When it comes to recycling, Philly has businesses that keep glass, plastic, paper, and metal out of our landfill. But what about the waste created by every theatrical, TV, or film production that comes to town? That question was the catalyst that initially motivated artist Karyn Gerred to create The Resource Exchange at 1800 N. American St.

“I was a scenic painter for theater and films in Philadelphia. My work allowed me to see behind the curtain—how short-term productions have long-term consequences,” said Gerred, Founder and Executive Director of The Resource Exchange. “We started by structuring our model around the visual and performing arts, focused on the creative reuse of materials from film and theater sets.”

When it was founded in 2009, The Resource Exchange wasn’t open to the public. “We were in a warehouse in the Navy Yard,” said Gerred. “We later had a space in Port Richmond and moved to increasingly larger properties until finding our permanent home in Kensington, where we’ve been for ten years. We have everything you’d find at a typical art store, and then some. Our biggest contributors are members of the general public and studio artists who are downsizing. Our biggest buyers are teachers and students looking for art supplies or materials to create school plays.”

The Resource Exchange spans 60,000 square feet. In spite of its massive size, this collection of makers’ materials is far from disorganized. “We are very curated, making sure your experience is inexpensive and easy,” said Gerred. There are specific sections for textiles, yarns, art supplies, picture frames, crafting materials, and more. If you’re into gift wrap, wait until you see their ribbon section. Looking for that perfect but indescribable je ne sais quoi? This is where you’ll find a hanging Moroccan lamp, vintage stage lights, or a farmhouse hutch.

“It’s clean, bright, well organized, and welcoming, with a lot of variety and fair prices,” said area artist Corinne Dieterle. The average price per item is under ten dollars.

Since its founding 17 years ago, The Resource Exchange’s track record has been a source of pride. “We’ve been the source for over 100,000 projects by makers of all types, as well as visual and performing artists. We’ve kept over 330 tons of reusable materials out of landfills and within the local community. Over 737 film, television, and theater projects were made greener, including more than 45 major studio releases,” said Gerred.

Beyond providing affordable supplies to area makers, The Resource Exchange hosts ongoing art exhibitions. “Two hundred eighty-five area artists have been featured in our reCreate Gallery, showcasing artists who have made sustainability an integral ingredient in their creative process. We also continue to provide free exhibits and receptions, along with artist highlights on our website, newsletter, and social media,” said Gerred.

They also offer a variety of low-cost workshops led by local artists using recycled materials, including Fabric Dyeing, Visible Mending for Knitwear, and a Scrap Hats Workshop. Each spring, The Resource Exchange hosts a Re-Flea Market, inviting sustainable makers to set up tents in its spacious outdoor parking lot on American Street. All of this is achieved by Gerred and just five staff members, along with monthly volunteer days to help sort donated materials and fold fabrics.

Philly fashion designer Nicole Haddad, whose collection Lobo Mau adheres to Zero Waste guidelines, has participated in the Re-Flea Market. “I’m a big fan of their business model and their mission,” said Haddad. “With so much waste from industries like theater, film, and fashion, it’s comforting to know that businesses are salvaging these props and materials, sometimes only used once, rather than discarding them.”

Want a sneak peek without leaving home? Check out The Resource Exchange’s online Shopping Portal. You’ll find just enough variety and intrigue to motivate you to shop in person.

“Our mission is environmental, but we don’t measure our success, as some other recycling places do, by the tonnage kept out of landfills,” said Gerred. Their largest donations come not from businesses, but from area residents, and not just those in Kensington and Fishtown. “We’ve primarily donated old wooden furniture that can be fixed up,” said Paul Neuwirth, whose Queen Village home is just a 15–20 minute drive via I-95 to The Resource Exchange.

Before you schlep the contents of your closet to The Resource Exchange, read their Material Donation Guide carefully. The guide states: “Donors choose The Resource Exchange because they know we are unique in our commitment not to accept materials unless they are truly reusable in the local community. We don’t accept unscreened materials that are likely to just end up in a landfill.” That means nothing broken, soiled, rusty, or in need of repair. They do not accept clothing or electronics. Don’t expect to drop off large boxes of unsorted items.

Acceptable donation categories include:

• Arts & Crafts Materials
• Fabric & Textiles
• Decor, Housewares, Furnishings
• Film, TV, Theater Props
• Books, Education, Office
• Building Materials & Hardware
• Lumber & Sheet Goods
• Outdoor, Patio, Garden

If the items you wish to recycle don’t match the list, no problem. “The Resource Exchange started a sustainability guide; anything we can’t take, we refer the public to ReSource Philly, a website we created in partnership with Circular Philadelphia.”

Solo Real Estate hopes this story sparks your own sustainability and recycling goals.

Interested in learning other ways you can help reduce your environmental footprint? Check out our article on The Ultimate Guide to a Sustainable Move Out in Philadelphia,  Four Ways to Minimize your Waste Footprint in Philadelphia or our list on 5 Things Philly Renters can do for the Environment.