Reduce & Reuse
Two Reuse Spaces On Campus:
The Mac Free Swap and The Free Swap Outlet/1550 Summit are free item exchanges run by the Macalester Sustainability Office. The exchange has been helping Macalester achieve our Zero Waste goal since 2008, emphasizing the “reduce” and “reuse” portions of “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” It diverts useful materials to the Mac community for reuse instead of sending items to a landfill.
The purpose of this small-scale project based on the circular economy model is to keep the benefits of free items within the Mac community rather than contributing to businesses’ profits. This model relies on mutual aid to function because in order for folks to find items they need, other folks need to contribute items they don’t. The Free Swap is open to all Macalester community members. Drop off items that are in good condition and that can fit on a shelf. Take items you love and use heavily to ensure the resources used to produce the item do not go to waste.
Most items are accepted with the exception of the following:
Large items
Broken items
Heavily tattered or worn items
Undergarments or bathing suits
Refer to the Ramsey County A-Z Green Guide or Free Swap FAQ for information about what to do with items that are not accepted at the Free Swap.
The Free Swap Garage
LOCATION AND HOURS
Mac Free Swap is located in the garage behind the Sustainability Office at 1657 Lincoln (second house behind 77 Mac). The Free Swap is open 9am-6pm daily.
The Free Swap Outlet/1550 Summit
LOCATION AND HOURS
The Free Swap Outlet is located at 1550 Summit Ave and open on Mondays from 1-4pm and various other times throughout the year.
Rentals and Repair
Reusable Dish Kits:
Reusable dish kits contain sets of 20 plates or 20 mugs. The kits also contain dish soap, scrub brushes, and a cloth. Please complete this form and allow us 1 week in advance to prepare for your reservation.
Reusable Tool Library:
The tool library is located within the Sustainability Office at 1657 Lincoln Ave. and is open for walk-in hours from 2pm-4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. You can schedule an additional time by contacting [email protected] or using this link. An updated spreadsheet of the full inventory is available here.
Mending Hours at The Idea Lab
Do you have clothing items that need to be repaired? From holes in socks to ripped jeans, we’ve got you covered with mending tips and materials. Stop by the idea lab between 6-10pm on Thursdays for mending and repair support. Additionally, if you have technical repair questions for household electronics, we can get you connected to people who know how to do tech repair.