Look for Repreve Yarns

I recently bought a pair of Sears' private label Covington pants made with 100% recycled content polyester yarns.  The pants have 17% recycled-content including buttons with about 50% recycled content.

Repreve provides yarn for many manufactures that use recycled content.  Look for it.

XS Project at Zen of Scrap

We have stocked some items in Zen of Scrap from the XS Project.  These products are made by "trash pickers"  in Indonesia.  They turn discarded single use flexible packaging into incredibley durable accessories.  Each item comes with a tag on the outside stating it was created by Indonesian trash pickers.

Check out these items and more at Zen of Scrap located inside Trash to Treasure.

Also, we still have Christmas decorations.  Don't go to the store.  Reuse with T2T.

Need a last minute gift?  How about a Trash to Treasure/Zen of Scrap gift card?  They are good for memberships, workshops and Zen of Scrap.  Stop by the store or go online.

Beerfest Recycling Estimates

Another great Beerfest. Thanks to the Tribune for working with us to make it a green event.

Here's an estimate on the recycling:

Glass, Aluminum, and Plastic:      6,000 pounds
Cardboard:                                    3,000 pounds
Garbage:                                       2,000 pounds

That's 80% waste diversion.  Plus, we got a lot of bottle caps for the Center.

A special thanks to all the vendors who complied with the program.

Great job by Brian Turk, Sarah Goff, MaryBeth Burton, Cheryl Miller, Vicki Eckels, Alan Gavazzi, Casey Eckels, Brian Rosen, and Mike Heimbach.

T2T Gift Cards Now Available

Awesome Holiday Gift Idea!
Giftcards are now available for purchase online!

Our giftcards are handmade using discarded retro computer disks. They can be used towards the Zen of Scrap Boutique, a Trash to Treasure membership, or any of the workshops we offer such as rain barrel making, jewelry making, crocheting with plastic bags or vhs tape, etc. Our giftcards are the perfect gift for every occasion...especially the fashionista or the environmentalist in your life. They will love it! Available in $10, $25, $50, and $100 denominations. $10 giftcard $25 giftcard $50 giftcard $100 giftcard Add shipping Giftwrap

Rainbarrel Workshops Continue

 

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOPS
WILL BE OFFERED AGAIN SOON!
SIGN UP NOW FOR ROLLING ADMISSION.

GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: A RAIN BARREL OR A GIFTCARD FOR THE WORKSHOP!

MEMBERS $25
NON-MEMBERS $50

Come and build your rainbarrel with us! Feel free to paint and decorate it with us too! ...and of course you get to take your barrel home. Please note that our barrels are white(not blue like the photo).
There is space for 5 participants at each workshop. Please RSVP and send or bring in a check to secure your space.
Call or email us if you have any questions!
sarah@trash2treasurefl.org
888-828-8242

Thank you to Burners Without Borders for helping to make this happen!!

 

 

Zen of Scrap-Now Open at Trash to Treasure

Zen of Scrap is now open at Trash to Treasure Creative Reuse Center.  Zen of Scrap was specifically developed to sell items that are hand made by local and international artisans who create wonderful and unique accessories with items that are thrown away everyday.

What becomes of all that VHS tape?  Check out the bag below.

Our mission is to advocate creativity through reusing and repurposing and to help others discover that there truly is treasure in our trash. Our society throws away valuable resources everyday and Zen of Scrap demonstrates the beauty that can be created with our "garbage".

Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and then Recycle. Recycling is the last option....throwing away is not an option.

Your purchase helps the Center and the artist. Many of the designers work from home and create these items to pay for basic needs.  These accessories are a great way to show your concern for the environment and are great conversational pieces.

Our prices start as low as $10.

You can visit Zen of Scrap during Trash to Treasure's normal hours.  Friday 2-7 and Saturday 10-3.  Join us on our journey to a sustainable future!

Top Ten Reasons to Shop at Zen of Scrap!

