The re-use store at BGSU: What’s Old is New Again! Dr. Nick Hennessy Sustainability Coordinator Office of Campus Sustainability Campus 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?