By Joslyn Keenan
Jan. 31, 2018
As January comes to a close, a local nonprofit has high hopes to remain open.
EcoStores Nebraska, 530 W. P St., is dedicated to diverting construction and demolition waste from Lincoln’s landfills while creating a supply of reusable building supplies and materials. Operating under the nonprofit status of The Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities, EcoStores was founded in 2005. Recycling well over 3,000 tons of usable materials from Nebraska landfills, they pride themselves on serving the community through reselling affordable supplies and materials.
The EcoStores’ process operates through donations made by the community and other organizations. Materials donated are given a second chance and sold at 50 percent or less of the original retail value. Money from sales exclusively pays for EcoStores’ overhead including salaries, rent, utilities, etc. What they can’t sell, they then recycle. The variety of products is quite astounding. The products include lumber, doors, cabinets, latex paint,hardware and light fixtures. Many customers enjoy visiting a few times a month just to browse and see what they stumble upon.
Unfortunately, EcoStores lost its lease and needs to relocate quickly. The lease will not be renewed, and what is left in the warehouse will now be without a home. EcoStores is reaching out for aid through a GoFundMe page, hoping to find a new building to place their inventory. Most importantly, EcoStores would like to keep their business running to serve the community of Lincoln. They are hoping to raise enough money to not only move materials, but also for a entirely new building. A small amount of the donations would be used toward moving expenses of the goods not sold, and another 27 percent toward closing expenses of their current location. The most substantial expense will be the cost of the new location.
Because the EcoStores lease ends in January, it is in immediate need of a new location so it can continue to provide its services to the community of Lincoln.
EcoStores has been a go-to for many loyal customers over the years. While some enjoy searching for fun do-it-yourself project supplies, others depend on EcoStores’ discounted prices for home improvements and necessary repairs. Considering home repair can be a costly process, EcoStores also directly looks out for those who need the extra help. Giving these usable materials a second chance can also be considered a way of giving back. While others may throw old materials away, EcoStores looks for ways to be resourceful and practical with their donated materials.
EcoStores has also established a presence in the Lincoln community and received recognition in many ways throughout the years. A few or their accomplishments:
- Product Stewardship award winner in 2012
- Environmental Leadership award winner 2016
- Conducted a year long study of demolition and construction waste
- Produced a Good Practices Manual on the handling of such waste
- Connected the community with green products and services
- Think Green it’s Thursday lecture series
- Provide an opportunity for volunteers and community service
- Provide jobs and job training for individuals with disabilities
- Partnered with various community organizations and neighborhood associations to help with recycling efforts.
EcoStores has built its reputation on being committed to the the Lincoln community, but also involved in national efforts to recycle. The organization is currently a TerraCycle collection point and donates to this cause. TerraCycle’s purpose is to eliminate the idea of waste by creating national recycling systems for previously non-recyclable or hard-to-recycle waste. The difference with TerraCycle is the specific groups a company can choose to donate to. Organizations sign up for programs, called the Brigades, and send TerraCycle their collected waste. The Personal Care & Beauty Brigade, the Cleaner Packaging Brigade, and Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade are just a few of those groups Ecostores donates to. This extra involvement exemplifies Ecostores’ dedication to better communities, and not only Lincoln.
With kindness driving their efforts as a true nonprofit does, Ecostores’ mission is “to provide a chance for good material to be reused, to be an economical alternative for the community and reduce building material landfill waste.” While at first glance to some, EcoStores sells basic housing materials for a lower price. To many, EcoStores betters the good of the people – in more ways than one.
Craig Steward, of EcoStores, sat in with Annie on the most recent edition of Story Strong. Listen to the podcast of the program below.
Joslyn Keenan is an editorial intern with KZUM.
