and physical objects. And after years and many miles of lines it has become a meditative practice for me. 2. You also make some really unique sculptures out of used materials that many would deem "trash" or "recyclables." What drew you to those items as mediums? My parents were a huge influence on this side as well. My mom was always finding unique wood furniture pieces being discarded, sometimes needing a restoration and others only needing a good cleaning. One day I decided to turn our old jungle gym into an enclosed treehouse. My dad would bring home surplus and reclaimed lumber from job sites for the transformation. He found me some exotic woods and surplus oak flooring while I was studying furniture design in college and he has continued to this day. I’m a lucky one. 3. What's your favorite used item to find and incorporate into art? And do you have any favorite places to "shop?" I really enjoy finding multiples of an object. Weird, unrecognizable metal pieces and old homemade wood objects are some of my favorite finds. Estate sales are definitely my number one spot to shop. I never know what I could find and it’s so neat getting a glimpse into the tiny basement/garage home workshops of yesterday. Plus most of the items I’m seeking are still there at the end of the sale when prices are at the lowest! 4. So, while I'm certainly a solutions guy, we do have to address the problems. Where do you see the most waste in your daily life? Plastic food and drink packaging without a doubt is the worst. It is one time use and almost everywhere you look when outside. 5. In your personal experience, how do you think recycling has worked and NOT worked as a solution to waste? The recycling process for many items is way too much for our environment. Recycling has given people a false idea of the destruction caused by plastic. I would love to see more aluminum being used as it is the only material that can be recycled without too much damage. 6. How do you think the U.S. could step up the solutions to our waste problem? Have you seen or heard of anything anywhere else? I would like to see it become mandatory for corporations to lessen and make all packaging more reusable. Things like labels that can be easily removed, caps that have other uses such as measuring cups, and anything that can be made compostable. The “cigarette butt disposal polling bins” should be in every place where they accumulate. Sometimes you have to make it a fun game, because those are the number one thing we don’t need scattered across our environment. 7. It's funny. I always tell people that reusing is nothing new. It’s been going on long before we were here. Do you have any memories of your parents or grandparents reusing in unique ways? I have always loved how metal cookie tins have been reused by prior generations. They have held so many things from sewing supplies to screws and keepsakes, and continue being used after 50+ years. 8. Do you have any notable stories about saving money on something because you bought it used instead of new? In 2014, I bought a 1989 Chevy pickup truck for $250. It had over 225,000 miles when I got it. I drove it for 18 months 'til the engine blew and I sold it again for $250. Then about a year or two after that I saw it being sold again on Craigslist. I like to imagine it’s closing in on 500k miles with its 6-7th engine and transmission. 9. Have you ever taken anything out of the recycling bin or trash to reuse somehow or maybe found something on the side of the road? Just about every time I’m near a side of the road I will find some tiny, interesting metal object. I always have an eye out on trash night for some special finds. My partner showed me a floral company dumpster that is always full of half used tea light candles from events. I’ve gathered those a few times and used them with a terracotta pot to create a mini heater in my studio. 10. And lastly, what’s the best thing that you ever got used and why? Got a photo? That is a tough one. The fact that I’ve been able to save many thousands of pounds of objects and materials from a landfill brings me the most joy. I’ve had the opportunity to reuse personal objects in commissions for loved ones of a deceased family member, that’s extra special. I just love the irony in reusing a single use object that was never thought to be an art material. To learn more about Brad, his art , and maybe even hire him for a custom piece, head over to Brad's Instagram gallery here. To order the "Bradlines Cover Up" T-Shirt that Brad is wearing in his profile photo (and that he designed), head over to the STAY VOCAL Shop .

