What is the ReSource and why is it here?
One of my favorite stories on the planet, “The Lorax,” by Dr. Seuss, teaches 
about the importance of caring for our planet, and for respecting the trees. As an educator, I’ve shared this story with hundreds of youngsters. Creating different creepy and fun voices (respectively) for the Once-ler and the Lorax was always a hoot. If you haven’t read it, pick it up from the library and share it with your loved one, a youngster, or a stranger on the street. You’ll be happy you did. One of the messages in the story is that we all have a role in preserving and protecting the planet. There are many more…in his rhythmic style, Dr. Seuss criticizes consumerism, wastefulness, and pollution. But his closing words, “UNLESS, someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing will get better, it’s not,” rings most true to me. That it is all of our responsibility to reverse both social and economic trends that currently cause systemic, ecological chaos.
Last weekend, Buffalo ReUse “opened to the public,” its ReSource and it was an inspiring start for engaging new friends and introducing many old friends to the new space! For us, it was particularly poignant to have one of our apprentices, Cheryl Mingo, do the honors and bust down the door! It represents so much to us–not just access to the building, but access to opportunity, community, valuable experiences and a lifestyle that does not harm the environment or others.
Paul T. Hogan, Vice President of The Oishei Foundation also gave a special toast explaining why they support our mission and he said, “There are many ‘Michael Gainers’ in Buffalo! And we know it is true, there are many Buffalonians with the vision and the energy to do more in Buffalo and we are excited to work together. What other doors can we open?
Yes, ReSource is a retail and education destination which sells salvaged doors and sinks, but it also shares inspiration and ideas for living a more globally responsible lifestyle that respects and shares all life(forms). It’s a place where you can learn how to live and make a home and more--learn to compost, care for gardens, refinish tin ceilings, conserve and diversify energy sources, volunteer, make a head board for your bed, pick up a recycling bin, and investigate green collar job opportunities. Not only will the ReSource be a place of ideas, but it is and will continue to be a place of action. In the upcoming weeks we’ll be preparing soil for the planting of gardens across the city; tending to our 150 newly planted trees; and creating more educational opportunities for the community and visitors that support our effort from near and far.
Just like trees, ReSource needs healthy roots. We’re already making improvements to the building 
and the property every day. We are establishing a structure for education and creating a community where people are connected to the positive changes happening right now in Buffalo. To that end, Buffalo ReUse has initiated a capital fundraising campaign to purchase our building and make the necessary modifications and improvements to firmly anchor the ReSource in our community.
We are seeking supporters that would be interested in hosting a house party to share the vision of Buffalo ReUse with more people and assist with fundraising. Are you willing to throw a party and invite your friends? If so, contact Jessica Biegaj development {at} buffaloreuse(.)org and she can discuss details. We’re hoping to show our upcoming Sundance Channel feature episode of “Big Ideas for a Small Planet” at house parties and we can assist you in getting the wheels turning for how to plan and host a bash to support ReUse.
We have a pile of dreams-goals; we welcome and encourage your ideas and involvement because we need to make a big impact. We need folks from across the city joining the effort to clean and green our neighborhoods, recycle and reuse materials that would otherwise be tossed, and initiate creative solutions to the, at times, overwhelming ecological and social problems we face. If you don’t know how or where to begin, stop by the ReSource, 298 Northampton Street, and look around for some ideas or for a partner to assist, you never know what you might stumble upon.
Our growth as an organization is dependent on creating a thriving community–inspiring young adults and supporting positive action. I draw inspiration from the words of Dr. Seuss, “plant a new seed, treat it will care, give it clean water, and feed it fresh air, protect it from axes that hack, and then the Lorax and all of his friends will come back.”
Finally, we are humbled by all the volunteers that pitched in to get the store ready and make the space hospitable for the Open House events; many were there into the wee hours of the night(s)–Sherry, Nora or they ran around scrambling to pick up supplies–Cynnie, Tysha or they chose to be with us on their vacation?!–Tessa–The Siegels! Our board helped a lot too–by just jumping in with both feet! We’d like to thank Tim Herzog (and Darren & Kirk & Peter and others) who supplied beverages and the two bands, Red and Roxy and Flatbed who performed all day Saturday for free applause!
If you haven’t already shown up at our doorstep–the door is open and the welcome mat is swept!
The “Jefferson Ave Community Cultural Park” is already reserved, but as of yet, is empty. You can help change that. Join them Friday, June 6th 7-11pm at the Airport Holiday Inn, 4600 Genesee St in Cheektowaga. Tickets are $35, entertainment and meal provided.
