Reuse

Circular Economy

Through events and education, Happy Dancing Turtle fosters a circular economy with the goals of connecting people with useful things and keeping items out of landfills.

Waste Hierarchy

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency prioritizes reduction and reuse ahead of any other waste reduction strategy. This means acquiring fewer materials good in the first place and responsibily seeking ways items can be used again, whether that through repair, repurposing or finding a new home.

Events

No-money events, such as swaps and free fix it events, provide a solid path to reuse. These events offer opportunities for downsizing, development of new skills, and material sharing, as well as building community.

Happy Dancing Turtle 2026 Craft Swap cropped.JPG

Repairer survey

Saturday, Sept 26, 2026

Fix it Event

Are you handy? Take the survey to become a volunteer repair person!

Saturday, Oct 17, 2026

Garden Supply Swap

Saturday, Nov 14, 2026

Holiday/Seasonal Decor Swap

January 2027

Books, Puzzles, Games, DVDs, CDs

Reuse Topics

Secondhand Shopping and Secondhand Selling

Reuse Hacks for Dorm Rooms

Rs for Resilient Living

Summer Tips for Waste Reduction

Partners & Resources

Statewide

Reuse Minnesota - This non-profit builds spartnerships and offers support for organizations and individuals on all kinds of reuse topics and activities.

Driftless

Bluff Country Co-op hosts swap and repair events throughout the year. Check their calendar.

Winona Creators Collective hosts Fix it events, listed on this calendar

Northern Lakes

Besides Happy Dancing Turtle events, check out this Reuse and Recycle List as well as Cass County Environmental Services and Crow Wing County

Work With Us