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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-06-11, Page 7THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11,1997 PAGE 7. ro n m e n l Business proves everything old can be new again Crafty person With a man's tie, a woman's earring, a wooden spoon and a few extras, Marie Bernard, an employee at the Brussels 5Rs Thrift Shop came up with a unique decorative craft. Recycling seemingly useless materials has become a trademark of the business. By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff Webster defines thrift as economical management and thrift stores have always fit that focus providing a frugal alternative for the budget-minded shopper. But in recent years, a secondary focus has begun to be noticed — the environmental aspect of such enterprises. Marie Bernard, an employee of the Brussels 5Rs Community Thrift Shop says, "Very little of what we receive goes to the dump." Ready to go While it may not seem that eliminating waste is the focus behind 5Rs, very little of this apparent garbage will go to the dump. Tammy Mason bags what the thrift shop can't use for the Salvation Army. New from old Joan Jacobs has been recycling cast offs for almost six years at the Brussels 5Rs Thrift Shop. The creative Jacobs uses old materials to make unique new gift ideas to be sold at the second-hand business. From dolls to aprons, Jacobs and her co-worker Nancy Brewer find a diverse number of ways to use everything from buttons to bows. When the store opened in November of 1991, there was some idea that recycling on a broader scale could be done, but no one was exactly sure in what way. By 1992, a recycling program was in full-gear with two hired co-ordinators to oversee it, assisted by volunteers. One of the early organizers, Caroline Kemaghan said recycling at the thrift shop grew out of a need, because of the enormous amount of material. Using the thrift shop in New Hamburg as a guideline for the types of product that could be made from used clothing and other items, the board eventually hired Joan Jacobs and Brenda Gilkes to deal with the "mounds of stuff." Brenda moved from the community last summer; today Nancy Brewer works with Jacobs. When articles come into the thrift shop they are sorted. Clothing goes to Tammy Mason, while Joan gets the material, wool or anything else that can be possibly used for crafts. Marie sees to the household items and jewellery. Anything that can’t be used is bagged ready for delivery to the Salvation Army. The creative minds at 5Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Reclaim and Rejoice) are continually on the lookout for things and thinking of possible ways to use the items rather than discard them. "There always seems to be an idea for what comes out of a bag," says Tammy. "You have to be thinking all the time, 'What could I use that for?"' says Marie. There is virtually nothing the thrift shop doesn't want, with perhaps the exception of unlaundered (stained is fine) clothing, shoes or broken appliances. "The list of items from which we can make something is virtually limitless," says Joan. From the transformation of a stuffed animal into a bag holder, to decorative country dolls made from men's ties and wooden spoons, the thrift shop makes use of a variety of otherwise worn out items. Patched or ripped clothing gets new life in aprons, quilts or rugs. Buttons, used in making button dolls are always valued. One of the most used items is denim which is incorporated into a number of crafts, as well as being sold to a man from St. Jacobs and to a woman who uses the material to make vests. Otherwise useless material is bagged for rags, which, Joan says, they sell by the dozen. Even plants are recycled. Each spring, after clearing out their flower beds, people bring in their perennials for selling. The old to new business is a thriving one at 5Rs, but it doesn't take away from the original purpose of the store, that of affordable clothing. "Adult clothing has usually been one of our best sellers," says Marie. And with the trend for retro- fashion with today's teens, it looks like things may get even busier. "Young people are our best clothing recyclers." No question that the success story behind 5Rs is based primarily on its volunteers and the community support. The business is virtually outgrowing its premises and it keeps a constant list of dedicated volunteers ready to do anything from sort clothes and tidy shelves to count puzzle pieces and playing cards. "We appreciate the volunteers we have, though we can always use more," LOVE YOUR CAT, BUT HATE THE ODOR? An air purifier from Alpine Industries is just what you need. End those embarrassing odors quickly and easily. Call your local, independent Alpine Distributor for a free demonstration. ALICIA DEITNER Brussels, (519)887-6502 A gift especially for Dad, THIS FATHER’S DAY! Maitland Manor Nursery will do all dad's lawn and garden work • Custom designs for your gardens • Ground and soil preparations • Planting, fertilizing & Pruning • Renovating existing landscaping to give your home a new look. • Creating and installation of ponds & waterfalls • Planting trees, shrubs and flowers • Grass cutting, sodding and seeding • We’ll even rake or pick stones Gift certificates available MAITLAND MANOR NURSERY & LANDSCAPING just east of Bluevale on Hwy. #86 (519)335-3240 says Joan. Some, like Marie and Tammy, have been with 5Rs since it began. There are also 'tasks for volunteers to do at home if they prefer, Marie says. In its six-year history 5Rs has exemplified the term thrift shop, economical management of staff, product and the environment. Just like new Brussels 5Rs manager Anne Exel helps a customer try on a jacket at the store. The adult clothing has always been the biggest seller, though household items have been picking up in recent year. There is very little that comes into the store that doesn't find its way onto the shelves one way or another.