Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Have you heard of World Environment Day? This international holiday takes place on June 5, 2024, and is focused on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.

At Stardust, we take the health of our environment seriously. We are passionate about reuse and diverting usable materials from our landfills. This work helps reduce our carbon footprint, improve the health of our environment and reduce the negative effects caused by extreme heat.

Through the week of June 5 – June 12, 2024, donate a case of water to either Stardust Reuse Center, and receive a Stardust reusable tote bag! The water will be distributed to nonprofit partners such as St. Vincent de Paul and UMOM working at the front lines of heat relief efforts.

Thank you for donating, shopping, and supporting reuse efforts in our community!

Why should you donate water?

While Stardust is always happy to accept donations of building materials and supplies, we are including water for the week of World Environment Day in an effort to help tackle the vicious problem of heat relief in our city.

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has a specialized program called the Heat Relief Network, “a network of partners providing hydration stations, refuge locations, and water donation sites throughout the Valley with the goal of preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths among vulnerable populations.” (Want to view the map?)

Do you want to learn how you can be more “green” or “eco-conscious”? To help us celebrate National Recycling Day, Stardust is starting the conversation about what it currently means to recycle, and how we can change for the better in the future.

What is “recycling”?

In this context, “Recycle” is the process of converting certain reusable waste materials into new products, which is a much more environmentally-friendly way of managing waste and using resources, instead of throwing them into landfills. Recycling can be done in many different ways, but in America, municipal recycling programs where recycling is sorted into blue or green bins by residents are offered in most areas. (Not sure if your area has a recycling program? Check your city’s government website, or search WM’s website.)

Recycling is among one of the most important sustainable actions you can take because it has a direct impact not only on you, but also on your community, and the planet as a whole – by diverting a large amount of reusable materials into recycling, you help lower the amount of waste added to landfills, or processed in general. When you limit your use of non-recyclable materials, you are making for a more sustainable future.

All week long, we have been sharing information about the “5 R’s of Sustainability”, how to be more eco-friendly, and Stardust’s role in the community, with today being the finale! If you have been following along with us for all 5 days, thank you – this is the first time we’ve put together an educational campaign on social media like this, and we hope you’ve enjoyed everything we’ve shared.

So far this week, we’ve shared info on “Refuse”, “Reduce”, “Rot”, “Recycle”; the last R in the series, which we will talk about today, is “REUSE”, and this R is very special to us at Stardust because it is the main idea that our whole business is based around!

About Reuse

In this context, “Reuse” is the practice of using an item multiple times, whether for its original purpose (“conventional reuse”) or for a different function “creative reuse”). Reuse can span many different categories, from clothes and home goods, to electronics and tools, to materials and supplies. Some examples of this include:

• Shopping at second-hand clothing stores when you need/want a new outfit
• Finding ways to repurpose items around your house instead of throwing them out (for example, metal filing cabinets make great outdoor planters!)
• Repairing furniture, tools, clothes, etc, instead of buying new
• Buying a used car

Do you want to learn how you can be more “green” or “eco-conscious”? To help us celebrate National Reuse Day on Friday, October 20, throughout this week we will be sharing information about the “5 R’s of Sustainability”, how to be more eco-friendly, and Stardust’s role in the community.

Have you heard of the 5 R’s of Sustainability? They are made up of “Refuse”, “Reduce”, “Rot”, “Recycle”, and “Reuse”. (You may also see other versions including “Repair”, “Repurpose”, or “Reclaim”.)

The fourth R in the series, which we will talk about today, will be: “RECYCLE”.

About Recycle

In this context, “Recycle” is the process of converting certain reusable waste materials into new products, which is a much more environmentally-friendly way of managing waste and using resources, instead of throwing them into landfills. Recycling can be done in many different ways, but in America, municipal recycling programs where recycling is sorted into blue or green bins by residents are offered in most areas. (Not sure if your area has a recycling program? Check your city’s government website, or search WM’s website.)

Are you interested in learning more about what it means to be “green” or “eco-conscious”? All this week, we will be sharing information about the “5 R’s of Sustainability”, how to be more eco-friendly, and Stardust’s role in the community.

