Creative Reuse: Rethinking What We Throw Away with Mackendree Thompson of ReClaim It |
Ep. 29

What if the things we throw away aren’t actually done with us yet? In this episode of New Humans for New Earth, Queenie sits down with McKendree Thompson, board member of Portland’s ReClaim It, for a talk about trash, treasure, creativity, and what it means to live with a little more intention.

Together, they explore the circular economy, the surprisingly personal magic of repair and reuse, and why choosing objects with history can connect us more deeply to our homes, our communities, and one another.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, look again, and ask: Do I really need something new…or is there already possibility hiding in what I have? Reuse, it turns out, can be practical, affordable, deeply satisfying, and even an act of hope for the future.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introducing ReClaim It

05:31 The impact reuse has

11:36 We’ve gotten used to convenience, but there’s another way

15:56 The affordability of sustainability

24:19 Moving away from linear thinking

31:06 Your small actions do have an impact

34:09 A recycling resource

35:27 Breaking away from the consumer mindset

41:10 The soul and story of an object

50:06 It’s called capitalism

53:37 ReClaim It’s upcoming expansion and partner orgs

1:07:55 Closing questions

McKendree Thompson is a Portland nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience championing reuse, housing, civic education, and community support. A board member of ReClaim It and former Community Philanthropy Manager at Rebuilding Center, she is guided by a lifelong commitment to reuse, repurpose, and reimagine.

Learn more: Check out Reclaim It at www.reclaimitpdx.org. IG @reclaimitpdx and TikTok @reclaimit_pdx.

Dive deeper: Any time you have a recycling question or need reuse inspiration, head to www.earth911.com.

Stay connected: @newhumansfornewearth on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok & Facebook. newhumansfornewearth.com.

Intro & Outro Music: Take off (feat. Emily Dukes) (Instrumental) by Pastek.

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