After a one-year hiatus, the RePurpose It Contest returned last year, but participants had to use storage containers that were no longer needed in the library — and they did not disappoint.
This year, we will go back to the original version of the contest. Participants can repurpose anything that has outlived its original intent and been transformed into something else. Entries will be featured on our webpage and open for voting by your fellow colleagues during Earth Month. Entries with the most votes will win prizes. (We are confirming those now, and we’ll let you know soon — but we promise they’ll be good prizes!)
Here are the basics of what you need to know. Check our website for details and full contest rules.
- Use an item that is no longer serving its original purpose, and transform it into something useful.
- Take “before” and “after” pictures, and provide a brief description of what it was and is now.
- Don’t submit anything you submitted before.
- You can submit more than one item but can only win once.
- Group projects are allowed.
- Submit your entry to LiveGreen by March 29.
Don’t have a project in mind? Concerned that you’re not crafty? Or handy with tools? Good news — you don’t have to be. Visit our RePurpose It Pinterest page to find no-tool/no-special-skill-required ways to repurpose items and make your life easier. Entries do not have to come from this page. It’s just there to help you with ideas and maybe inspire you with other projects, too.
Some projects are big and really impressive, but it’s often the simple things that are the most inspiring — projects that are repeatable by most people often have the most appeal. If you need further inspiration or places to find supplies, check out both locations of the Habitat for Humanity Restore. Their inventory changes weekly. Have items to help the cause? You can drop them off or contact them to arrange pick up.
Reclaimed Enterprises facilitates deconstruction (as opposed to demolition) of metro area buildings and saves items for sale and repurposing.Trim, doors, old growth lumber — they have it all. Contact them for more information.
Don’t forget to check out secondhand stores in your area.
We’ll have more details on the events of Earth Month soon; but we wanted you to have plenty of time to get your projects together.