What's an item that you remember used to be reusable, but is not anymore? I was gifted this mug by a friend who found it on the side of the road. I haven't eaten McDonald's in at least 15 years, but I was immediately brought back to childhood when I would go there for breakfast. I remember getting flapjacks in their styrofoam container and if I was with my grandmother or great aunt, they'd get tea in one of these coffee mugs. Over the years, McDonald's saw the waste in styrofoam and changed their food containers. But at the same time, they got rid of reusable coffee mugs in their locations. Waste goes down, but then goes back up. For me, the coffee mug doesn't just represent a vessel for a beverage. It's a sense of comfort and relaxation, especially when eating at an establishment. Taking that away just makes our experiences more fleeting and unmemorable. McDonald's certainly isn't the only company guilty of this. So, I'd love to hear about items that you remember being reusable and memorable, but have since gone away. We need to look backwards with our waste problem, so we can march forward.

You Can't Have a Clean, Safe Ocean Without Less Waste and More Reuse I first met Nancy Downes at Green Road Refill , the eco-refill shop on Cape Cod that I do a lot of work with. With a strangely similar background in living in California and working in the music industry leading to actively trying to make the world a better place, we became fast friends and cohorts. Since then, we've teamed up on a few events, including a virtual coffee chat where I didn't have any coffee to drink! Nancy's work is focused on the ocean, but if there's one thing that has become glaringly obvious around the world, you can't have a clean, safe ocean without less waste and more reuse. 1. So, you work for Oceana, one of the leading Ocean conservation nonprofits. What is the organization all about and what does your role entail? Thanks so much for your interest in Oceana ! Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. The organization campaigns in nine coastal countries and the European Union for science-based policies that stop overfishing, protect habitat, increase transparency, protect our climate, curb plastic pollution, and increase biodiversity. As Field Campaigns Manager in Massachusetts, my work is focused on passing strong (local, state, federal) policies to reduce the production and use of single-use plastics, stop any new offshore oil drilling leases, and reducing threats to the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, including entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with boats. 2. You clearly have a passion for our oceans, as you're an avid surfer too. What drew you to the ocean? My love of the ocean goes back to childhood summers enjoying the beaches of Cape Cod with my family. Long walks along the beaches of Harwich Port with my Mom, bodysurfing the waves of Nauset beach with my Dad, and in my late teen years attending summer camp in Ocean Park, Maine. During a family trip to Hawaii in the early 90’s I signed up for my first surfing lesson at Lahaina Harbor in Maui, and was immediately hooked, and have been surfing ever since. 3. In the surfing world, how much does reuse come into play? The surfing industry could do a lot more to prioritize reuse. Most surfboards are made from (polyurethane) foam, fiberglass cloth and resin with a surprising amount of waste generated in the production process (offcuts of fiberglass, excess tape and resin, stir sticks, foam dust, etc.) Wetsuits are primarily made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber. There are a handful of thought-leaders in the surfing industry leading the way to research and develop more environmental and sustainable / zero-waste solutions. This includes recycling EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam blanks and running excess plastic waste through high density plastic shredders to be recycled back into the board manufacturing process. Some wetsuit manufacturers are exploring petroleum-free rubber alternatives (natural rubber and limestone neoprene) and repurposing recycled PET plastics into the inner linings of wetsuits, as some examples of reuse. 