10. You will be supporting a non-profit

9. You will be buying something unique(one-of-a-kind)

8. You will be buying local which means less greenhouse gas emissions from transport

7. You will be supporting a local artisan

6. You will be keeping stuff out of the landfill

5. Buying used helps protect the earth by eliminating the use of water, energy, and resources needed to produce new products

4. You will be celebrating creativity and imagination

3. Our unique recycled items are great conversation pieces

2. You will be taking a stand(showing leadership) for what you believe in. Vote with your dollar!

1. We are the REAL DEAL! We're not greenwashers!!

---

Are you interested in selling your 100% recycled creations at Zen of Scrap?? Contact us at sarah@trash2treasurefl.org or come by the center during normal business hours with some samples of your work!

---

Our boutique is located in the front room of our Trash to Treasure warehouse:
1100 NW 53 Street, #1
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

GoodShop for T2T this Holiday Season

An easy way to help Trash to Treasure this holiday season is to shop on line through GoodShop. With each purchase you make, the online retailer will donate a portion of the sale to T2T through GoodShop.

All the major online retailers are there with the same great prices.  Plus, GoodShop provides coupon codes to save you money.

Thanks for your support.

 

 

Plastic Bags Here to Stay?

I blogged about the possibility of plastic bags being taxed to discourage their use. I surmised that the retail industry might not put up much of fight in that they make money selling reusable bags and lose money giving away plastic bags.  I was wrong as noted on FloridaEnvironments.com.

The retail industry had already pulled a trick that is becoming more common from industries.  Pass laws that prohibit cities or counties from passing laws on such issues.  The sign that your lobbyist is doing his or her job.

In the industries defense, changes are voluntarily being made either by offering discounts for using bags or charging for the one use.

Buy here is the best comment of all:

"It was a thorough, well-researched piece of work," Fred McCormack of the Florida Dry Cleaners Coalition said, paradoxically adding, "We absolutely don't agree with any of the recommendations."

The battle continues....

Audubon  gives 10 Good Reasons to Ban Bags.

We Got the Dirt!

Thanks to Leserra's Nursery in Coconut Creek for providing us with planting soil for our community/demostration garden.

Are you interested in helping out in the garden?  Come any day we are open or contact Sarah Goff at sarah@trash2treasurefl.org or 888-T2T-8242

Susyn Stecchi featured in New Times Post

Trash to Treasure member Susyn Stecchi is featured here in post on an idea she had for the FEC bridge in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. 

Susan created our garden sign.  As you can see, she is very creative.

Great Stuff from Clad Tile and Stone

Thanks to Earl Rynerson over at  Clad Tile and Stone for some great donations.  Clad is one of the premier tile and stone shops in South Florida.

T2T teams with Tribune for Beerfest, December 4, Huzienga Plaza

Once again, under our corporate parent, South Florida Reuse and Recycling Institute, we are teaming with the Tribune Company for their annual Beerfest. This year it is called the Big "S" Beerfest as they promote the Sun-Sentinel, WSFL TV and southflorida.com

As usual, we will help make sure that the glass, cardboard, and plastic cups gets recycled. Also, this year we will be focusing on bottle caps. As many of you know, bottle caps are great for art and crafts projects and often go quickly at Trash to Treasure. The caps are challenge to clean up after the event, so a program to collect them will benefit everyone.

UPDATE:  Here is the where you can get advance tickets.


See you there:
December 4
Huzienga Plaza
Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Chemical Reaction at FLIFF, Monday November 9, 7:30, Cinema Paradisio

Do you want dandelions . . . or cancer?

That's the question Americans who use lawn chemicals should be asking themselves.

To learn more about the disturbing facts which impact millions of Floridians, join us at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The documentary "A Chemical Reaction" will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at Cinema Paradiso as part of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

Many Americans will be surprised to find that many of the lawn chemicals that they are told are safe are not that different from Agent Orange -- so dangerous and potentially carcinogenic that they are banned in five countries and in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

"A Chemical Reaction" tells the story of how one small town in Quebec set into motion the events that culminated in a ban on chemical pesticides for lawns throughout the province of Quebec.

This ban was fought in court by lawn care giant ChemLawn (now known as TruGreen) and others. Ultimately, the case went to the Supreme Court of Canada where the ban was upheld, and has since spread to other provinces and municipalities across Canada.

The documentary shows the people behind the ban are regular people. The movie (and the movement to stop using certain chemical pesticides) is winning supporters as it makes the rounds of film festivals in the United States and Canada.

