One of our favorite things to do at Circular Philadelphia is partner with our member organizations to invite our community into their space to learn about the fantastic work they are doing to progress the circular economy in Philadelphia. So we couldn’t be happier that our newest organizational member, Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, opened their doors to Circular Philadelphia for a tour as well as networking over coffee and doughnuts.
As their website explains, “ReStore is the home store and donation center of Habitat Philadelphia.” As we learned on the tour, there are over 700 ReStores nationwide that are connected to their local Habitat for Humanity, which has been building homes for people in need since 1976. As the Philadelphia ReStore website boasts, “Together, every dollar spent, item donated and hour volunteered has helped Habitat Philadelphia build 265+ new homes and complete 1,000+ critical repairs to date.”
The building Circular Philadelphia toured is located at 3111 West Allegheny Ave. in what was once the Pep Boys Headquarters in Philadelphia. As we came to find out, the area where we did our initial introductions and enjoyed doughnuts and coffee was once a Pep Boys “training store.” ReStore Philadelphia now advertises the space as, “your one-stop shop for furniture, electronics, décor and building materials at a fraction of the retail price.”
ReStore Philadelphia Director Chris Meder kicked off the event by giving the welcome and an overview of the organization. The floor was then turned over to the ReStore’s volunteer coordinator Rhys Rios, who took attendees on a tour of the ReStore and explained each section from the building supplies area predominantly used by contractors and do-it-yourself home repair people on a budget to the showroom full of reasonably priced, great-condition pieces. Circular Philadelphia’s Director of Programs and Operations Samantha Wittchen even left with a bookcase for her daughter!
Rhys also turned the floor over to Greg Bradely, who is the Director of Sales and Partnerships for Recolor Paint. As Recolor Paint’s website explains, “we collect unused paint that’s destined to pollute a landfill or gather dust in your basement and give it new life to bring more beauty to our world.” Their paint is on display in the building supplies area and can be purchased to further expand a contractor’s circular practices.
Rhys also invited Circular Philadelphia member organization Rego’s CEO Josh Mastromatto to say a few words about how Rego and the ReStore are teaming with Drexel University to provide off-campus students with an easy way to donate their gently used furniture, clothing, and electronics during move-out season. Leveraging the power of Rego’s reuse technology and Habitat for Humanity ReStore’s pick-up program, they’re solving for the tight move-out windows, tight streets, and complex logistics of University City. All the items donated will help prevent unnecessary bulk waste while enabling the ReStore to further its mission of building and improving homes around Philadelphia.
Circular Philadelphia is always happy to expose our members to great examples of circularity in our community. We were even more excited that a majority of the people in attendance were not yet Circular Philadelphia members – something we will aim to correct! Regardless, we’re always excited to bring together the community of circular economy advocates to learn and network. We always want to remind all current and potential members that if you would like Circular Philadelphia to set up a tour of your facility, please email us at engagement@circularphiladelphia.org.
Photo credits: Liyiran Shelly Xia
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