From the President
I’m so excited to share with you Seattle REconomy’s first mid-year report!
Since our inception in 2008, this has been our largest year of growth. Thanks to our amazing community of members, volunteers and staff we have opened a new tool library, tripled our staff, and received the two largest grants in the history of our organization.
Seattle REconomy started as Sustainable NE Seattle in 2008 to help Northeast Seattle combat climate change. It now shepherds a myriad of initiatives across NE Seattle and Shoreline to reduce consumption and barriers to accessing resources and knowledge.
Our tool libraries, bike shacks and programming all provide people with quality items they do not have to purchase for a price they can afford. We empower people. We give them the ability to take on projects they otherwise might not be able to. And through this empowerment we reduce waste and carbon emissions.
I first came to the NE Seattle Tool Library when I was retiling my floor and wanted to try borrowing a tile saw. I was hooked when I found a welcoming environment that was dedicated to improving our planet and building community. I hope you find the same welcoming place I did.
Justin Avellar
Seattle REconomy Board President
About Us
Seattle REconomy’s mission is to reduce our community’s footprint and increase our climate resilience through education and practical solutions.
We operate two tool libraries and a reuse building supply store under the guidance of a board and two steering committees made up of volunteers. We offer classes on a variety of sustainability topics and reach out to ever-increasing numbers of communities to assess needs and opportunities.
Our Values
- Inclusiveness
- Relationship to nature
- Celebration
- Respect
- Communication
- Creativity
Membership
Top Accomplishments of 2024:
- Opened a second tool library location in the community of Shoreline
- Hired first bike shack staff member and education manager
- Building bike-specific classes
- Expanding education to offer more orientations and open hours for the shop and two to four classes every week in DIY and sustainability
Future Plans
Seattle REconomy is on a path of growth! Some of our goals for the next two to five years are:
- Secure funding for development director
- Expand space and time we’re open for building materials
- Double our current membership of 3,000 in next three years
- Ideate and support the development of a new regional circular economy
- mall with 7 nonprofits, 5 government agencies and numerous community leaders
How To Help
The best thing you can do is help us spread the word! 80% of all new members come via personal recommendation.
If you would like to donate, please visit seattlereconomy.org.
And we always need volunteers! There are so many ways you can participate, including as a tool librarian, instructor, fixer or outreach team member. Visit seattlereconomy.org/volunteer to learn more.
*Four grants, library fundraisers and membership donations