Everyone who wants to reduce their exposure to potentially dangerous carcinogens should be interested in the movie and its message to take action in your community.

Take Back Your Lawn - Pass It Along!

Choice switches to Natural Gas

Congratulation to our friends at Choice Environmental for having the first private fleet of natural gas vehicles.

Here is the press release.

Rainbarrel Workshops Nov 6 and 7

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOPS
OFFERED THESE TWO DAYS!!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6th at 6pm or SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7th at 11am

MEMBERS $25
NON-MEMBERS $50

Come and build your rainbarrel with us! Feel free to paint and decorate it with us too! ...and of course you get to take your barrel home.

There is space for 10 participants. Please RSVP and send or bring in a check to secure your space.

Call or email us if you have any questions!
sarah@trash2treasurefl.org
888-828-8242

Thank you to Burners Without Borders for helping to make this happen!!

No injuries have occurred at our rainbarrel workshops

International Day of Climate Action Fort Lauderdale in the news

Our very own Casey Eckels is featured in this video about our 350.org event.

Thanks to everyone that participated.

Also, check out the Delray Beach event where our signs were reused thanks to Michael O'Brien.

Pictures soon or visit our Facebook page now.

South Florida Living Green Fair Nov 14-15

Join Trash to Treasure and most of South Florida's major environmental organizations at the inaugural South Florida Living Green Fair. Part of the profits (if any) will go to T2T.

Florida Considers Ban on Single Use Bags

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), as part of FS 403.7033, "shall undertake an analysis of the need for new or different regulation of auxiliary containers, wrappings, or disposable plastic bags used by consumers to carry products from retail establishments." FDEP is considering a law to require retail businesses to charge up to a quarter for one time use bags. Here's the Orlando Sentinel story.

As reduce, reuse, recycle proponents, we support this idea. Those against all taxes and those who hate everything will oppose it. Still, it may have a chance of passing.

It costs business to give you a bag. A business makes money selling you a reusable bag. So expect business criticism to be tepid.

So, what can make this happen? Provide input on FDEP's web site and contact your state legislator to share your support.

International Day of Climate Action Sun-Sentinel Article

Our very own Michael O'Brien was featured in this Sun-Sentinel article about the International Day of Climate Action.

As with any newspaper article, the unemployable, ignorant people of our community make their comments. If anything is discouraging, it is people like this live amongst us.

Help us fix the world! Join us October 24, 10-1 at MODS

Our Members are Willing to Travel

Sure, Trash to Treasure has members in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. But, we also have members in Fort Myers and Orlando.

They recognize the value of T2T and a trip or two a year is well worth the annual $60. Know an artist, teacher or crafty person that could benefit from T2T? Let them know what a great asset is in their community.

Single Stream Recycling Comes to Broward

Broward County Recycling Manager and T2T friend Phil Bresee is featured in this Miami Herald article on Broward County's conversion to single stream recycling.

Phil notes that single stream will ``make it more convenient for customers,''. I'll note how lazy people are. The County even developed a video to show people how to bring their recyclables into one big happy place.

The reality is that this is a system driven by consumers and waste haulers. People were mixing their paper with cans and bottles anyway which made one of them useless if they got into the wrong bin on the truck. Haulers like it because they don't have to purchase recycling specific vehicles.

Participation and volume in recycling programs almost always goes up with the introduction of single stream recycling. How much is due to just conducting an education campaign will be determined in the future.

What often isn't reported is the drawbacks of single stream. Mixed recyclables have to be unmixed. Thus, the cost to separate the material at the recycling facility costs more. Check out Waste Management's video on the process. Also, the value of the material is less. There is more likelihood that your beer bottle will get crushed, caught up in some paper, and then shipped to the recycled content toilet paper manufacturer.

That means the toilet paper company is willing to pay less for that material and in recessionary times might not even buy from single stream facilities. This also results in more of the material being unmarketable than through other processes and thus is sent to a landfill.

This results in less dollars back to your community for the material collected. It should be noted that Broward County has done a great job of negotiating a fair price per ton for recyclables delivered. It is such a good price it won't be surprising when Waste Management tries to change the terms of the agreement if the recession continues for any length of time.

Two of the largest unserved markets for recycling should gain the most with the conversion to single stream recycling-multifamily and commercial.