Have you heard of the 5 R’s of Sustainability? If not, here’s a little history on them: Originally conceived of in 1970, the same year that Earth Day was first introduced in America, the 3 R’s (as it was back then) consisted of “Reduce”, “Recycle,” and “Reuse”. As time went on, these basic tenets were added to, so nowadays the 5 R’s are made up of “Refuse”, “Reduce”, “Rot”, “Recycle”, and “Reuse”. (You may see other versions including “Repair”, “Repurpose”, or “Reclaim”.)

The third R in the series, which we will talk about today, will be: “ROT”.

About Rot

In this context, “Rot” refers to composting natural waste instead of throwing it out. Don’t know what composting is? No worries, we’ve got you covered: “Composting” is the process of turning leftover organic matter into compost, which is a nutrient-rich soil perfect for plants, through a natural, aerated breakdown. Compost is usually made up of waste that breaks down easily, including fruit & vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells (never use grease, meat, cheese, or any other animal product in composting). Compost can help nourish just about any kind of plant, from grass and flowers, to trees, to food grown in gardens or greenhouses.

Do you want to learn how you can be more “green” or “eco-conscious”? To help us celebrate National Reuse Day on Friday, October 20, throughout this week we will be sharing information about the “5 R’s of Sustainability”, how to be more eco-friendly, and Stardust’s role in the community.

Have you heard of the 5 R’s of Sustainability? They are made up of “Refuse”, “Reduce”, “Rot”, “Recycle”, and “Reuse”. (You may also see other versions including “Repair”, “Repurpose”, or “Reclaim”.)

The second R in the series, which we will talk about today, will be: “REDUCE”.

About Reduce

In this context, “Reduce” means reducing consumptive habits, which usually means being aware of the amount of products or items you buy (especially if those new items have lots of byproducts from production, or use large amount of wasteful packaging) – this is especially important with non-recyclable items. In conjunction with the 1st R, “Refuse”, “Reducing” items bought in the first place is shown to create a huge environmental impact because it means that less waste is going in the landfill: When you limit the use of these materials, you are making for a more sustainable future. Try to use the smallest amount of material to lessen the amount of excess waste.

Do you want to learn more about what it means to be “green” or “eco-conscious”? To help us celebrate National Reuse Day on Friday, October 20, from Monday through Friday of this week, we will be sharing information about the “5 R’s of Sustainability”, how to be more eco-friendly, and Stardust’s role in the community.

Have you heard of the 5 R’s of Sustainability? If not, here’s a little history on them: Originally conceived of in 1970, the same year that Earth Day was first introduced in America, the 3 R’s (as it was back then) consisted of “Reduce”, “Recycle,” and “Reuse”. As time went on, these basic tenets were added to, so nowadays the 5 R’s are made up of “Refuse”, “Reduce”, “Rot”, “Recycle”, and “Reuse”. (You may see other versions including “Repair”, “Repurpose”, or “Reclaim”.)

The first R in the series, which we will talk about today, will be: “REFUSE”.

About Refuse

In this context, “Refuse” means refusing to create waste, or to support products/companies that create unnecessary waste. Some examples of this include: single-use plastic bags at the supermarket (and other stores); layers of ‘protective’ paper in packaging (especially new technology, appliances, or tools), or extra-large mailing boxes filled with packing peanuts; or even fruit that has a protective rind being wrapped in cellophane (bananas, watermelons, apples). In addition to the question of “too much” waste, there is also a separate-but-related issue of many of these not being recyclable.

Halloween is right around the corner! And, we’re adding fall vibes in the warehouse with a few upcycled glass shade pumpkins. This is an easy and fun DIY because all you have to do is drip paint. You will need the following…

• Glass Shades
• Acrylic Paint
• Cork Top
• Wire
• Wire Cutters
• Super Glue

Bar carts are super trendy right now. Priced anywhere from $150 to $300 in regular retail stores, we built one with reclaimed materials for under $30! All you need are some drawers, shelves, casters, and time.