4. So, while I'm certainly a solutions guy, we do have to address the problems. Where do you see the most waste in your daily life? Hands down, the most waste I see in my day-to-day life is in excess plastic packaging. From food items commonly purchased at the grocery store, to the ways items are packaged and shipped from online retailers, we tend to over-package just about everything. There are certain fruits and vegetables that come with their own natural wrapping (bananas, oranges) yet we often see these items individually wrapped or bundled in plastic bags. Online retailers will sell items wrapped in plastic, sometimes double wrapped, then surrounded by excessive plastic peanuts or air bags, often bundled in another shipping (“jiffy”) bag or oversized box that does not get reused or recycled. 5. In your personal experience, how do you think recycling has worked and NOT worked as a solution to waste? Recycling does not appear to be working, according to most studies around the world. As plastic pollution became a more noticeable problem in the late 70’s into the 1980’s (my teen years), recycling was sold to us as a solution by the plastics industry (we all remember the crying native American Indian commercial – paid for by Keep America Beautiful, founded and funded by Coca-Cola and PepsiCo), putting the responsibility of cleaning up plastic waste back on to the consumer vs. the producers. 6. How do you think the U.S. could step up the solutions to our waste problem? Have you seen or heard of anything anywhere else? The US / Federal Government needs to pass strong policies that would significantly reduce the production and use of single-use plastics. Some countries have successfully passed strong policies regulating plastic packaging & plastic bags, and have significantly reduced plastic pollution (Ex: Rwanda, Kenya, Iceland, Sweden). Not surprisingly, island nations with limited resources and limited space for landfills and-or limited funds for waste management infrastructure tend to lead the way. 7. It's funny. I always tell people that reusing is nothing new. It’s been going on long before we were here. Do you have any memories of your parents or grandparents reusing in unique ways? My grandparents had a house in Shrewsbury, MA and I have vivid memories as a child of the milk man delivering milk in glass bottles to the back door. My grandmother would scoop the thick cream off the top of the bottles to make butter, and used bottles would be put back in the metal crate outside for the milk man to take back for refilling. My grandfather took old canning jars and screwed the cap of the jars to the wooden rafters in the basement, and he would fill the glass jars with used nails, screws, nuts, bolts and other mechanical fasteners and hardware to be reused around the house on future projects. We also had a monthly delivery of potato chips from Charles Chips, which came in a metal tin, and we would return the old tin upon receiving the next delivery. 8. Do you have any notable stories about saving money on something because you bought it used instead of new? I wish I had a calculator that could tell me the total amount of money saved by buying used items vs. new… it would probably be a LOT of money saved! I’ll share a more recent proud moment, where I purchased a used painting from a local thrift store for $10 and repainted the canvas to make my very own Jackson Pollock knock-off of “Summertime 9A” for my mid-century modern living room. 9. Have you ever taken anything out of the recycling bin or trash to reuse somehow or maybe found something on the side of the road? Absolutely! I have no problem with dumpster-diving to save a perfectly good item from ending up in the landfill. My neighbors constantly throw away brand-new cardboard boxes that I reuse for storage or shipping items, and garden or patio items that I have repurposed in my own garden. Numerous furniture items in my home come from Facebook marketplace, yard sales, or thrift stores. 10. And lastly, what’s the best thing that you ever got used and why? Got a photo? The BEST thing, by far, is “Big Blue”, my 9’8” Dive ‘n Surf longboard that I bought used from a former boss when I worked at Surfrider Foundation . I think I paid $80 for that surfboard and have created over a decade of amazing surfing memories on that board. I also have a few cherished pieces of jewelry handed down from my mother and grandmother… and of course, a STAY VOCAL T-Shirt from you! 😊 To learn more about Nancy, Oceana, and see more surfing photos of her, head over to Nancy's Instagram here. To order the "713" T-Shirt that Nancy is wearing in her profile photo, head over to the STAY VOCAL Shop .

