Make Me Brand New is a grassroots nonprofit organization formed to make waste reduction easier for communities while enhancing lives. Most people want to recycle, upcycle, and reduce waste but it's become too complicated to understand the different components of our many products and how to dispose of them properly. Even those who look into ways to recycle can be burdened by the complexity of programs or lack of them. There are systems in place with proven success, someone just needs to find ways to connect individuals and businesses to them.

Make Me Brand New will bridge the gap within communities by collecting items that would have otherwise ended up in the trash. MMBN will provide education, resources, and services to make it easier for individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact. Events, classes, and open studios will be held to make upcycling and refurbishing old items a fun and productive way to spend time. 

We have recently partnered with Budget Boutique to open a store this August/September in the Kingston Collection. This will further both our missions which align in improving lives in the community through second hand treasures.

Services will include:

• Free drop-off center for recyclable and upcyclable materials that should not go into the local trash or recycling bins

• Safe and proper disposal or repurposing of all materials accepted

• Repair and refurbishment of an array of products that no longer need to be disposed of 

• Employee, student, and resident engagement to drive community activity, foster team building and reduce waste in the process

Programs will include:

• Educational workshops and programs on recycling, upcycling, and waste reduction

• Consulting services for individuals and businesses on where to send their waste, how to reduce it and implement sustainable practices

• Local cleanup crews fostering exercise, community and upkeep

• Sustainably sourced school products available to teachers and educators to reduce their out of pocket costs and circulate more environmentally responsible materials

While there are systems in place to properly dispose of waste or recycle, they are not sufficient. There are ways to quickly and effectively ramp up our efforts in reducing environmental impacts not only by recycling but also through upcycling and refurbishing to reduce further manufacturing and foster local artisans and skilled trades. Adding systems like these, connecting more people to current ones, and removing the major barriers will make the idea of recycling less overwhelming. This opens the door to education, more sustainable communities and easier programs for everyone to participate in.

Operations began in the fall of 2023 with one full time volunteer and their personal vehicle. Since then, we've worked with several businesses and organizations to test and pilot our programs on a small scale. Operations has steadily increased as consistent and ad hoc volunteers support our work, help us raise funds and refer corporate sponsors to benefit from what we offer while supporting their community.

Make Me Brand New serves individuals and businesses within and around the community it is operating. Focus will be on providing convenient and welcoming services that incorporate recycling and upcycling more easily into daily life. Anyone choosing to participate will receive direct benefits from having a resource center to dispose of waste and exchange for new items. Participation will be based on the skills each member is able to contribute and the time they have to give as it pertains to the bylaws (e.g. teachers bringing in old/damaged craft supplies to exchange for new ones). Those in the surrounding areas of participants will also benefit from trash cleaned in the local streets and neighborhoods, reduced trash disposal required by local DPW meaning less cost to the tax payers, more resources available to their children, etc.