The Westerville Public Library will host a day of environmental programs, recycling opportunities, and hands-on activities during its Sustainability Fair on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include a Sustainability Expo, a sewing and mending Repair Cafe, electronic waste recycling, free document shredding, and a program on urban gardening.
The Sustainability Expo, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Meeting Rooms A and B, will bring together organizations and vendors working in sustainability and conservation. Visitors can ask questions, learn about energy efficiency and waste reduction, and pick up practical ideas for making environmentally friendly changes at home.
The expo will also feature giveaways and information from local groups and businesses involved in conservation efforts.
A Repair Cafe will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the library’s Innovation Lab. The session will focus on sewing, mending and darning fabric and textiles, with specialists available to help participants repair well-used clothing and other items instead of throwing them away.
Participants can bring items that need repair and work alongside volunteers using available tools, materials and do-it-yourself resources. Those who simply want to watch are also welcome, and people with sewing experience can volunteer to help.
The Repair Cafe is being presented in partnership with Sustainable Westerville. Organizers say future Repair Cafe events could focus on other household items such as lamps, lawn mowers and watches.
Electronic waste will also be accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through a partnership with Avay. Residents can bring a wide range of old electronics, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, computers, cables, printers, cameras, video game systems, batteries, stereo equipment and other household and office electronics.
The program is intended to keep electronics and their components out of the landfill, where improperly discarded devices can release harmful materials into the environment.
Free shredding and paper recycling will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in partnership with Royal Document Destruction. Residents may bring sensitive documents such as old bank statements, tax records, and medical paperwork for secure disposal.
There is a limit of three boxes per vehicle. Organizers advise residents to arrive early because the shredding portion of the event could end before 1 p.m. if the truck reaches capacity.
The day will conclude with an Urban Gardening program from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Activity Center. Local gardener Tamara Murray will share tips on growing native and edible plants in an urban setting.
Murray has been developing a native and edible landscape on a 0.3-acre property in Uptown Westerville since 2020. She is the marketing manager at the Westerville Public Library and a volunteer with Sustainable Westerville.
Parking at the library may be limited because of construction. Overflow parking for the Urban Gardening program will be available at Whittier Elementary School, 130 E. Walnut St.
The Sustainability Fair is designed to give residents several ways to put sustainability into practice in a single day, whether by repairing an old item, recycling unwanted electronics and paper, learning about conservation or picking up new gardening skills.
REuse-a-Palooza returns to Westerville Saturday
Westerville residents can give unwanted household items a second life during REuse-a-Palooza #11 on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The free, citywide curbside exchange allows residents to place clean, usable items at the curb for others to take. Furniture, toys, clothing, tools, and other household goods are welcome. All items must be free.
Residents may also submit one or two items to be featured on the event map, which helps participants find available goods throughout the city. Items submitted after 9:30 a.m. Saturday may not appear on the map.
Organizers ask participants to keep sidewalks and traffic views clear, place large or unstable items safely, and be considerate when parking. They also advise people to use caution when bringing home clothing, couches, or other fabric items because of the risk of bedbugs.
Items not taken by 6 p.m. should be brought back inside.
REuse-a-Palooza is held twice a year, in the spring and fall, and is intended to reduce waste by keeping reusable items out of the landfill. Details.
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Thank you Gary, your support of these efforts is SO appreciated!