Edinburgh residents are invited to take a fresh look at reused furnishings when they view the beautiful items displayed in the ‘Reuse Showhome’ in Leith this weekend, hosted by Changeworks, Quay Community Improvements and local reuse organisations.
The showhome is being hosted at Quay Community Improvements in Lochend, a former Barratts showflat, to promote the attractive and affordable nature of reused items to the local community. For one weekend only, their showflat is being transformed into a demonstration of a beautiful home filled entirely with reused, repaired, upcycled and second-hand items.
Hannah Milne, Zero Waste Leith Co-ordinator at Changeworks said: “The Reuse Showhome is an opportunity for residents to view a new build showhome fitted out entirely with reused and repaired furniture and furnishings.
“People can see that beautiful and comfortable home interiors can be achieved on a small budget with minimal environmental impact by making or buying reused and upcycled items. We hope this will change perceptions and help inspire a reuse revolution!”
Clare Halliday, Business and Community Initiatives Manager at Quay Community Improvements said: “Quay is thrilled to be helping make the Reuse Showhome a reality. This is a real opportunity both for reuse and repair organisations to increase business and for widening the appeal of second hand furniture to lessen impact on the environment and in some cases reduce poverty.”
Changeworks and Quay Community Improvements are partnering with local reuse organisations who are providing furniture and furnishings for the showhome. These include: Edinburgh Remakery, Edinburgh Tool Library, Upcycled World, Bethany Christian Trust, Up-It DIY project at Inspiring Leith, Edinburgh Furniture Initiative / Four Square, and Fresh Start.
They are also working with a neighbouring zero waste town project, Zero Waste Edinburgh hosted at the SHRUB (Swap and Reuse Hub), who are providing some furnishings from their end of year university collections. As well as large items of furniture, the showhome will feature creative works from local upcycling artists. There will also be practical reuse and repair demos from the Edinburgh Remakery and the opportunity to link with local community organisations who offer skills for a greener life, such as the Edinburgh Tool Library.
The Reuse Showhome features in the Scottish Architecture Fringe 2018, whose theme this year is COMMON / SENSES which acknowledges the community spirit embodied in the reuse and repair culture that Zero Waste Leith is trying to promote.
Reuse Showhome event is ticketed and free, Friday 8 and Sunday 10 June, Space is strictly limited; reserve your free ticket for entry.