Apartments and condos have less space than single family homes which leaves less storage space. Less sorting will make them more likely to participate. Now is the time for Broward cities to take action to start or reinvigorate their multifamily recycling programs.

The paper laden commercial sector could virtually eliminate their garbage by combining containers with paper. Since Florida does not allow for the franchising of commercial recycling, the private sector could rush in and provide this service but the County's agreement with Waste Management is just for residential.

It would not make sense to lose business to competitors by allowing them to use the Waste Management recycling facility so it is up to Waste Management to lead the way. Will they?

There is no evidence that this is in their strategic plan. There is money to be made either way so why rock the boat. The demand is not there in part because of bad service in the past from a variety of vendors. So the result is that businesses will continue to be underserved until the market demands it and the private sector responds.

Southern Waste Systems provides mulch to our Community Garden

A special thanks to Southern Waste Systems (SWS) for providing mulch to our community garden. The mulch, rich in nutrients, will help establish our new garden. This mulch was made from vegetative waste collected by SWS.

Most consumers have the wrong conception about mulch. The primary purpose of mulch is to add nutrients to the soil and help with moisture retention. Too many people buy mulch based on aesthetics.

Why isn't more curbside yardwaste being used in the community? Fear and incorrect perceptions.

Perception: Mulch will have seeds and weeds that will affect the yard's plants.
Reality: Mulch is exposed to high temperatures from the mulching process and from stockpiling which kills pathogens and seeds. Plant will grow into it but not out of it.

Perception: Mulch is not attractive enough.
Reality: The plants in your yard should be the star not your fire engine red mulch

Perception: Store bought mulch is better for plants
Reality: Many mulch's contain wood which is low in nutrients and often contains chemicals.

Perception: The community would complain if curbside mulch was used in public areas.
Reality: Government pays for collection of yard waste in the community and then pays again for mulch.
Reality: Money savings makes voters happy. Check out what the City of Plantation is up to.

Perception: The community would not be interested in free mulch from curbside collections
Reality: "Did someone say free?"

Finally, do not buy Cypress Mulch. It is the worst thing you can do for Florida!

350.org Updates and T2T reminders

Please remember to note on your calendars that Trash to Treasure (T2T) will be closed on Oct 24th so that we may all participate in the 350 International Day of Climate of ACTION.

T2T is part of the local grassroots planning group and we have challenged individual's and groups to become CLIMATE CAPTAINS, and to bring 10 people to the event, making sure they are in the 350 logo tees, and bearing a sign representing their group. This is not only a good way to support climate protection initiatives, it is also a great way to promote your group pr business as part of a sustainable future. It's not too late to get involved.

T2T has formed a Climate Captain group as well and our goal is to get 35 people under the "T2T SUPPORTS 350 Climate Protection" banner. If you don't have time to form a group, consider joining our group and bringing your family and friends along. We feel that this is gathering will be especially empowering to kids, since we will have to pass the baton to them eventually to continue the democratic work of make the voice of the people heard by leaders.

Our event is designed to be positive, uplifting and responsibly vocal. Eight cities and Broward County have issued Proclamations honoring the day and encouraging citizen involvement. When the Town of Davie presented the Proclamation the other night, the council stood and led a standing ovation acknowledging the importance of the day and the work to be done---together.

All the details for the local event to be held at Museum of Discovery and Science from 10 -1pm are on our website. Pdf's of posters and flyers are also there, if you can print them out and continue spreading the word, that would be great.

Contact us via the website if you want to join the T2T Climate Captain group. We will have a 2nd work party night on Friday, Oct 16th ( back by popular demand) to continue silk screening tees and making signs. Join us!

18 Rabbit Grand Opening

Check out T2T member Leah Brown's grand opening of her new art gallery, 18 Rabbit, right in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Good Luck Leah!

Here's the press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Grand Opening of 18 Rabbit Gallery

FT LAUDERDALE, Florida (October 6^th, 2009) – 18 Rabbit Gallery is South Florida’s newest contemporary art gallery, and it will open it’s doors to the public with a Grand Opening of the group exhibition, Fireworks, on October 23^rd, 2009 from 6 pm to Midnight. The exhibition continues through November 23^rd, with gallery hours 10am-6pm or by appointment. Located in the heart of downtown Ft Lauderdale at the intersection of NW 1^st st and NW 1^st Ave, 18 Rabbit is a 2,000 sq ft exhibition and event space, dedicated to showcasing work by today’s most exciting emerging and established artists as well as being a hub for the local arts community.

