Okanagan Upcycle Re Source Society OURS

The newly formed Okanagan Upcycle ReSource Society (OURS) is about to initiate a new and exciting program in our community, and we would like to invite you to join us. OURS was established to reduce our local carbon footprint, reduce landfill waste, create employment for marginalized members of our community, and contribute to our local economic development. We have partnered with The Shatford Centre, Penticton and District Community Living Society (PDSCL) and are working with the Regional District of the South Okanagan (RDOS) to develop a program to divert wood and other useful used building materials, and quality valued added products from the Campbell Mountain and Okanagan Falls landfills. There is a tremendous need in the South Okanagan for used building materials, as the closest store is in Kelowna. And, there is an incredibly high volume of useable wood (enough to build approximately 300 houses annually) that is either being chipped or mulched at our local landfills. Our plan is to transport salable materials from the landfills to 160 Industrial Ave in Penticton where it will be sorted and sold by marginalized members of the community. We anticipate that local contractors and residents will also support the program by donating gently used building materials, rather than paying tipping fees at the landfills. PDSCL is providing space at their facilities at 160 Industrial Ave to store and sell the products, and in return we will employ some of their marginalized clients, and donate wood to their woodworking shop. Our plan is to create a ReStore, where local residents and contractors can drop off, and purchase used building materials, and other quality value added products such as furniture and appliances. We believe that our organizations can work together in a number of ways. We need: letters of support, donations of cash or used goods, Board members, volunteers, advertising, our link shared on websites, and used building materials. (Keep us in mind when you renovate). We welcome the opportunity to discuss this opportunity further with you. Feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to working with you to make this venture successful. As with any new business, publicity is key to its success, so please help spread the word. Together, we can increase our local resiliency, and make the South Okanagan region more sustainable.