What is a Reuse Resource Center?
Creative and energetic teachers have been collecting and reusing scrounged materials for years. Teachers know that children develop a unique sense of self-worth from being creative. However, creative hands-on activities are often hampered by a lack of good materials. Yet, within every community there is a wealth of material resources that remains untouched. This discovery has led to an exciting partnership that has businesses, schools and parents working together to help our children and our environment.
Local businesses and industries are donating a continuous supply of free materials, referred to as “impaired assets,” that they no longer want. Reusable resource centers receive these overruns, rejects and obsolete supplies, including such diverse materials as Mylar, foam, fabric, felt, wood, wire, tile, plastic pieces, and paper. A growing network of over 100 centers then make these materials available for teachers to promote constructive play and enhance our children’s educational experiences.
These centers benefit a wide audience. Goods that have lost usefulness for the business community are now enabling educators to provide valuable resources that stimulate innovative, creative hands-on play and learning across the curriculum. These centers provide homes for unused materials, and the ethics of reuse and recycling are promoted. It is truly a win-win situation.
There are currently 21 centers located throughout the state of
Florida, which are networked through the Reusable Resources Association, a 501(c)3, non-profit, tax exempt Florida corporation.
Reusable Resources Adventure Center of Melbourne, Florida is a program of the local non-profit Institute for Self Active Education. This center is a founding partner of the Florida Reusable Resources Network.