The Island Green Building Association’s ReSource Depot will celebrate its first anniversary Saturday with a celebration that includes food, refreshments, music and “even more savings than usual” at its Gifft Hill location.
The celebration to thank the public, according to Director Barry Devine, begins at 10 a.m. and continues to 4 p.m.
Since its opening in January 2012, Devine said IGBA kept 22,565 pounds of materials out of the landfill as part of its mission to prevent the dumping of useful building and home materials.
Windows, doors, hardware, furniture, building and electrical supplies, tools, appliances, toilets, sinks, tile, shutters, paint and more have been donated by concerned St. Johnians.
“Across the territory, solid waste is a growing problem for residents watching dumpsters, transfer stations and landfills overflow with waste materials,” much of which are useful items, Devine said, adding it’s often stuff “that folks want to get rid of but cannot find a home for.”
“Islands in particular have few appropriate locations for discarded waste trapped in the small community, space that would be more efficiently used if the useful items could be recovered and reused,” he said.
“With all of the building and remodeling happening on St. John, the island is loaded with good stuff that people want.”
The inventory changes regularly, but Devine said there are often windows, doors, electrical items and other “great stuff” in stock. Prices are very low so the materials find a home, and Devine said they’re all negotiable.
“Make us an offer,” he said.
According to IGBA’s press release, ReSource Depot efforts began a year ago with a large donation from local businessman Harith Wickrema of Eco Serendib, and since that time dozens of residents, businesses and contractors have stepped up with a wide variety of desirable items. Dozens and dozens more have come to shop and buy, giving these low-cost items a new life and supporting a greener island.
In support of IGBA, donors have helped to fund the discounted cost of the storage trailers at the Storage on Site location across from the Susannaberg Transfer Station. Many residents volunteer and donate their time to transport goods, work at the Depot, and get the word out that there are goods to be had at fantastic prices.
Dan “Pants Man” Carlson was recently hired as the Depot manager and the operating hours now include Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. The Depot opens Monday and Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. It closes at noon every day.
Funds from the sale of goods, IGBA memberships, grants and private donations help support the Depot expenses and the monthly Green Thursdays educational Seminar Series.
Learn more about IGBA at www.igba-stjohn.org .