Reuse It, Repurpose It & Restore It, Kansas City
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 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, and they are a Pinterest fanatic’s dream! 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!), as well as ones on glass, tile, windows and woodworking. Simply visit HabitatKC.org for locations.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
- East Bottoms: 4701 Deramus Ave., Kansas City, MO 64120
- Johnson County: 8722 Santa Fe, Overland Park 66212
- Martin City: 13531 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MO 64145
- Northland: 8516 N. Oak Trfwy, Kansas City, MO 64155
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
- Powell Gardens: 1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, 816.697.2600
- Burr Oak Woods: 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, 816.228.3766
- Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center: 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, 816.759.7300
- George Owens Nature Park: 1601 S. Speck Rd., Independence, 816.325.7115
- Kemper Outdoor Educational Center: 8201 Jasper Bell, Blue Springs, 816.229.8980
- Lakeside Nature Center: 4701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, 816.513.8960
- Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Center: 407 N. Lafrenz Rd., Liberty, 816.781.8598
- Burroughs Audobon Nature Center: 7300 W. Park Rd., Blue Springs, 816.795.8177
- Cave Spring Nature Center: 8701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, 816.358.CAVE
- Parkville Nature Sanctuary: 12th & East streets, Parkville, 816.741.7676
Kansas Nature Centers
- Ernie Miller Nature Center: 909 N. Hwy. 7, Olathe, 913.764.7759
- F.L. Schlagle Nature Library: 4501 West Dr., Wyandotte County Lake Park, Kansas City, 913.299.2384
- John Barkley Visitor Center: 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, 913.888.4713
- Prairie Park Nature Center: 2730 Harper St., Lawrence, 785.832.7980
- Prairie Oak Nature Center: 14701 Mission Rd., Leawood, 913.681.0902
- Overland Park Arboretum: 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, 913.685.3604
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 (3111 Gilham, Kansas City, MO, 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 the planet. The local council’s conservation award is named in her honor.