Eliminating wasteful practices is going to be crucial in addressing our modern environmental crisis.  Circular economy is more than about recycling and reducing, but rethinking the way goods are used and consumed. Many of our social justice initiatives and programs promote the use of alternative economics in achieving our mission, including the gift and sharing economies, reusing, repairing and upcycling.

 

The Free Store

A Free Store is a space where clothing and common household items are offered for free. The aim is for individuals to reduce landfill waste by giving unused items away to those who need them. Free Store educates the public on re-directing items that would otherwise be considered waste for traditional and creative uses, giving them a second life.

Hosted at: York University - Keele, University of Toronto - St. George
In development at: University of Toronto Mississauga & Scarborough

The Borrowing Centre

Why buy when you can borrow? So many of the products that individuals consume on a yearly basis are items which they rarely use and would be better off borrowing. Items such as tools, sporting equipment, books, DVDs, small kitchen appliances, luggage, camping equipment, toys, boardgames and some electronics are all items that are not used on a regular basis. These items are often too expensive to buy, but too impractical not to have access to. The Borrowing Centre provides a great alternative, thus helping to prevent unnecessary consumption and reduce landfill waste.

Hosted at: York University - Keele
In development at: University of Toronto (St George, Mississauga and Scarborough)
Sponsored by: Impact!, Alterna Savings, YUFA, and Toronto Tool Library

Reuse Centre

The Reuse Centre will feature a Free Store, a Borrowing Centre, and educational programming on reuse and repair.

Hosted at: University of Toronto - St. George
In development at: University of Toronto - Mississauga & Scarborough