There is a growing movement in America to reduce single use items and find ways that people can repurpose those items rather than simply throw them away. The term “rePurpose” has become a significant movement on Whidbey Island.
Joan Green and Derek Hoshiko founded the rePurpose program on Whidbey that currently has 326 members. Interest in participating in this program is continuing to grow. The two of them want to move the Whidbey community to zero waste. Joan is an artist who was aware of how many items were thrown away rather than being used in some other way. Derek has been an organizer with For The People for 20 years, where he has managed groups of volunteers, activists, and entrepreneurs. After years of personal practice reducing waste in his household, Derek is excited to extend his knowledge and practice to Repurpose and with the Whidbey Island community.
The rePurpose center is located at 724 Camano Avenue in Langley. There is a $25 monthly membership fee that entitles the member to fill a large big blue bag provided by Repurpose every month and drop off any materials they want to see reused or repurposed:
- One free reusable dishware rental per year for up to 30 people
- Easy access to rePurpose community events
- Discounts on future rePurpose offerings as they are released.
- Sustaining member $75 per month. Drop off up to three bags of reusable or hard-to-recycle items per month, plus the benefits listed above.
- Established member $45 per month
There are over 75 volunteers who help to sort the materials. The Repurpose Center is open 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Children are welcome to come visit the Repurpose Center during this time. Children often find items at the center that they want to repurpose.
The grand opening of the center was on Earth Day, April 22.
People can become a member by visiting their website www.repurposewhidbey.org.