The brainchild of local artists Leah Brown and Peter Symons, 18 Rabbit Gallery began as a renovated warehouse space in Ft Lauderdale downtown’s exciting revitalization of the North of Broward (NOB) district, bridging the art museum with the thriving FAT Village art scene. Brown and Symons moved to South Florida from New York City one year ago where they had both lived as practicing artists with a vision to create a thriving art community. 18 Rabbit is the realization of their idea to create a “Yes” space, where artists are unrestricted by materials usage and artistic content, empowering both artists and audience with the freedom of possibility. The building, itself, claims the title of first legal graffiti wall in Ft Lauderdale, painted on three sides by members of the infamous MSG Cartel.

Monthly exhibitions of group and solo shows will be augmented by the community’s involvement in events and classes within the context of the art space. Live music, poetry slams, figure drawing nights and film screenings are only the beginning. 18 Rabbit wants you to play an active role the arts community and welcomes any and all suggestions for bringing people together in acts and appreciation of creation.

The inaugural exhibition, Fireworks, brings together current work by a group of 10 internationally recognized contemporary artists working in several media, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, installation, performance and video. The artists include Leah Brown, Jinkyung Chong, Brian Hitselberger, Lisa Iglesias, Tony Ingrisano, Eva Jung, Justin Plakas, Blaine Siegel, and Peter Symons. A performance by Jinkyung Chong will begin at 8:00 pm.

Contact:

Leah Brown, Gallery Director

18rabbitgallery@gmail.com

(828) 279-1481 (direct)

18 Rabbit Gallery

18 NW 1^st St

Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301

www.18rabbitgallery.com

Florida Wants to Increase Recycling or Do They?

The Orlando Sentinel gives us a one-sided report on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) goal of tripling the state's recycling rate to 75%. A preliminary report from DEP shows that it recognizes some of the components necessary for a better program such as:

• Change how people think about waste and recycling by way of education and outreach.
• Enhance who recycles by placing more focus on the commercial and multi-family sectors. • Change the pattern of final waste disposition by decreasing the amount of waste going to landfills.
• Establish sufficient funding sources to assist local governments and keep a reporting system in place.
• Help develop markets to make increased recycling a sustainable process.
• Try innovative concepts such as “Pay As You Throw” and a bottle bill.
• Most importantly, recognize that all of this will take time!

While this is encouraging, nothing is new nor has not been tried before. There is pending legislation the essentially changes the definition of recycling which is found here. FL statues 403.7032 (2) states "However, any solid waste used for the production of renewable energy shall count toward the long-term recycling goal as set forth in this section."

Broward, Dade, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Lee and Bay counties are preparing the "Mission Complete" banners. These counties rely heavily on waste-to-energy facilities to dispose of nonrecycled materials. Four of Florida's top six metro areas would have to take little or no action.

Waste-to-energy is much more desirable than landfilling. Its emissions are highly regulated. The fuel is domestic and never ending. Still, too many materials get disposed of this way when there are markets and uses for them.

A good part of the proposed legislation is that counties would be required to develop plans to compost between 5 and 10% of the counties waste.

The heat and humidity in Florida makes it perfect for composting. Its a travesty that more work has been not done in this area. Backyard composting is especially easy to implement. There is more yard waste in Florida than anyone knows what to do with. What kind of mulch are you buying? What is your local government purchasing and how much are they paying?

Only Plantation in Broward runs a program where yard waste from residents is converted into mulch used by city crews. Residents pay a small fee to dispose and the City saves on mulch purchases. They also provide free mulch to the community.

Here are some our ideas for successful programs:

• Have dedicated recycling/solid waste professionals to implement programs
• Reinvest savings and revenue from recycling programs into new programs and education-like a business would.
• Have containers that are unique and distinguishable from garbage cans
• Make recycling a business practice-it is what you business does for savings, the earth, and PR
• Governments should implement extensive recycled-content programs-strong markets mean strong revenues
• Government should coordinate competitive bids to provide recycling services to business-they already do this through their exclusive garbage collection
• Educate, educated, educate-you know what Coke is all about and they advertise constantly
• Remove the financial incentives for not encouraging business recycling through fees payed based on the volume of garbage collected.
• Implement residential pay-as-you-throw programs.
  

