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Reuse It, Repurpose It & Restore It, Kansas City

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As we raise the next generation to think more about the world around us and to take care of its resources, one of the simplest and most fun ways to “go green” is to develop a habit of repurposing and reusing things that cannot be recycled or could serve a new and useful purpose before they are. These local places make it easier than ever before to reuse it, repurpose it and restore it!

Habitat ReStore

“A creative mind sees every pile of junk as a jigsaw puzzle.” ~ unknown

Did you know Habitat for Humanity is about more than building houses for those in need? Taking things a step further, they have set up Habitat ReStore shops, selling remodeling materials that would otherwise be discarded. Donated materials—everything from hardware, tile and carpet to the proverbial kitchen sink and furnishings—are sold at a fraction of retail. This is a great way to buy inexpensive materials and reuse supplies that may otherwise wind up in a landfill. Plus, the proceeds also benefit local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to fund the construction of Habitat homes within the community. Good for the budget, good for the environment and a good cause for the community! Truly a win-win-win!

There are four ReStore locations in the Metro. This is a Pinterest fanatic’s dream store! All those pallet projects, door swings and beautifully decorated walls of knobs? You’ll find your supplies at Habitat ReStore. If you're working on a home project, you'll find paint, carpet squares, tile, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, hardware, some countertops, windows, doors and much more. The catch is that the store is stocked completely from donations, so you never know what you'll find. But you know the saying: "One man's trash is another man's treasure." TIP: Watch the Habitat ReStore Kansas City Facebook pages for photos of some items and inventory... you'll find truly unique and inspiring treasures.

In addition to selling materials, the stores also offer classes. You will find Inspired Pallet classes (for tips on all those great Pinterest pallet ideas!), glass, tile, windows and woodworking. Simply visit www.RestoreKC.org for details.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Kaleidoscope

“The important thing is to create” ~ Pablo Picasso

Your kids are crafty, but you are not. Sound familiar? Or maybe you’re simply in need of some fresh inspiration beyond the coloring book. Hallmark (headquartered in Kansas City) has created the ultimate children’s fantasy art center, and they supply materials for Kaleidoscope from the “scraps” left over from their product manufacturing. Shape punch-outs, ribbons and other materials that might otherwise make it to the trash pile are saved and provided as inspiration for kids to create. Kaleidoscope offers free walk-in sessions for all ages (see www.HallmarkKaleidoscope.com, 2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.274.8300).  Children love Kaleidoscope, where creativity and imagination play in a magical hands-on world where youngsters create masterpieces with super cool, super fun supplies, in a super amazing atmosphere—all thanks to Hallmark. This is truly one of Kansas City's BEST family-friendly attractions!

Local Nature Centers & Gardens

“Of all the questions which can come before this nation, short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great war, there is none which compares in importance with the great central task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants than it is for us.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Truly the embodiment of conservation education, Kansas City’s local nature centers all offer educational exhibits on nature and conservation, as well as a plethora of classes. Programs teach about wildlife, plants, fishing and nature, but more than that, local nature centers offer classes on making projects with natural and recycled materials and projects that benefit the earth. For instance, rain barrel projects, bird houses and feeders and terrariums are just a few of the classes offered. Visit local nature center websites or call for current schedules.

Missouri Nature Centers & Gardens

Kansas Nature Centers

Urban Mining

“The world’s junk is a creative man’s treasure.” ~ unknown

Do you love the idea of furnishing your home with repurposed pieces, but you’re not one to break out the tools and do it yourself?

In the heart of Midtown, one of Kansas City’s truly green businesses, Urban Mining, is dedicated to hand-created, repurposed, recycled and renewed pieces, thanks to a team of more than 30 creative entrepreneurs. The vintage market sells furniture, decor, gifts, textiles, architectural elements, antiques and collectibles.  Boasting that their inventory is 99 percent recycled, repurposed and renewed, they offer shoppers a great way to support a local business, find a great treasure and minimize waste. The shop maintains unique hours, open only for the four-day weekend with the first Friday of each month. The shop is dedicated to going green in every facet of their business, and they hope to inspire their customers to do the same.

Kristina Light dedicates this story to the memory of her mentor and friend Evelyn Bartlow, a leader in conservation in Kansas City, who taught generations of Girl Scouts to take care of our planet. The local council’s conservation award is named in her honor.

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