Regional Repurposing Retailers: Check out items for the green-minded, crafty type in all of us

It sounds like a stretch to even suggest that weekend activities like hitting garage sales, antique stores and thrift shops is one solution to climate change. The logic goes along the lines of one item purchased from any of those establishments is one less object relegated to a landfill.

Pinterest recently indicated the trend is catching on big-time, with searches for those wares having jumped by 446 percent over the past year. Views concerning recycled items (those broken down and blended with new materials) and upcycled products (items repurposed into an entirely new creation) have spiked by more than 2,000 percent.

The capital region isn’t immune to this movement, and as proof, here’s a look at a few outlets.

Barnboard Salvage (Stony Plain)

Backyard builders looking to create a shed or greenhouse without killing any trees can head to this company that specializes in reclaiming wood from abandoned structures. Bent on eco-friendliness, Barnyard features materials for such purposes as hardwood flooring, support beams and mantels.

Blue Jar Antique Mall (Edmonton)

This gallery has only been around for a decade, but already it’s a hot-spot for unique artistic creations, several of them upcycled by artists serious about eco-friendliness. Some 7,000 feet of space is dedicated to those wares from restored furniture to original works of art. (bluejarantiquemall.ca)

Ever After Antiques and Collectibles (Alberta Beach)

If there’s anything that qualifies as repurposed in this space, it better have a vibe of authenticity running through it. Ever After is big on nostalgia and a look inside proves it, with old and refinished furniture that recalls those yesteryear periods. There’s not only several novelty items that sell quickly, but also a collection of Aboriginal crafts that are popular among regulars.
(everafterantiques.com)

Gary C. Sharpe Antiques & Decoration (St. Albert)

One of the more unique services that specialize in rejuvenating old items, this establishment has a reputation for restoring antiquated products from the 20th century into finished works with a modern touch. Sharpe tends to work with found items like chests and furniture that fit his own wow factor criteria. (garycsharpe.com)

Home Reusable (Edmonton)

Offering a wide selection of reclaimed building materials, this outlet provides an incentive for customers to contribute to environmental sustainability and save money at the same time. Inventory changes quite often, but you can still expect a wide array of items from electrical and hardware to antiques and interior décor. (homereuse.com)

Julie Anne Hage Art and Design (St. Albert)

This studio’s run by an owner who’s been creating art via upcycling long before there was a name for it. A big booster of recycling, reusing and repurposing discarded materials to create a unique and functional work of art. Creations include clocks made from driftwood and candle stands upcycled from old speaker casings. (facebook.com/jahartanddesign)

One Man’s Treasure Antique Emporium (Stony Plain)

It helps to check this shop regularly, since the inventory here changes quite rapidly, whether you’re looking for furnishings or crafts to brighten your castle’s interior. While the focus is on antiques, the store often brings in newer wares from 40 regional vendors, some with backgrounds in repurposing older items. (www.onemanstreasure.ca)

Raggs to Riches (Spruce Grove)

Artisans tend to be on the cutting edge of repurposing old items and this shop is no exception. Proudly displaying an eclectic collection of good that were either hand-crafted or redesigned by the company owner and staff, the focus is on local products. For those inspired to do more than just purchase what’s in the store, workshops are also available. (raggstoriches.ca) t8n