It's ReUse Week! June 10 - 18, 2009: ask Free Geek about it!

Free Geek is that great non-profit organization that refurbishes old computers and other technology and then donates to schools and charitable organizations who are helping others. They provide education and training, technical support, and help people 'earn' a computer through volunteer efforts. They're a real asset to the larger Portland community.

This week they are teaming up with the Community Warehouse, The ReBuilding Center, The Habitat ReStore, SCRAP and Schoolhouse Supplies to support ReUse Week.

These organizations all share similar values: reuse, sustainability and community building. As the ReUse PDX web site puts it: "We are working together to educate the community about how and where to take items for reuse, and where to find quality, reusable goods. The reuse of materials not only conserves scarce resources, it is an invaluable tool in helping citizens improve their lives."

Today, June 10th, the Portland City Council is proclaiming June 10-18 as ReUse Week, and on June 11th, the County Commission will do the same.

Several events are planned, including a Kickoff/Collection event at the Community Warehouse, from 9-11am on Friday, June 12th. For full details you can go to the REUSE PDX web site.

It would be a great time to go through the basement, the back of the closet, the attic and garage, find those no longer working cell phones, keyboards and printers! How about all those cords that you no longer need now that you've gone wireless? Software you don't use?

Check out the other web sites, and see what else you've got that someone else could use and get involved in ReUse Week! It's a part of what makes Portland such a great place to live! Reuse, recycle, and contribute easily to the life of the community.