Local business part of new adaptive reuse group for Southeastern United States

Across the world, there are groups who are seeking to increase the practice of upcycling, or taking discarded items and turning them into something new. One such business is the Scrappy Elephant in McIntire Plaza which for four years has helped area residents take part in “creative reuse.”

“Since opening in 2020, Scrappy Elephant has diverted more than 110,000 pounds of material from the landfill,” reads an information release sent out over the weekend by founder Sarah Sweet. 

Scrappy Elephant takes in unwanted art supplies and other items that could be used to create something new. They hold workshops and classes on how to work with the items. Now the company has joined forces with similar groups across the south.

“We’re excited to announce we’re a founding member of the Southeast Creative Reuse Collective,” Sweet writes. “The collaboration among these organizations means more waste will be diverted from landfills while supporting accessible, affordable arts for all.”

Virginia groups participating include Scrap RVA in Richmond, the Dabble Creative Reuse Center in Manassas, and Valley Creative Reuse in Harrisonburg. 

In addition to having environmental benefits and stimulating creativity, proponents argue this style of reuse has economic benefits as well. 

“Creative Reuse centers create green-collar jobs, volunteer opportunities, accessible communities and grassroots economic development,” reads a press release announcing the formation of the collective. “They also allow teachers, artists and community members to stretch their budgets by having access to affordable, gently used materials and supplies.”

For more information on the Scrappy Elephant, visit their website. 

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