What if the things we throw away aren’t actually done with us yet? In this episode of New Humans for New Earth, Queenie sits down with McKendree Thompson, board member of Portland’s ReClaim It, for a talk about trash, treasure, creativity, and what it means to live with a little more intention. Together, they explore the circular economy, the surprisingly personal magic of repair and reuse, and why choosing objects with history can connect us more deeply to our homes, our communities, and one another. This episode is an invitation to slow down, look again, and ask: Do I really need something new…or is there already possibility hiding in what I have? Reuse, it turns out, can be practical, affordable, deeply satisfying, and even an act of hope for the future. Timestamps: 00:00 Introducing ReClaim It 05:31 The impact reuse has 11:36 We’ve gotten used to convenience, but there’s another way 15:56 The affordability of sustainability 24:19 Moving away from linear thinking 31:06 Your small actions do have an impact 34:09 A recycling resource 35:27 Breaking away from the consumer mindset 41:10 The soul and story of an object 50:06 It’s called capitalism 53:37 ReClaim It’s upcoming expansion and partner orgs 1:07:55 Closing questions McKendree Thompson is a Portland nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience championing reuse, housing, civic education, and community support. A board member of ReClaim It and former Community Philanthropy Manager at Rebuilding Center, she is guided by a lifelong commitment to reuse, repurpose, and reimagine. Learn more: Check out Reclaim It at www.reclaimitpdx.org. IG @reclaimitpdx and TikTok @reclaimit_pdx. Dive deeper: Any time you have a recycling question or need reuse inspiration, head to www.earth911.com. Stay connected: @newhumansfornewearth on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok & Facebook. newhumansfornewearth.com. Intro & Outro Music: Take off (feat. Emily Dukes) (Instrumental) by Pastek. New episodes Wednesdays! By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of New Humans for New Earth, or used by New Humans for New Earth with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of New Humans for New Earth, which may be requested by contacting hello@newhumansfornewearth.com. This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.