The re-use store at BGSU: What’s Old is New Again!

Dr. Nick HennessySustainability Coordinator

Office of Campus SustainabilityCampus Operations

BGSU

The Idea A re-use store/concept was on a “some

day” list of initiatives ENVS major sought out internship to

create “business plan” Art major sought out internship to create

“brands manual” Both students received academic credit

through their internships

The Idea becomes a Concept

“Business Plan” created (Fall semester, 2010) “Project (re) store

“Brand” created (Fall semester, 2010) The quest for space, source of inventory,

displays, etc. Begins (early spring semester, 2011)

“Brands Manual”

What is the Concept? (All contained in Business Plan)

“BGSU’s Sustainability & Reuse Store” Mission/Goals Planned & Perceived Obsolescence Store Policies/store description “Swappable” Items Industry research Finances & Projections Proposed order of tasks Image and “Strategy” of appealing to students Generation “Y”

Mission “To provide an ongoing “swap

meet” service that promotes campus sustainability and student learning about sustainability, by encouraging students to re-use items instead of purchasing new ones.”

Re-use component All items in the store, including all

decorations and furnishings as well as inventory are to be completely re-used.

No new objects to be purchased in the creation of Project (re) store.

“We intend to promote sustainability in every aspect of our business.”

Implementation

How to do all this on a budget of zero? No..really..I mean zero….

Collaborations! Staffing Replenishing inventory Day to day policies

The Store -Collaborations BGSU Dining & Residence Life “donate” space,

and shelving/displays, laundry facilities, lighting Campus Operations provides carpet/door

security, etc.

The “Stuff” – Source of Inventory

“Starter” inventory was from Office of Sustainability end of year “WYMO” program

More stuff

Policies – How do students get “stuff”?

Swapping: Bring something you don’t want; trade for something you do want;

Donation: If you don’t have something to trade, make a cash donation for something you want

Freecycle: Many items are free, due to the number we have in inventory: Binders, folders, school supplies, paper, books.

Donations of any items are always welcome and accepted!

Store hours and staffing Spring semester, 2 days a week “pilot” for a

couple hours each day; Fall, 2011, M, W, F from 12pm to 3pm All staffing is volunteer Lead coordinator is on internship

The Reaction - Results As word gets out…POSITIVE! Very diverse clientele MANY repeat customers/”regulars” MANY start off conversation with…”so

what is this….?” Volunteers learn the “art of swapping”, fair

transactions, etc. Anywhere from 10 to 30 transactions per

day (a 3 hour shift)

Happy Shoppers!

What do Students Want? Answer: ANYTHING! Clothes, shoes, especially BG and other

schools HATS are a HUGE attraction Stuff for costumes/art supplies Gifts for others Games/toys/school supplies/DVDs Laundry baskets/alarm clocks/ Sporting goods

More shoppers…

Currently, about 75% swap, 25% make donation or take freecycle

stuff

Plans Special promotions (holidays, move-in,

etc. “sidewalk sales”, clothing swaps); Feature some hand-made items from

students, staff, or community Passive educational displays –

collaboration with student environmental groups; availability of information on projects and involvement in sustainability

Collaboration with hall councils and other interested groups

Questions?