I read with interest the report on Elwyn Thom’s successful business in re-directing furniture from the landfill! If anyone in our fair county would know people who are keen on and capable of re-inventing items destined for the dump it would be the owner of Our Story, Kevin September. Our Story is a gallery on George St. in Stratford that sells artistic, unique and quirky items (often upcycled items) from local makers and artists in our area. If anyone is upcycling in Perth County, Kevin will know them. He is very well connected.
Along the same lines, I have for some time wished that we had our own version of the popular UK TV show Money For Nothing. I am very hooked on this show. In every episode 3 items are rescued from ending up in the dump (win #1). Each item is given to a local ‘maker’ who is paid (win #2) to turn it into something fresh and updated to re-sell for a profit , providing the purchaser — local shops and businesses — a way of being featured on the show (win #3). The profit is given back to the person who was throwing the item away, (win # 4) but they typically donate the money to a local charity (win # 5). And everyone is educated about reducing their trash footprint (win # 6). All in all a Winning combination!
Wouldn’t it be exciting if we could come up with an Ontario version of this show ! And wouldn’t it be great if Ballinran Entertainment in Stratford were up for the challenge! Since City of Stratford is already forward thinking in an upcycling way with Treasure Hunt Weekends. They may make accessing items at the landfill possible . Or the items could just come from Treasure Hunt Weekend ‘finds’.
Of course we know that Stratford Public Library would be all over this kind of theme! They would come up with amazing ways to involve the whole community of all ages! Two of my favourite children’s books related to this are:
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Junk Day on Juniper Street by Lilian Moore
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Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman
I am sure that Gallery Stratford would also develop kids programs to fit in. Children’s outdoor sculptures (made from recycled household waste) – beautiful and artistic – have been tucked away among the trees to surprise and delight visitors and passersby on the trail for years! They are very weather worn by now. Time for some new outdoor art!
Just sharing a few thoughts. Thank you Perth County Sustainability Hub for keeping us connected and informed !