As many people have been talking about their kids going back to school, it got me thinking about all of the new stuff people buy. I looked up some recent info and according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics' annual survey , families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, electronics and school supplies. For most families, that's A LOT of money. But it doesn't have to be nearly that much. And as someone who hasn't bought "new" clothes, shoes, or electronics in over 16 years, I know there are a lot of options out there. But hey, I vividly remember the fun of Back to School shopping. I'd go with my mom to places like Marshalls, Caldor and Hardcorps Surf & Skate. It was exciting to have something new and different. But "new" doesn't have to mean "brand new." There are plenty of things out there that can be new to a person, but they don't have to be new to the planet. And those things can bring you the same good feelings, and they can surely save you money as you will see below. Also, yes, I'm aware that school starts real soon for most and I know some people have started already. But I also remember waiting until the last minute to buy school supplies because of camps, vacations, etc. Alright. I hope you enjoy the list. And let me know in the comments if you end up choosing any of these solutions and the benefits you got. Cheers! KEY FOR BELOW (👤) Benefits the People - can still fit your interests and tastes, custom, personalized, fun (🌎) Benfits the Planet - save resources, keep items out of the landfill (💰) Benefits the Wallet - save money 1. Backpacks  (🌎 💰) - Now, this is probably the thing that most kids would be OK with using from last year, which is obviously the best way to reuse. But there are plenty of other options. Here are over 230,000 pre-owned backpack options on eBay alone. On the higher end of things, Alchemy Goods is a company that I had a booth next to once. They make great bags out of advertising banners and bike tires! And be sure to check your local thrift store. They always have some. 2. Books (🌎 💰) - Books are less common now than when I was in school, but they're always going to play some role in education, especially for college students. And books are a huge problem, as many people buy them brand new only to read once and many thrift stores don't even take them. Used books are almost always a fraction of the cost too. Half Price Books is a great resource to find books online and at one of their many brick and morter stores. Other places to look online are eBay and ThriftBooks . There are plenty of local used book stores out there too, so be sure to check your area. 3. Book Covers  (👤 🌎 💰) - It's funny. I didn't think book covers were still a thing with so much on computers, but then I talked to my friend Rachael with 3 sons and she let me know it's definitely a thing. She sent me this great video tutorial to make them out of paper bags, just like I did as a kid. And the great thing with that is you can decorate them however you want. Instead of looking at a boring text book image, you kid can see their artwork, favorite athletes or musicians. Now, if you're like me and don't ever get paper bags, you probably know someone with a collection in their house or could even get some at the recycling center. Thanks to Welcome To Nanas for letting us use her video. Check out her site for more kids crafts and reuse projects. You'll find her at https://WelcomeToNanas.com . 4. Bookmarks (👤 🌎 💰) - This is one of those things that I can't understand ever spending any money on. But I know it's nice to have something that fits your interest or style. Start by looking around your house or room. You could use anything from a birthday card to a trading card. If you want a custom one, you can decorate a piece of scrap card stock and attach a string. Just type "upcycled bookmark ideas" into an image search and you're bound to find something that strikes a chord. 5. Clothing (👤 🌎 💰) - This one is probably the most obvious and fortunately, most practiced these days. Buying used clothing for kids, especially as they are younger and grow so fast, just makes a whole lot of sense. And there are endless ways to find the clothes they want; whether it's hand me downs from friends and family, thrift stores , or online outlets . With my apparel brand STAY VOCAL, I offer an entire line of 1 of a Kind Reuse T-Shirts , so kids could go to school with a shirt that nobody else in the world has. 6. Ear Pods / Headphones   (👤 🌎 💰) - This may sound a little gross at first, but there are always disinfectants and you can find many options that are certified refurbished with warranties. These are certainly harder to find in the wild at thrift stores, but here are over 1,000 options on eBay. 7. Laptops (🌎 💰) - You can save hundreds of dollars buying a pre-owned laptop. And just like with the headphones, you can find a ton that are certified refurbished with warranties. Here's a list of over 3500 certified refurbished laptops on eBay . In many cases, you'll also be supporting a small USA based business, who focuses on repair and helps keeps things out of our landfill. Apple also has an entire section of certfieid refurbished laptops and other electronics . 8. Lunch bags (👤 🌎 💰) - Fortunately, bringing a reusable lunch container is popular again, but you don't have to spend a lot of money on a brand new one. Here's over 6000 pre-owned lunch bag options on eBay alone. And if you have a kid who is really into vintage 80s or 90s things, you could always opt for a vintage lunchbox. Here's over 15,000 options for that! 9. Notebooks, Sketch Pads. etc. (👤 🌎) - Notebooks are one of those things that understandably you might not want to buy used, but first I would recommend checking to see what you have leftover from last year. It's amazing how many half used notebooks I found while sorting out some school things a few years ago. If money is less of an issue here and you want something with more style, you can find some totally unique upcycled notebooks made from book covers, game boards, videtape boxes and more on etsy . 10. Pencil Cases (👤 🌎 💰) - The most inexpensive and personalized option here would be to find a durable box or container around the house and decorate it with stickers, drawings, words, etc. But if there is something specific in mind, you don't have to spend a lot of money on a brand new one. Here's around 5000 pre-owned pencil case options on eBay  alone. And if you're really feeling crafty, below is a tutorial on making an awesome looking case out of scrap cardboard. 11. Sneakers (👤 🌎 💰) - Ah yes... sneakers. It's been a thing and continues to be a thing. But like with clothing, people's tastes for sneakers come and go. There are some great online resources for sneakers these days like Grailed and Poshmark . And here are over 2 million pre-owned sneaker options on eBay . Yes... 2 million. And be sure to check your local thrift store. I've found so many great pairs of sneakers for under $10 at thrift stores over the years and sometimes they don't even look worn. 12. Writing Utensils (🌎 💰) - Before you go and buy a bunch of writing utensils, be sure to check around the house. This is how people end up with clogged junk drawers in desks and kitchens. And if you're lucky enough to have a creative reuse store in your area, they surely have some things for you and super cheap. I got a bunch of like-new sharpies at one recently for 25 cents each.