For years “starve the landfill” has been the Stardust rallying cry! Now, Starve the Landfill is a program that advocates the importance of deconstruction and building material reuse to businesses in the construction industry.

Here to explain more about this new program is Stardust Resource Development Manager, Jason Carlyle!

Can you tell me about the STL program?

We launched the program in June to encourage sustainability in the Phoenix construction industry. Our goal is to create a strong community of eco-friendly contractors and suppliers who want to reduce their construction waste.

What are the benefits of this program?

The biggest benefit of the STL program is that companies will be recognized for their commitment to sustainability and the reuse of building materials. Participating businesses will receive recognition in our two reuse centers, online via our website and social media, and an annual press release about their partnership and impact on the community.

What kind of items can companies donate?

We accept excess and gently used building materials. This includes cabinetry, appliances, doors, windows, water heaters, a/c units, light fixtures, pool fence and equipment, toilets, sinks and so much more. With three ways to donate we make it easy for busy contractors to donate. Plus donations are tax-deductible.

For many people entertaining and eating is done right in the Kitchen. This is an important focal point for not only your guests but also potential buyers/renters. Giving your kitchen a facelift could be just the thing it needs! I know, easier said than done, considering the cost not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on a new kitchen. Using salvaged items not only adds character but also allows you to go green while trimming your budget.

Here are some ideas that will take your kitchen to the next level while maintaining your budget.

I’m excited to announce the new Stardust brand. Our transformation marks a new beginning with a renewed logo, website, and most importantly a continued commitment to keeping usable materials from our landfills. We are Stardust!

A LOOK BACK

When we opened the doors of our first reuse center in 1997, landfills were quickly filling with usable building materials. A group of concerned people lead by Tom Fraker, Bob Darre, and local philanthropist Jerry Bisgrove saw what was happening and imagined a future without as much waste.

Today, we have grown to provide more than 3,000 people every month with affordable, reclaimed building supplies. From large-scale remodels to simple repairs and repurposing projects, we’re proud to provide sustainable materials. When homes are well maintained, neighborhoods are safer, and our communities are healthier.

As we expand into advocacy, and update our reuse centers, we want our brand to best reflect why we exist – to reimagine your space with reclaimed materials. When reuse and deconstruction become standard practice everyone wins:

Valentine’s Day is next week so we collaborated with one of our favorite volunteers, Bill Handley of Unbdot, to create a reclaimed wood heart that doubles as a vase! Learn how to make it and give a gift that comes from the heart.

Materials Needed:

• Reclaimed wood
• Jigsaw
• Clamps
• Paint
• Glue
• Nails
• Hammer

For the project, Bill rummaged through our reclaimed wood bins as well as salvaged wood from a pallet to use for the project. The amount of wood you’ll need depends on how large you want your heart. Bill used about 60 inches in length of wood.

Stardust’s vision is a future without waste; a sustainable community where resources are reused or redistributed. For over two decades, we have worked with the construction industry to implement eco-friendly practices, like deconstruction, that have resulted in more than 80 million pounds of reusable building materials diverted from the waste stream. But how can we do more to reduce waste? The answer is advocacy.

Last November, the Stardust Board of Directors voted to adopt an advocacy agenda which solidifies our confidence in the value of deconstruction and reuse policies. We are committed to sharing our belief that when building material reuse becomes a standard practice it will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, the workforce, and improve our quality of life.

“We do this work because we believe in the power of reuse” says Karen Jayne, CEO of Stardust Building Supplies. “We are excited to share the benefits of building material reuse with our community using our advocacy agenda as the framework for discussions to change public opinion and public policy.”

What is the problem? In 2014, the EPA conducted a study on construction and demolition debris and found that in a single year an estimated 534 million tons of construction and demolition (C&D) debris were generated in the United States—more than twice the amount of generated municipal solid waste. (credit: Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: 2014 Fact Sheet)

Ceramic tile, porcelain tile, tumbled marble tile, white, black, blue, and green tile…We’ve got a lot of tile! Which got us thinking of some other ways we could creatively repurpose it. Why not a tic tac toe tile board! Here’s how you make it!

