Utica Creative Reuse is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting creativity, community, and environmental stewardship in Central New York.  

Our mission is to divert usable materials from the waste stream and advance access to arts education in CNY. Proceeds from our thrift store support accessible and inclusive arts programming for all, empowering our community to connect through creativity.

We are committed to being a catalyst for equity, diversity, and sustainability in the arts by fostering an inclusive space for creativity, education, and dialogue. We are dedicated to inspiring people of all ages and abilities to embrace sustainable practices and build cross-cultural connections, working together towards a more resilient community.

What is creative reuse?

Creative reuse centers are facilities that collect donated materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill and resell them to the community, as part of a circular economy model. Proceeds from the resale of these goods will help fund our arts programming where we will supply free creative materials and workshops to the community, providing low-barrier access to arts materials, education, and a community space for artists of all ages and abilities to connect and create. 

There are numerous facilities of this nature across the country; however, this would be the first of this kind in Utica. While the size, structure, and community benefit of creative reuse centers does vary, creative reuse centers function to reduce the amount of usable material entering the waste stream, provide communities with low-cost access to creative materials, and stimulate creative activity within the communities they serve. 

What is a circular economy?

Here’s an excerpt about what a circular economy is, and why it’s important, from the United States Environmental Protections Agency:

“A circular economy keeps materials and products in circulation for as long possible…[it] uses a systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design, enables resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest value for as long as possible, and aims for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, and systems (including business models).

“[This] is a change to the model in which resources are mined, made into products, and then become waste. A circular economy reduces material use, redesigns materials and products to be less resource intensive, and recaptures ‘waste’ as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.

“A circular economy is an important part of slowing climate change. We must take action to address the climate crisis, and material recovery has an important role to play. The United Nations’ International Resource Panel concluded that natural resource extraction and processing contribute to about half of all global greenhouse gas emissions.

“The circular economy, when designed in a thoughtful and inclusive manner, has the potential to protect the environment, improve economics, and elevate social justice. Sustainability from its foundation requires social equity. How we extract, use, and dispose of our resources can affect already vulnerable communities disproportionately.

“Underserved communities across this nation have been overburdened with the negative environmental and health impacts caused by a non-circular economy. Many landfills and manufacturing and processing facilities are located in close proximity to low-income communities. EPA’s circular economy for all aims to reduce waste and toxic materials and reuse critical minerals during manufacture and processing. Safe jobs and healthy communities are the goals.”