How the Freedom and Fun of Skateboarding Planted a Mental Seed Nick Zaremba grew up in the town next to my hometown and through our mutual friend Tom, we became friends who bonded over skateboarding and music. And like Tom, Nick also ended up working at Goodwin Graphics, the screen printing shop that has been printing my shirts since 1998. After college, we ventured off in separate ways, but with both of us finding the value and fun in reusing, we reconnected in the late 2000s. We ended up collaborating on the STAY VOCAL "Castle Guard" T-Shirt, for anyone who remembers that. I was honored, as Nick has collaborated with the likes of Converse, Pepsi, and Vans! I've always admired his work and the smiles they bring to so many faces; certainly including my own. And after this interview, I realized we had a more similar back story and appreciation for reuse than I thought. 1. Over the years, you have dabbled in so many mediums, but one thing that has always been evident to me is fun. Why is that a core component of your art? Fun, whimsy, playfulness, connection, sweetness - these are all words viewers describe my art's vibe as for which I reply - exactly. It is a component of my art because my art is how I process my feelings and what bubbles to the top is the pureness of my essence. I want to look at things that are sweet and feel playful and make me, as the maker, smile. If others can see that come through then I'm happy to hear it. We have enough non-happy/fun/sweet things adnoseum saturating our psyches everyday and everywhere we look and I don't want to focus on that at all.  2. Like me, you grew up in the skateboard scene on the South Shore in Massachusetts. How do you think our small group (and skateboarding in general) inspired you? Now at 44 years old and as a father as well, I find myself really reflecting on the past chapters of my life and what ingredients really stand out. Skateboarding is one such ingredient. I skated from about 9 to 21. At 21, I severely broke my right leg and had to have pins and plates in for me to resume walking. It took months and months of healing and physical therapy and quickly realized at 22 I couldn't even roll anymore because the vibrations and lack of fluidity in my lower leg joints were immediately triggered. So all that being said, skateboarding was freedom, no phone, no wallet, no keys clogging up my pockets. My shoes, tee, jeans, and board was all I needed to just be away, mentally and physically. I learned my basic trick portfolio and after that just approached it in a jazzy free form way.  I loved it. My friends who I skated with are still my friends today and I am grateful for that. A lot of my personal ethos came from the culture of it as well. It was intertwined with my music and subsequent discovery of new types of it. As an artist, it also taught me a new visual perspective on texture, detail, field of vision as well as the obvious sticker, board, print ad, and video properties of it. 3. Some of your pieces are made on found materials. What's your favorite used item to find and incorporate into art? Honestly, my main ingredient is paint. I would say about 95% of the paint I have ever used, since I was in my teens and still to this day is "oops paint": mistake paints from the paint department of any place that sells paint. It is mistake paint that the customers did not like so they returned it due to the color being off and then the store puts it out on a rack for a super, super low price. Every store that sells paint that I go into - I go straight to this section. The colors are always very interesting and I always score! The best part of this is that it's all by chance and since chance is random, I really love the base line of that to them be mixed up with intuition and spontaneity to create works. 4. So, while I'm certainly a solutions guy, we do have to address the problems. Where do you see the most waste in your daily life? The most waste I see would have to be from the food industry. The food packaging even for take out food is ridiculous. The amount of napkins given out for a donut is ridiculous, for example, a sheet, bag, and 5 napkins. Of course there is also single use plastic water bottles is up there as well. Also one thing that really bothers me, is the use of styrofoam, how is this still being produced? 