Reduce and reuse
Together, the strategies of reduce and reuse help shift away from the "take–make–dispose" linear consumer model, to a circular model where resources are conserved, waste is minimized, and sustainability is prioritized.
Reduce
Reducing consumption starts by using and sharing available resources instead of purchasing brand-new materials. There are many resource lending options available in the Kansas City region.
Libraries
Most people are aware of the main services offered by libraries: free rental of books, magazines, DVDs, and computer access. However, some libraries offer much more.
Cake pans
The Kansas City, Kansas Public Library has a wide array of cake pan styles for themed treats.
Seed library
The Ruiz Branch of the Kansas City Public Library has a seed library for people to use.
Fishing poles
The Mid-Continent Public Library partners with the Missouri Department of Conservation to loan fishing poles and tackle boxes.
MakerSpace
The Johnson County Library has its own MakerSpace that allows for reservation of equipment and hosts classes on their use. Resources include:
- 3D printing
- CNC cutting
- Computers and software
- Electronics
- Laser cutting
- Sewing
- Vinyl cutting
- Paper cutters
Other lending organizations
The Sewing Labs
The Sewing Labs offers workshops and classes for use of their sewing machines and longarm quilt machine. This Kansas City-based non-profit has scheduled open sew studio time for a fee.
Cultivate KC
The Urban Agriculture Tool Library provides community members with access to farming equipment at no cost.
KC Farm School
In addition to farming-specifc tools and equipment, KC Farm School lending libraries also offer a seed library and free mulch.
Ending single-use waste
Replacing single-use items, like plastic cups, with reusable alternatives is another way to reduce waste and create a circular system.
Bold Reuse, based in Portland, OR, now offers its reusable packaging services in the Kansas City region, with a new wash hub in Independence, MO. The system enables cups and containers to be used, returned, sanitized, and reused, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use items. When containers reach the end of their life, the #5 plastic is recycled into new products, reducing landfill waste and promoting a circular economy. This saves tons of waste from entering our landfills each year.
The Kansas City Current has partnered with Bold Reuse to launch a reusable drinkware program at CPKC Stadium, one of the first of its kind nationwide. All beverages are served in reusable cups, which fans return to collection bins for sanitizing and reuse. This initiative sets a new benchmark for sustainability in sports venues by cutting down single-use waste at public events.
The Kansas City Chiefs also have plans to integrate Bold Reuse cups for events at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Reuse
From bulky furniture to craft supplies, reusing items is another key component of a circular economy.
Flourish Furniture Bank
Since 2019, Flourish Furniture Bank has partnered with Kansas City social service agencies to furnish homes for those facing housing insecurity. In 2024 alone, over 1,000 volunteers helped provide 59,417 donated items to 1,302 households, benefiting 3,593 individuals—including 1,757 children. Guests select their furnishings at Flourish’s Grandview warehouse, choosing everything from essentials to décor.
Beyond supporting families, Flourish promotes sustainability by repairing and repurposing items, diverting 617 tons of furniture from landfills in 2024. The nonprofit accepts gently used furniture and household goods, and offers a wide range of volunteer roles—from sorting and repairs to hospitality and logistics.
Sleepyhead Beds
Sleepyhead Beds has been repurposing gently used mattresses for individuals and families in need since 2010. To date, the nonprofit has diverted over 900,000 pounds of materials from landfills, which prevents harmful flame-retardant chemicals found in mattress materials from potentially contaminating local water sources.
The MARC Solid Waste Management District helped Sleepyhead Beds to acquire a specialized mattress cleaner, enhancing its ability to safely recycle and redistribute these essential items. This initiative not only supports families facing hardship but also promotes environmental sustainability across the region.
Re.Use.Full
Re.Use.Full is a Kansas City nonprofit promoting sustainable living by improving material circularity and reducing waste. Its donation-matching platform connects users with local organizations based on item type, location, and personal preferences.
Each spring and fall, Re.Use.Full hosts Un-Dumpster Day drive-thru events, where residents can donate or recycle items like furniture, books, bikes, clothing, electronics, tires, and documents for shredding.
The organization also runs Repair Cafes and clothing swaps. Volunteers help fix broken items—from lamps to laptops—keeping them out of landfills. Clothing swaps offer a fun, eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe while reducing fashion waste. Click the button below to find out more about events and how to become a volunteer.
Scraps KC
Scraps KC near Southwest Boulevard collects donated craft and school supplies, making them available to teachers and repurposing them into affordable kits for all. As of June 2024, the nonprofit organization has diverted over 1 million pounds of materials from landfills.
Volunteers help transform donations into activity kits and even melt down plastics for reuse. Scraps KC also hosts workshops and volunteer events that inspire creativity and sustainability across the community.
Magpie Creative Reuse Collective
Magpie Creative Reuse Collective accepts donated craft materials and resells them at their store in the West Bottoms. Magpie hosts classes, including clothing repair, that use donated materials to create sustainable arts and crafts.