Big Reuse supports and builds community-based initiatives that minimize waste and cultivate a greener, more resilient future as climate change intensifies.
Our work diverting waste and strengthening NYC’s soils and trees against climate impacts helps mitigate flooding, improve air quality, lower temperatures, improve soil health, lower transportation emissions, and many other benefits to NYC communities.
Through hands-on programs like tree planting, composting, and reuse, we bring neighbors together to care for their communities and local green infrastructure. Our environmentally-focused Reuse Center thrift stores in Gowanus (1 12th St) and Bushwick (378 Troutman St) accept as many types of materials as possible (note our guidelines for each location), diverting over 1.5 millions of lbs of materials from landfills annually, and teach NYC residents about the importance of reuse. Our composting program continues growing with the opening of two mid-scale composting sites and installation of 40+ increased capacity ratproof compost systems at community gardens and urban farms. Our tree team cares for NYC street trees with volunteers and local community groups, plants new trees in disadvantaged communities in Brooklyn and Queens, and installs tree guards with youth. Our free tree care resources in 3 languages teach NYC communities how to care for their own green spaces.