5. In your personal experience, how do you think recycling has worked and NOT worked as a solution to waste? I am still concerned about the topic of recycling; sometimes skeptical. I say this because my trash pick up shows up with one truck and you separate out your garbage from recyclables and put them in separate containers. I watch them pick it up and both bags get thrown in the same truck and squished together. How is it that recycling takes place? I asked the guy once and he told me they separate it all at the plant. Well, I know business and there is no way they employ people just to separate it out. The man hours to do that would be way too much. Also, when I lived in NYC, I noticed one time, trash bins in public that had two holes in the top -one for recycling and one for garbage- and they both led to the same hole underneath? 6. How do you think the U.S. could step up the solutions to our waste problem? Have you seen or heard of anything anywhere else? I was reading recently that scientists discovered some sort of insects that feed and eat on plastics and this seemed like the future to me. I do think that incentivizing recycling is key to help. Where I live, alcohol nips are a huge source of refuse everywhere in nature. I saw recently that package stores were now offering incentives if you bring in found nips to recycle which I thought was a really great idea. 7. It's funny. I always tell people that reusing is nothing new. It’s been going on long before we were here. Do you have any memories of your parents or grandparents reusing in unique ways? Funny you bring this up. When I lived in the city when I was younger, my mother started a city wide recycling program at the local transfer station. It was highly successful and she was even given recognition by the mayor at the time. I remember going with her and helping people transfer their recyclables to certain bins, etc, on my days off helping her. I also remember doing initiatives similarly when I was in Boy Scouts. 8. Do you have any notable stories about saving money on something because you bought it used instead of new?  Yes, I do. One of my best buys was the time I bought my best skateboard off an older skater in my school at the time. I didn't have much money and his board was just very scratched up. He offered it to me for a low price and when I bought it I was so happy. That board is the one I learned the most tricks on at the time and lasted a while. 9. Have you ever taken anything out of the recycling bin or trash to reuse somehow or maybe found something on the side of the road? In my own house, when I have plastic waste, it barely ever reaches my bin because I always come up with a way to reuse plastics. They are reused as paint trays and paint holders. Also, I am the green thumb and plant daddy of my house, so a lot of seed starters are made from small containers and such. My wife and I are big thrifters and so we are always buying up old cotton wares people discard due to stains and such and she upcycles them for her natural dye clothing company NortheastDyeworks.com . 10. And lastly, what’s the best thing that you ever got used why? Got a photo? Oh man, this is a really tough one to answer as a person who has always hunted at flea markets and thrift stores throughout my life. I have so many great valued items in my possession that are treasured but are totally used. I guess maybe my first used car. It was from a neighbor up the street when I was 16. It was such a big deal to me and the owners really made me feel good about it going to me after all they used it for and after they treated it so well in their possession. That car got me very far in life at the time, from finishing high school to commuting to college to being my refuge when I was feeling low to enjoying trips with friends. I miss that car! To learn more about Nick, his art, and maybe even hire him for a custom mural, head over to the World of Nick Zaremba here. To order a One of a Kind REUSE! T-Shirts like Nick is wearing in his profile photo, head over to the STAY VOCAL One of a Kind Gallery .

