People and Planet

Get Inspired: Rebuilding Exchange

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Environmental stewardship happens outside AND inside the home. We’re inviting your family to look at the objects in your home differently. Is that a water bottle or a pot for a plant? A t-shirt or a reusable grocery bag? Check out this video about the Rebuilding Exchange, a local nonprofit that's reusing construction waste in creative ways.

A lot of the objects we throw away can have a second life. The Rebuilding Exchange is taking construction waste from old buildings, refurbishing it, and finding it a new home. The Rebuilding Exchange also offers job training programs, furthering their mission to help people and planet! Watch the video above to learn more about how reusing perceived waste can build homes and community.

This film was produced by Small Forces, a creative impact studio here in Chicago dedicated to amplifying the work of purpose-driven organizations through cinematic storytelling. We love their inspiring work!

Let’s Talk

After watching the video about the Rebuilding Exchange, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family:

• What did you find interesting about the Rebuilding Exchange’s approach?

• How does their work help the planet? What about people?

• Do you think it is important to reduce waste? Why?

• Bonus! Make a plan for being green at home. Can you list 3 ways you can reduce waste together?

Community Connections: Donate for People and Planet

It's time to tackle that closet! According to the Council for Textile Recycling, each of us throws away an average of 70 pounds of clothing every year. Your clothing can have another life helping a family in need. That favorite hat that doesn't fit anymore? Your lucky pair of jeans that you grew out of? Share the luck with other kids and start your donation pile for Cradles to Crayons, an organization that supports children facing poverty with essential items, including clothing. View the Cradles to Crayons Most Needed Items list here.

Make a family game plan. Take it one closet or one drawer at a time. Make sure all donated items are washed and folded nicely for the next family to enjoy. Everyone has a job to do! Play music, make it a game, or competition. Who can match their socks the fastest?