REmarket: Swap, Repair, and Reimagine!

At the Green Neighbours Network of Toronto (GNN), we believe in the power of community-driven action to create lasting change. That’s why we’re thrilled to spotlight REmarket, an inspiring event hosted by the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association Waste Reduction Group (SLNA WRG). This event has a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities, and we are eager to continue to widen that impact.

What is REmarket?

REmarket goes beyond being just an event—it embodies a movement dedicated to fostering sustainable lifestyles. Built around the core ideas of reuse, repair, and recycling, it inspires Torontonians to reevaluate how they consume and manage resources. More than anything, REmarket urges everyone to take accountability for the lifecycle of the items we use and embrace thoughtful, conscious consumption.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Drop Off and Swap: A two-day event where community members can drop off unwanted items or swap them, keeping usable goods out of landfills.
  2. Continuous Collection: Between events, REmarket collaborates with organizations to maintain drop-off boxes like the Eco-Zone Recycling Drop Off, ensuring ongoing accessibility for responsible disposal.

When and Where?

The next REmarket will take place on January 29 & 30, 2025, at the temporary St. Lawrence Market North structure (125 The Esplanade, just south of Front Street). Once construction is complete, the event will move to the new St. Lawrence Market North building.

For more details, visit the Event Page.

What Can You Bring?

REmarket collects a wide variety of items to ensure they’re reused, repaired, or responsibly recycled. From prescription bottles to household hazardous waste, the list is comprehensive. Review the full rules and guidelines to ensure your items can be accepted.

Why Attend REmarket?

The Impact of REmarket 11 (October 2024):

Here are some highlights from the last event that illustrate the power of collective action:

  • Community Participation: 1,245 donors, drop-offs, and FreeMarket visitors made an impact.
  • Waste Diverted:
    • 34 skids (approx. 5,795 kg) of donations to The Salvation Army.
    • 3 skids (1,052 kg) of e-waste collected by Renewed Computer Technology.
    • 7373 cigarette butts recycled by TerraCycle.
  • Reuse and Repair:
    • Repair Café Toronto registered 129 items for repair.
    • CultureLink Bike Hub performed small repairs on 13 bikes.

And these are just a few examples! Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, participants, and community partners, REmarket proves how small actions add up to big results.

How You Can Participate

  • Donate: Bring your reusable goods to the event or explore ongoing drop-off options.
  • Volunteer: Join the team of passionate individuals making a difference.
  • Engage: Visit the FreeMarket, repair stations, and educational exhibits to learn and take action.

Join the Movement for a Greener Toronto

The success of REmarket lies in the collective efforts of people like you. By participating, you’re not just reducing waste—you’re helping to build a sustainable, interconnected community that leads by example.

Don’t miss out—join us on January 29 & 30, 2025, and make your mark!

About SLNA Waste Reduction Group

Founded in 2019, the SLNA WRG champions sustainable living through four key goals:

Raising Awareness: Through events like REmarket, they empower community members with knowledge and practical steps for sustainable living.

Rethinking Consumption: Advocating for the 11 Rs of sustainability, they inspire individuals to prioritize actions like repair, refuse, and reuse over recycling alone.

Diverting Waste: By redirecting usable and recyclable materials, they minimize landfill contributions.

Serving the Community: Their commitment to inclusivity and environmental stewardship reflects the values of the vibrant St. Lawrence Neighbourhood.

Find out more and volunteer with them by visiting their website.

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