There are many more. If you are looking for more information from our experts, contact us at Trash to Treasure.

Rain Barrel Workshop, Oct 3, 11 AM

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD, 11am

MEMBERS $25
NON-MEMBERS $50

Come and build your rainbarrel with us! Feel free to paint and decorate it with us too! ...and of course you get to take your barrel home. Please note that our barrels are white(not blue like the photo).

There is space for 10 participants. Please RSVP and send or bring in a check to secure your space.

Call or email us if you have any questions!
sarah@trash2treasurefl.org
888-828-8242 x 704

Thank you to Burners Without Borders for helping to make this happen!!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION, Saturday October 24, 2009

The LAST DAYS~350 SOLUTION

What is your main cause? Poverty? Hunger? Animal or Plant Extinction? Cultural Extinction? Deforestation? Ocean and Reef Destruction? Social Injustice? Pollution? War?

What if you could work on solving all of these problems by working with millions of planetary friends on just one…CLIMATE CRISIS.

The world now recognizes that Global Warming is real and human activity is causing unprecedented rise in temperatures that impact warming and destroying our oceans, melting glaciers that provide our water supply, droughts, fires, flooding, extreme weather, unprecedented displacement of peoples, fights for resources, and more. The heart of most of the world’s problems stem from environmental degradation, or, the destruction of the natural life-giving systems on the Planet, and human greed, arrogance and ignorance.

350 represents the amount of carbon in our atmosphere that scientists say MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED if life is to continue to sustaining to humans. Right now we are 390.

In December, our world leaders will converge on Copenhagen to spend several days in talks about new climate agreements. The corporate greed that has led to injustice and environmental damage will be staking its claim to keep the status quo and serve its own profit basis, irrespective of the consequences.

350.org is about the People of the World and we can have a Voice also, a big one, if we join together. Our united grassroots voices, in partnership with intelligent leadership is the only thing that serves as a check and balance on corporate greed.

We are in crisis~ this is an emergency. History offers countless stories of human courage and brilliance in the face of emergency. The challenge right now is that the emergency is hard to see where most of us are living…most of us are not in the Himalayas or the Arctic where the glaciers that feed world water are disappearing; the humans that are living amidst the destruction of the rainforests, the droughts of Darfur and Sudan, the wars over oil and other resources are not the privileged of the Earth, who have still have enormous comfort zones, and have the technology and education to do something about it.

We must now use the higher part of our brain to imagine the consequences of too little action, and project what will happen in our silence. And that vision needs to sober us into immediate action; picture it, and your adrenaline will do the rest.

OCT 24^th is 350 INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE ACTION DAY. On this day in 120 countries (and growing) regular people everywhere will join events to make that big VOICE, and send our leaders the message that we want a planet that we can live on.

Join us in Fort Lauderdale for the local event, or check the 350.org website to find a location near where you will be on Oct 24^th.

Today’s little children will bear the legacy of our willingness to act, or not act; the errors of the past are gone, those voices have had their say, and the children now and in the future have yet no voice; it is our generation RIGHT NOW that must act.

If you are not sure of the facts, educate yourself; if you know, then step us and join a group somewhere, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get busy getting saving ourselves.

Claudia Polzer show

New T2T member, Claudia Polzer will be having a show at Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts.

Check it out. Support the Arts.

Axion International-Recycled Plastic Bridges

Check out the web site Axion International.

They make structural components out of recycled plastic. They use technology developed by Rutgers University.

Check out this video of an army tank crossing one of their recycled bridges.

Valley Forge in Florida Trend

One of our sources for fabric, Valley Forge Fabrics is featured in the latest Florida Trend. This is a great story on how the second generation is taking the company in new progressive areas just as their parents had done previously. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is the motivation for reducing carbon footprint, reducing costs, and improving profits.

Our partnership with Valley Forge is an important component to our success. Last week we picked up about 500 pounds of material from Valley Forge. Stop by T2T to check it out.