Providing a Community Hub for Creativity, Education, and Sustainability Coincidentally enough, this week marks 10 years since I first met Jennifer O'Brien in Austin, Texas at ReuseConex, the International Reuse Conference & Expo. Four years later, we sat a table together at the conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. And it was there that I witnessed first-hand her enthusiasm for creative reuse. During talks, she and her colleague crafted a collection of bracelets made with scrap T-Shirts. (I still have my navy and orange one in the box truck.) That was unfortunately the last ReuseConex conference, but our connecting continued, as our passions for reuse education are very much aligned. Our first collaboration in 2020 was a Florida themed REUSE! T-Shirt that has since been printed multiple times. And I'm excited to say that she will be hosting a screening and Q&A of The Box Truck Film in early 2025. So, let's learn what Jennifer and her creative reuse center are all about. 1. So, you're the executive director of a non-profit creative reuse center called Resource Depot. For those who have not experienced such a unique place, tell us about it. Resource Depot is an incredible hub for creativity and sustainability right here in West Palm Beach. We take materials that would otherwise be thrown away and give them a new life by providing them to artists, educators, and the community at large. It's a place where imagination runs wild, and everyone is encouraged to think differently about waste and resources. Whether you’re looking for art supplies, teaching materials, or just a little inspiration, you’ll find it here. 2. What kind of people visit Resource Depot? We see a wonderful mix of people at Resource Depot. Artists, teachers, parents, students, and eco-conscious community members all come through our doors. Each person brings their unique perspective and creativity, making our community vibrant and diverse. It’s always exciting to see what people create with the materials they find here. 3. Which benefits of reuse do you think your customers enjoy the most? Our customers love the sense of discovery and the satisfaction that comes from giving new life to old materials. There’s something very rewarding about finding a unique item and transforming it into something beautiful or useful. Plus, they appreciate the environmental impact—knowing they’re helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. They love our programming too – nowhere else is presenting such creative ways to reuse in arts and education and we show it’s not only necessary – it’s possible for all! 4. So, while I'm certainly a solutions guy, we do have to address the problems. Where do you see the most waste in your daily life? Food packaging waste is a big one. Every day, I see so much single-use plastic and unnecessary packaging that could easily be avoided. As a consumer, I often feel like I don't have an option, especially at the grocery store. It's frustrating because there are simple alternatives that could make a huge difference if more people embraced them. For example, the food I’m buying wasn’t grown needing that wrapper or cellophane—like our Florida oranges packaged on a Styrofoam tray wrapped in cellophane! It’s absurd and completely avoidable. 5. In your personal experience, how do you think recycling has worked and NOT worked as a solution to waste? Recycling is great in theory, but in practice, it has its limitations. It's important, but it’s not the whole solution. For one, not everything can be recycled, and even recyclable items often don’t end up being recycled properly. Contamination is a big issue. We need more focus on reducing and reusing first, and then recycling as a last step. I also believe that recycling is still using to toss…the bins just are a little different. We should be focusing on reducing our waste not just feeling we are doing our part by over-consuming certain items simply because they are recyclable or have been made from recycled materials. 6. How do you think the U.S. could step up the solutions to our waste problem? Have you seen or heard of anything anywhere else? We need stronger policies and incentives for reducing waste and promoting reuse from the manufacturers. When there is accountability and responsibility, I believe we will see some impactful changes. Education is also key - people need to understand the impact of their choices and how they can make a positive change. I was recently in Iceland and was amazed by how the typical single-use plastic products us Americans are accustomed to were just not present. In fact, if you wanted to take food to go, you had to purchase the to go container as well! I feel that if people would have to recognize and absorb the cost – both monetary and environmental – at the register, there would be a positive shift away from such unnecessary wasteful “convenience” and we would find out that the alternatives are not that inconvenient at all – especially in the long run when it comes to the health of our planet. 