Julian Pastin, the Director of Social Enterprise at The Rebuilding Exchange, introduced the Club to his non-profit organization which is focused on eliminating/ reducing building/ construction materials that would otherwise end up in the landfills.  He explained “…we are the AWAY…” the place where those that haul construction materials take things.  Additionally, the Exchange supports the intersection of environment and jobs creation, providing work and fair pay to many that have found barriers to other employment.

Julian brought his message home by sharing many statistics:

- more human waste has been created in the last 50 years, than all of the waste in preceding years:

- using Cook County as an example, only 29% of materials are recycled;

- 20% of waste comes from construction; across the US this can run as high as 40%;

- a 2012 Cook County ordinance requires that 70% of commercial demolition be recycled/ reused, but this

  has not been achieved;

- there are no landfills left in Cook County (there are 4 in Lake County);

- if landfills exist, they are frequently in disadvantaged communities.

The Exchange merges the reuse and retail opportunities presented by unused construction materials and “gently” demolished goods.  They have retail locations in Evanston and Chicago.  They have an employee body of 90 and expect to grow to 100-120.  The Exchange is the only non-profit de-construction organization locally where their teams are trained to carefully take apart and reuse/ recycle up to 85% of the materials involved.  This may even provide the original owner a tax credit for a 501(c) 3 donation based on the appraised value of the materials.  Two trucks are available to pick up materials, if needed.

The organization has invested in a series of workforce training programs and has recently been selected by the State of Illinois for a pre-apprenticeship 7 week program that will go to address the shortage of skilled laborers.  The training is at no cost to the student and will present an opportunity for certifications.  Minimum wage requirements are met.  Potential students/ employees come by way of referrals, walk ins or outreach efforts within the community.  Over 1000 students attend Exchange classes each year.  Classes include wood working, home repairs, open shop.  Community outreach includes an Evanston summer camp for kids.

Julian distinguished the Exchange’s from Habitat for Humanity’s retail operations by indicating Habitat is an ally and friend, accepting more materials and furniture and  fewer building materials.  And Habitat has notably a greater number of retail sites. Both organizations are trying to address the REUSE solution to waste products.

In closing Julian shared that his organization receives 50% of its funding from their retail operations and deconstruction work; and the remaining 50% from grants, fund raising and donations.