Halloween Street Scene and Soul Parade-Puppet Workshops, Materials Needed, Event Volunteers Needed

Skeleton Krewe NEEDED!!! (South Florida)

Lake Worth's Halloween Street Scene & Soul Parade is looking for volunteers to help raise our GIANT SKELETON & GHOST PUPPETS from the DEAD! RSVP- To reserve your space for FREE Workshops where you can learn to Design, Papier Mache, Stitch, Paint, Puppeteer, and more! So grab your friendly Ghouls or Goblins and go from 1 to 13 sessions! Tuesdays in Lake Worth. Saturdays in Fort Lauderdale. To join our Skeleton Krew, contact Anderson at 561-294-1702 or andersonsomerselle@yahoo.com today --- Before it's too LATE!

Most workshops recommended for 15 years through adult. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. For kids activities and extended list of events, check out: http://www.halloweenstreetscene.com/FAQ.html

TO VOLUNTEER BUILD OR PERFORM

In Broward County, Contact Casey at info@trash2treasurefl.org, 888-828-8242 x 701.

In Palm Beach County, Contact Anderson at andersonsomerselle@yahoo.com, 561-294-1702.

FORT LAUDERDALE WORKSHOPS - 2-5 PM Saturdays

LOCATION: PUPPET NETWORK STUDIO, FAT ARTS VILLAGE (THANKS TO FLAGLER 500, LLC), 504 NW 1ST AVENUE, FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33301

In Broward County, Contact Casey at info@trash2treasurefl.org, 888-828-8242 x 701.

All Fort Lauderdale workshops will be taught by Puppet Master Jim Hammond from the National Broadway Tour of "The Lion King". Learn every detail of creating a giant! RSVP is a must as space is limited.

#1
9-5/Sa - Day of the Dead Sculpt 1(Puppet Guild/Trash to Treasure Training Session)

#2
9-12/Sa - Skulls & Bones Papier Mache 1

#3
9-19/Sa - Ghosts & Skulls Papier Mache 2

#5
9-26/Sa - Giant Puppet Paint 1

#7
10-3/Sa - Giant Puppet Costuming 1

#9
10-10/Sa - Giant Puppet Costuming 2

#11
10-17/Sa - Giant Puppet Mechanics 1

#13
10-24/Sa - Puppet Giants Screen Tests - MOVE ALL PUPPETS TO LAKE WORTH LOCATION

#17
11-2/Mo - Studio Clean Up/Returns - 12 to 6 PM

LAKE WORTH WORKSHOPS - 6:30-9:30 PM Tuesdays
LOCATION: TBD, LAKE WORTH, FLORIDA Call for Location

In Palm Beach County, Contact Anderson at andersonsomerselle@yahoo.com, 561-294-1702.

#4
9-22/Tu - Painted Giant Sugar Skulls - Beautiful points of color designed by YOU

#6 9-29/Tu - Painted Giant Tombstones - Funnier than you'd think!
#8 10-6/Tu - Rockin' Recycled Rhythms - Halloween World Music Traditions Crafted
#10 10-13/Tu - Zombie Bridesmaid Gowns! Got a Gown in the Closet - Bring it and Trash it!
#12 10-20/Tu - All Souls Angel Wings - Kids n' Parents Workshop!

#14
10-27/Tu - Full PUPPET Cast Dress Rehearsal 7-10 PM

#15
10-29/Th - Full PUPPET Cast Dress Rehearsal 7-10 PM

#16 10-30/Fr - Parade

4PM Call

6PM Parade

9 PM- Load Out/Clean Up

NEEDED MATERIALS LIST

Please drop off clean items at Trash to Treasure. Contact info@trash2treasurefl.org,

888-828-8242, 1100 NW 53 Street, #1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, http://www.trash2treasurefl.org

RAW MATERIALS

Many - Many Gallons White Glue (Although every
bit will help)

Few Reams Heavy Brown Paper/Kraft Paper

Large pieces (at least 2 yards each piece) Lightweight Fabric - Especially Black and White

