Swap, Share, Thrift, Repair

Together we can make sure nothing is wasted.

The Shape of the Future is Circular

Can you imagine a world where nothing goes to waste? In a circular economy, materials are designed to be reused or repurposed rather than disposed of. Swapping, sharing, thrifting, and repairing items, rather than buying new, are easy ways to reduce waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money, support your local community, and contribute to the circular economy.

Extending the life of an item is easier than it may seem! Visit local thrift shops and libraries, attend a repair workshop, watch our textile repair tutorial video, or check out your municipality’s loaning programs.

Find swap, share, thrift, and repair resources located near you.

Putting Circular Economy into Action

Repair

Did you know that in 2022, Nova Scotians sent over 400kg of waste per person to the landfill? Repairing is a great way to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill and contribute to the circular economy. A circular economy aims to eliminate waste by keeping resources in use for as long as possible.

When something breaks, replacing it might seem like the best option. However, purchasing a new item to replace an almost functional one has become too common—and our landfills are filling up fast. Often, a simple repair can extend the life of an object and eliminate the need to buy brand new. There are many resources for minor repairs, such as video tutorials, workshops, repair cafes, and local repair businesses. Repairing also presents knowledge-sharing and mentorship opportunities, which can strengthen our local communities.

Download our NEW repair resource guide

Swap, Thrift, Share, Repeat

Every object has an interesting story, let’s make sure it’s a long one.

Swap

Swapping is a fun way to keep resources in use for as long as possible. Organizing swap events helps foster community engagement and inspires others to reduce their impact. Check out this tool kit to learn how to organize a swap event.

Share

Sharing and borrowing programs make it possible to try something different without purchasing anything new. Nova Scotia’s public libraries have many items that can be borrowed. Click here for more community resources.

Thrift

Thrifting is a great way to find unique, new-to-you items. There are lots to find at your local thrift store from clothing and furniture, to sports equipment and tech gadgets. Click here for a list of thrift shops near you.