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Chisago County opened the North Branch Library community room for a special event last week. Reuse MN is a non-profit that organizes repair and rehab sessions, to keep products out of landfills. Skilled volunteers help citizens to get more use of fixable items, rather than opting for disposal. The effort got a big boost with Environmental & Natural Resource Trust Fund grants starting in 2020.  

Minnesota counties, organizations and cities have since sponsored re-use clinics. Some do garment and  furniture swaps, and there are multi-day kids’ camps held for fixing things.  In North Branch a microwave was brought back to life along with other projects. The rules are that weapons may not be included, you must be able to carry your item and products are weighed at the clinics to keep track of pounds being kept out of area landfills.  See reusemn.org if you want more information. 

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