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Spray Paint or Paint Markers
• Painters Tape
• Tile (whatever size, color, or type you’d like)
• Washers
• Tile Spacers
• Tape Measure or Ruler

Not only does Stardust Building Supplies divert usable building materials from the landfill but we also partner with the Good360 program to collect out of season, returned, or slightly damaged but still reusable items from corporate retail stores. These items are not resold but are rather distributed at no-cost to partnering nonprofit organizations.

Currently more than 300 organizations use the Gifts In Kind program to receive home goods, toiletries, office supplies, and building materials – essential items organizations can use for day-to-day operations or provide to the families and individuals they serve. Deep Within Rehab is one of those organizations. Cindy Humes is the Director of Deep Within Rehab. We had a moment to catch up with her on one of her recent trips to our Gifts In Kind Distribution Center.

In June 2016 Stardust Mesa got a makeover and expanded the warehouse by 17,000 sq. ft, adding a new section called the RE:USE Market, a community partnership that helps raise funds for local organizations by offering space in the warehouse to sell in-kind donations like furniture.

Today, we partner with nine organizations including Maggie’s Place, Treasures 4 Teachers, Lost Our Home Pet Foundation, Foundation for Senior Living, Welcome to America Project, Bridging AZ Furniture Bank, UMOM New Day Centers, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and ICM Food & Clothing Bank to resell their items in support of their missions. Thanks to our shoppers, the RE:USE Market has raised nearly $40,000 in proceeds since its opening a little over one year ago!

The Stardust reuse center in Mesa is mainly filled with salvaged cabinetry, appliances, and light fixtures but part of the space is also home to AZ Strut, a nonprofit organization that provides quality refurbished computers to schools and non-profits around the state. So, what happens when you combine reclaimed building materials with recycled computers? A feat in creative reuse!

When Tom, Executive Director of AZ Strut, had a couple of computers that were unable to be refurbished he decided to let Stardust’s REpurpose Team take a crack at upcycling them. After a couple months of brainstorming and engineering, Bill and Bob came up with a clever design to creatively repurpose the computers into a base for a coffee table – and of course it was going to include reclaimed wood.

In Bill’s words, here are the steps they took to create the upcycled coffee table!

The Stardust Repurpose Team is at it again! This time they built a sideboard for our conference room by reusing reclaimed base cabinets, hardwood flooring, and pallet wood.

Easily replicate this DIY sideboard for your own home by following our how-to steps.

Would you like some ideas on how to make your holidays green? In September Stardust was lucky to receive a group of volunteers from the Intel Encore Fellow program to work with our organization for a year creating up-cycled projects with reclaimed materials. For the past month they’ve been hard at work creating recycled holiday items that are both unique and stylish.

Come see for yourself what they have made and add some “green” to your holidays!

MATERIALS

• One Polished Brass Bound Glass
• 3 Lantern Light Fixture
• Multi surface Paint: Blue, Light Green, Black, White, Red, Orange, and Yellow
• Cup and Water
• Paper Towels or Shop Towels
• Paint brushes
• Flat Brush (1/2″ to 1″)
• Fine Brush (Round or Liner)

STEPS

1. Detach the light fixture that is inside the lantern by first unscrewing the entire fixture from where it is attached to the rest of the lantern at the top of the main stem inside the lantern. You will then have to slowly work it out from the open bottom of the lantern by turning the individual light bulb holders so that they are outside of the lantern area.
2. Once the light fixture is outside of the lantern, you will need to slowly pull any wire that is attached to it through the lantern and out the other end. You might have to untangle it from the chain that was used to hang the light as you do so.
3. Unscrew the very top part of the lantern where the chain is attached and replace it with the bottom piece of the light fixture.
4. Wash your lantern with Windex and water to prepare the surface for painting. You can dispose of the parts you took out or save them for use in future projects.
5. Use the instructions below for inspiration on what to paint on your autumn lantern.
6. Once you are done painting, allow the paint to dry then spray the lantern with a sealer to protect your new beautiful autumn artwork.
7. You can now use your lantern as a standalone decorative piece, part of a floral arrangement, or you can reattach the chain and hang it as artwork. Have fun exploring the possibilities!