Cheese
Cloth - Any Size

Black Latex Paint

White Latex Paint

Misc Latex Paint

Misc Trims and Decorative Pieces

2"-10" Poly Foam - Clean

Rolls of paper tape

Spools of wire

Bamboo poles 10' Plus

USUAL RECYCLED
SUSPECTS

Medium Duty Large Flat Cardboard At least 3' X 2'

Heavy Duty Large Flat Cardboard At Least 4' X 3'

1"-2" PVC - 6' Plus

1/4" to 2" Aluminum Poles 3' Plus

5 Gal Plastic Buckets (Only 10 Needed)

Rolls of Aluminum Foil

COOL
TOOLS & ART SUPPLIES

Heavy Duty Plier styled cardboard Staplers with Staples

Paint Brushes

Spray Paint Cans Misc Colors

Many Pounds Plastilina Clay (Oil Based) (May be borrowed)

Scissors
- Pretty Sharp

Permanent
Markers

WEIRD &
UNUSUAL STUFF

ANY Battery Operated Lighting

Paper Lanterns Any size

Misc. Oversized Inflatables - Especially Beach Balls

1 beaten up Garbage Can on Wheels (Must be fairly Clean but can be damaged)

Rubber Body Parts

Flag carrier belts/Fishing Pole Belts

Lightweight Flag Poles

Backpack frames with shoulder straps (waist belt too)

Giant Feathers 16 inches of longer

Witch Hats! Halloween & Costume Hats!

Black/Red/Purple Umbrellas - Slightly damaged okay

At least one 3 wheeled adult trike - rides fine but doesn't have to look pretty

Radio Flier Wagons - Working but same as trike

Feather Boas.

6' -10'+ Children's plastic hard sided
swimming pool (can be cracked)

FRIENDS who are stilt walkers and would like
to volunteer for a parade!

Special Thanks to: Trash to Treasure, Puppet Network LLC, Puppet Guild of South Florida, Flagler 500 LLC, FAT ARTS Village - Fort Lauderdale, The Lake Worth Rum Shack, Cheney Brothers, Florida Dance Conservatory, BUZZ 103.1, Paws on the Avenue, SUNNY 104.3, Hire Level Designs, The Downtown Jewel Neighborhood Association, The City of Lake Worth - Florida, The Downtown Cultural Alliance Lake Worth, Florida Ghost Team, Many More and all of our volunteers!!

Playing the Game of Life-New Member

Trash to Treasure is proud to welcome Early Childhood Quality Consultants as a group membership.

ECQC is located in Miami Beach and is doing meaningful work throughout Dade County.

They are a perfect partner for T2T. They recognize the importance that art plays in all aspects of life. Here is a description from their web site.

ECQC’s primary program, “Playing the Game of Life^®,” is a social skills-infused arts based program that teaches children not just social skills, but life-long skills. ECQC is a pioneer in developing quality alternative and holistic programming.

They even have a great web site name: http://www.playingthegameoflife.com

Welcome Aboard!!

Garden Workday Sept 10th from 6pm to dusk

Come help us with our Trash to Treasure Demonstration Garden!!

Our next workday is scheduled for Sept 10th from 6pm to dusk. The garden is looking awesome!

We will begin planting native border plants and a butterfly garden!! We will also be spreading compost and mulch thoughout the garden. The building of garden structures such as trellises, fences, and container planters will continue. Come and join the fun and let your creativity out!

Click here to see our garden plan!

Thank you Burners Without Borders for your help!!

SILK Screen Workshop SEPT 12 10am-1pm

Have you always wondered how professionals do the magic of getting the image on a t-shirt?

Our very own member, Veezie Bowden, self-made goddess of transforming Trash to Treasure, will show us how using just using a bunch of scrappy stuff from the Center. We actually got a cool donation of silk screen frames to get you started, but she will guide us thru the process, which is also uses the good ole' SUN instead of light boards like in the commercial process.
You take your screen home with you!

Bring a simple design idea that you can do in one color with which to learn. The workshop is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. ( Take a membership that day~u KNOW u want one~ and get the discounted rate.) Also bring the item you want to do your first printing on.

T2T staff will be making the 350.org Climate Action design in preparation for printing up our own clean, 2nd hand t-shirts and tanks for to promote 350.org day, OCT 24th, the event day. Watch for more info about that, check out the website and let's get busier together saving the only Planet we've got!