Waste Not Center Grows 50% in 2009

The Waste Not Center, operated by the Central Ohio Sustainability Alliance,  grew by 50 % from 1200 to 1800 Members in 2009. The Center provides its Members with office supplies and materials for arts and crafts projects from new or gently-used items donated by local businesses and individuals.  Annually the Center re-purposes over 50 tons of materials that would otherwise be discarded.  Center membership is open to non-profit organizations, teachers and artists. Members estimate the collective value they receive from the Center to be approximately $300,000 per year.  To be a member of the Center, one must be a teacher, an artist or a non-profit organization.

In 2009 the Center was recognized by the Ohio Art Education Association as the business organization most supportive of  the Arts in Central Ohio.  In 2008 the Center received an Emerald Award from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio for the partnership the Center established between industry and local schools.  Further, the Center has been nominated for a 2010 award from the Ohio chapter of the American Association of Professional Organizers for the community services the Center provides.

The Center is managed by Neil Drobny who has a cadre of volunteers that asist with inventory management and checkin and checkout of Members who come to shop.  The Center is open one afternoon per week and one Saturday morning per month.  You may follow the Center on Twitter at: wastenotcenter.