01.15.08
Posted in DoGooder, OaklandGoods, The Temescal, OaklandArts at 2:09 pm by OaklandGoods
When I lived in Berkeley, I used to ride my bike to the East Bay Center for Creative Reuse almost weekly, so it’s a little embarassing that I’m just getting around to posting about it now. The depot relocated last May to the Temescal, occupying a corner right near the Lanesplitter. It took a while for them to get their signage up, but it’s now very findable.
A heaven for teachers, artists, crafty folks, and anyone who enjoys sorting through cast-off stuff for gems, the depot has bins full of art supplies, furnishings, jewelry, and loads of old junk from the U.C. I was intrigued by the boxes of magazine microfilm from the university library (see above) and by a bin of hockey pucks (see below). What will you find?
In addition to shopping, you can donate your stuff (in good condition) for a tax deduction. It’s best to call ahead to get your donation pre-approved. For hours and the list of acceptable items, check the Web site. And since the depot is a non-profit, you can also donate your time.
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east bay depot for creative reuse
4695 telegraph ave
510.547.6470
www.east-bay-depot.org
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12.03.07
Posted in DoGooder, News at 10:45 am by OaklandGoods
While you’re doing all that shopping, find something you can give away. Lucky Supermarkets throughout the area are collecting canned food and dry goods to distribute to the needy, so buy and extra can or two next time you shop.
At Grubb Co. in Montclair Village they’re collecting Toys for Tots. If you’re in the neighborhood, swing by and drop off a new toy to make a child’s holiday (in front of 1960 Mountain Blvd.).
If you’ve seen other good giving opportunities, let me know and I’ll post them!
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06.02.07
Posted in DoGooder, Downtown at 4:04 am by OaklandGoods
I love free stuff and I love the Earth, so what could be more fun than stopping into the greenly remodeled new digs of StopWaste.Org, part of the Alameda County Waste Management Authority. The modern lobby boasts racks of great reading material, but if you take it with you, be sure to recycle or pass it on. Pick up pamphlets on green building and recycling as well as freebies like fridge magnets! The colorful magnets tell you who to call in order to recycle your AAAs, cell phone batteries, and other stuff that’s not allowed in the trash.
All right, it’s true, this entire post was inspired by the fact that I love magnets…
StopWaste.Org
1537 webster st.
510.891.6500
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04.18.07
Posted in DoGooder, OaklandGoods at 6:56 am by OaklandGoods
More than the movie that ruined your childhood sleep, Swamp Thing is the name of this lovely table and bench set from Oakland-based furniture designer David Brunicardi. Why? The wood for this table is “rediscovered,” meaning it came from trees that were downed in a late-nineties storm (in a Southern swamp) and forgotten. Brunicardi has reclaimed the wood for his eco-chic designs. Another Earth-friendly item? Yup, we’re still approaching Earth Day, and face it, we should put the environment first more than once a year. With one of Brunicardi’s tables, you’ll do so every time you sit down to dine, drop off the mail, play a board game, or whatever else you do on the table. Swamp Thing is SmartWood certified and comes as a set of one table and two benches. Other designs by Brunicardi feature sustainable materials including bamboo. Take a gander at the Elevated Pet Tray below. Even your pooch can dine in sustainable style.
For ordering information or to see other designs, check out his full line of DB Furniture at www.dbfurniture.com.
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04.11.07
Posted in DoGooder, Downtown at 5:25 pm by OaklandGoods
In advance of Earth Day, find out what you can do to help create a sustainable urban environment. The expo will feature a farmer’s market, information on recycling, as well as an opportunity to recycle batteries and exchange mercury thermometers for digital ones, and displays about transportation, environmental health, waste reduction, and water use. Pick up a “passport,” and if you visit tables about all the themes, you can enter to win prizes. It should be a fun and inspiring event for everyone who wants to sustain Oakland into the future. Oh, and it’s free.
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03.01.07
Posted in DoGooder at 6:07 am by OaklandGoods
Volunteer to build Oakland and to increase home ownership opportunities for low income families with Habitat for Humanity. There are many East Bay sites, and 26 homes are under construction in East Oakland.
Plan ahead to donate time: The organization is planning a green-building blitz for Earth Day in April, and registration is now open. Sign up to help build the city with Habitat for Humanity.
habitat for humanity east bay
510.251.6304
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