Providing a Community Hub for Creativity, Education, and Sustainability
Coincidentally enough, this week marks 10 years since I first met Jennifer O'Brien in Austin, Texas at ReuseConex, the International Reuse Conference & Expo. Four years later, we sat a table together at the conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. And it was there that I witnessed first-hand her enthusiasm for creative reuse. During talks, she and her colleague crafted a collection of bracelets made with scrap T-Shirts. (I still have my navy and orange one in the box truck.) That was unfortunately the last ReuseConex conference, but our connecting continued, as our passions for reuse education are very much aligned. Our first collaboration in 2020 was a Florida themed REUSE! T-Shirt that has since been printed multiple times. And I'm excited to say that she will be hosting a screening and Q&A of The Box Truck Film in early 2025. So, let's learn what Jennifer and her creative reuse center are all about.
1. So, you're the executive director of a non-profit creative reuse center called Resource Depot. For those who have not experienced such a unique place, tell us about it.
Resource Depot is an incredible hub for creativity and sustainability right here in West Palm Beach. We take materials that would otherwise be thrown away and give them a new life by providing them to artists, educators, and the community at large. It's a place where imagination runs wild, and everyone is encouraged to think differently about waste and resources. Whether you’re looking for art supplies, teaching materials, or just a little inspiration, you’ll find it here.
2. What kind of people visit Resource Depot?
We see a wonderful mix of people at Resource Depot. Artists, teachers, parents, students, and eco-conscious community members all come through our doors. Each person brings their unique perspective and creativity, making our community vibrant and diverse. It’s always exciting to see what people create with the materials they find here.
3. Which benefits of reuse do you think your customers enjoy the most?
Our customers love the sense of discovery and the satisfaction that comes from giving new life to old materials. There’s something very rewarding about finding a unique item and transforming it into something beautiful or useful. Plus, they appreciate the environmental impact—knowing they’re helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. They love our programming too – nowhere else is presenting such creative ways to reuse in arts and education and we show it’s not only necessary – it’s possible for all!
4. So, while I'm certainly a solutions guy, we do have to address the problems. Where do you see the most waste in your daily life?
Food packaging waste is a big one. Every day, I see so much single-use plastic and unnecessary packaging that could easily be avoided. As a consumer, I often feel like I don't have an option, especially at the grocery store. It's frustrating because there are simple alternatives that could make a huge difference if more people embraced them. For example, the food I’m buying wasn’t grown needing that wrapper or cellophane—like our Florida oranges packaged on a Styrofoam tray wrapped in cellophane! It’s absurd and completely avoidable.
5. In your personal experience, how do you think recycling has worked and NOT worked as a solution to waste?
Recycling is great in theory, but in practice, it has its limitations. It's important, but it’s not the whole solution. For one, not everything can be recycled, and even recyclable items often don’t end up being recycled properly. Contamination is a big issue. We need more focus on reducing and reusing first, and then recycling as a last step.
I also believe that recycling is still using to toss…the bins just are a little different. We should be focusing on reducing our waste not just feeling we are doing our part by over-consuming certain items simply because they are recyclable or have been made from recycled materials.
6. How do you think the U.S. could step up the solutions to our waste problem? Have you seen or heard of anything anywhere else?
We need stronger policies and incentives for reducing waste and promoting reuse from the manufacturers. When there is accountability and responsibility, I believe we will see some impactful changes. Education is also key - people need to understand the impact of their choices and how they can make a positive change.
I was recently in Iceland and was amazed by how the typical single-use plastic products us Americans are accustomed to were just not present. In fact, if you wanted to take food to go, you had to purchase the to go container as well! I feel that if people would have to recognize and absorb the cost – both monetary and environmental – at the register, there would be a positive shift away from such unnecessary wasteful “convenience” and we would find out that the alternatives are not that inconvenient at all – especially in the long run when it comes to the health of our planet.
7. It's funny. I always tell people that reusing is nothing new. It’s been going on long before we were here. Do you have any memories of your parents or grandparents reusing in unique ways?
Absolutely! My grandmother was the queen of reuse. She would save every scrap of fabric, every button, and every glass jar. She made beautiful quilts from old clothes and used jars for canning and storage. It’s amazing how resourceful previous generations were, and we can definitely learn from them.
My parents also instilled this same resourcefulness in me as a child. Reusing and repurposing - or making from scraps was not unusual. Hand-me-downs were common. The dishes I would eat on as a child were passed down in the family. In fact, I’m sure my parents still have that plastic Pizza Hut drink pitcher I won in 3rd grade from reading so many books in the Book It! Program (if you know, you know).
8. Do you have any notable stories about saving money on something because you bought it used instead of new?
Oh, definitely. I have only ever had used cars – and I have to say that has saved me a whole lot of money over the years. Buying a new car means paying a premium for the latest model, but a used car that's been well-maintained can be just as reliable and cost a fraction of the price.
One more example is my wardrobe. I enjoy fashion but avoid the high price tags by shopping at thrift stores and consignment stores. I’ve found designer clothes and accessories for a fraction of the original price. Not only do I save money, but I also end up with unique pieces that you can’t find in regular stores. The hunt is part of the fun!
I think here in South Florida, there’s a huge emphasis on the car you drive, the clothes you wear, and even the house you live in. By choosing not to measure my worth by these societal status symbols, I find more happiness with the things I have and the life I lead. It’s really about what brings me joy, not the price tag.
9. Have you ever taken anything out of the recycling bin or trash to reuse somehow or maybe found something on the side of the road?
I’ve definitely rescued items from the trash! One time, I found a broken room divider screen on the curb. It was a bit battered and needed some new hardware. Plus, the fabric was hideous and not my style at all. With some cleaning, refurbishing, and a touch of paint, the frame came back to life. I found the perfect replacement fabric in the form of macrame table runners, which I attached to the frame. Now, it sits in my home office as a creative backdrop for Zoom calls, perfect for hiding my unmade bed or piles of laundry.
10. And lastly, what’s the best thing that you ever got used and why? Got a photo?
The best thing I ever got used is probably an old vintage sign that reads “Antiques Made Daily” and it hands as the focal point in our living room. The patina could never be recreated with a new, “store bought” item and I love the irony of the entire piece.
To learn more about Jennifer and Resource Depot,
To order a REUSE! T-Shirt like Jennifer is wearing in her profile photo, check out the STAY VOCAL REUSE! collection.
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