Want to find unique items for an art project while helping the environment at the same time? You can do all this and more at Reconsidered Goods in Greensboro. The concept for the popular creative reuse shop began a few years back when a group of artists and people focused on helping the environment started collecting things in their garage. From there, they launched a few pop-up shops downtown and eventually with the help of a small grant, started a creative reuse nonprofit organization in 2016.

“Our first location was a big warehouse that attracted a lot of people looking for items at reasonable costs. We call them ‘pre-loved,’” says Catena Bergevin, Reconsidered Goods executive director. Reconsidered

Reconsidered Goods frequently takes part in community events like the Greensboro Pride Fest held in September. 

Goods takes donated materials from manufacturers and individuals and helps divert them from landfills. These items are then put into the hands of artists, makers, teachers, children, and everyone looking to create something new. “We imagine a world where nothing is used just once and thrown away, but instead is reused again and again,” Catena says.

“A lot of people call our store their happy place. It’s full of stuff and our staff is very creative at displaying things in a fun way, sometimes a little tongue in cheek. Our staff is really friendly and will ask customers about the project they are working on. It’s also intergenerational and we have a diverse customer base. You might see an 80-year-old grandma picking out yarn next to a college student with purple hair, and they are talking about the project they are working on. It’s just lovely.”

In addition to the shop, Reconsidered Goods has a number of outreach programs including field trips for children where they can learn about reuse and recycling, and work on a creative reuse project. Summer camps for children ages 8 to 15 start in June and include topics like upcycled fashion, DIY jewelry, art in nature, and collage.  

“We enjoy getting out in the community and are at most every event and festival there is in town, making art with kids and adults, talking about what we do,” Catena says. “People will walk by our booth and yell, ‘Reconsidered Goods, we love you!’”

The creative reuse industry is growing. Reconsidered Goods recently hosted a seminar with leaders of creative reuse organizations throughout the southeast. The result was the formation of the Southeast Creative Reuse Collection, a new alliance that aims to boost waste diversion while offering local communities affordable and accessible creative materials.

Reconsidered Goods can always use volunteers to help with processing donations and also getting involved in various outreach efforts. “We are looking for people to serve on our board where we recently welcomed Ana Balla, TowneBank member service specialist. If you have a particular talent and expertise you can share, we have a place for you.”

Catena was instrumental in connecting Reconsidered Goods with TowneBank. “I had worked with the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, and I knew that TowneBank was a big supporter of the Folk Festival. When our board was exploring how to make sure we were good stewards of our funds, someone asked if there were any local banks we should talk to. I said, ‘I know TowneBank understands the importance of art in our community.’ So, we met with Jon Fulton, branch manager, and were amazed as he told us how important nonprofits are and how vital it is for TowneBank to be invested in our community. We have been so happy with the support Towne has given us.”

For more information, visit ReconsideredGoods.org.