7. It's funny. I always tell people that reusing is nothing new. It’s been going on long before we were here. Do you have any memories of your parents or grandparents reusing in unique ways? Absolutely! My grandmother was the queen of reuse. She would save every scrap of fabric, every button, and every glass jar. She made beautiful quilts from old clothes and used jars for canning and storage. It’s amazing how resourceful previous generations were, and we can definitely learn from them. My parents also instilled this same resourcefulness in me as a child. Reusing and repurposing - or making from scraps was not unusual. Hand-me-downs were common. The dishes I would eat on as a child were passed down in the family. In fact, I’m sure my parents still have that plastic Pizza Hut drink pitcher I won in 3rd grade from reading so many books in the Book It! Program (if you know, you know). 8. Do you have any notable stories about saving money on something because you bought it used instead of new? Oh, definitely. I have only ever had used cars – and I have to say that has saved me a whole lot of money over the years. Buying a new car means paying a premium for the latest model, but a used car that's been well-maintained can be just as reliable and cost a fraction of the price. One more example is my wardrobe. I enjoy fashion but avoid the high price tags by shopping at thrift stores and consignment stores. I’ve found designer clothes and accessories for a fraction of the original price. Not only do I save money, but I also end up with unique pieces that you can’t find in regular stores. The hunt is part of the fun! I think here in South Florida, there’s a huge emphasis on the car you drive, the clothes you wear, and even the house you live in. By choosing not to measure my worth by these societal status symbols, I find more happiness with the things I have and the life I lead. It’s really about what brings me joy, not the price tag. 9. Have you ever taken anything out of the recycling bin or trash to reuse somehow or maybe found something on the side of the road? I’ve definitely rescued items from the trash! One time, I found a broken room divider screen on the curb. It was a bit battered and needed some new hardware. Plus, the fabric was hideous and not my style at all. With some cleaning, refurbishing, and a touch of paint, the frame came back to life. I found the perfect replacement fabric in the form of macrame table runners, which I attached to the frame. Now, it sits in my home office as a creative backdrop for Zoom calls, perfect for hiding my unmade bed or piles of laundry. 10. And lastly, what’s the best thing that you ever got used and why? Got a photo? The best thing I ever got used is probably an old vintage sign that reads “Antiques Made Daily” and it hands as the focal point in our living room. The patina could never be recreated with a new, “store bought” item and I love the irony of the entire piece. To learn more about Jennifer and Resource Depot, head over to the Resource Depot website here. To order a REUSE! T-Shirt like Jennifer is wearing in her profile photo, check out the STAY VOCAL REUSE! collection .

When I saw this store display of collectible toys, all I could think was, "Do we need to make collectibles for everything? Do we need every character and athlete? Do we need every version of every thing?" I went down a rabbit hole of thoughts. I think that we really need to ask ourselves, "Are we collaborating just to make more money by making more stuff? Are we making these things simply because we can?" But collaborating doesn't have to be like that. I'm a strong believer in collaborating. I do it with my brand, my website, my films, etc. It's fun. It makes promoting easier. It widens an audience or customer base. And it does help people earn a living, but the thing about collaborating is that we don't have to do it just for money. We have the power to collaborate to make a positive impact. Maybe you can collaborate with ReturnMyCup to bring more reuse into your community. Maybe you can collaborate with Habitat for Humanity to build houses with used building materials. Maybe you can collaborate with me and STAY VOCAL on a custom shirt. Maybe you can collaborate with a thrift store to make shirts for a 1-day event. Maybe you can collaborate with an artisan like Justin LaRose to make unique reclaimed wooden items from broken skateboards. There are endless options out there. I say this all the time, but we're all in the together. And the biggest collaboration of them all is collaborating for the planet. It's not all about money. That's a temporary fix. We need a long lasting fix. I read a great quote from Seth Godin this week: " Become the ancestor you’d like to thank." Maybe just having one version of something is enough. Maybe making investments into the future is better than making more things for others to deal with in the future.

8 Distracting (But Positively Impacting) Things to do on Voting Day, Instead of Hitting Refresh Put your phone away. Get a drink at a local cafe in a reusable cup and go for a walk. Walk in your neighborhood and collect trash and recyclables. Talk to a neighbor and see if there’s anything you can barter. Find something in a recycling bin to make a craft project with. Buy a used record from a local shop and listen to it. Go through your wardrobe and donate some used clothing. Buy a used movie at a thrift store and watch it.