E67 - Happy 2024 - Some updates and plans for 2024

Hey all! Happy New Year!  Dave is back with a few updates on all things UpCycle Canada and some thoughts for the new year ahead.

Thanks for your support and your messages!  We appreciate you all so much!

https://upcyclecanada.ca/

Check out a great new podcast created just for Dad!  We want to encourage and empower Dads everywhere to be the best Dad they can be!  Check out everything for Dad at https://dadspace.ca/

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EPISODE 64 - Rebecca Bratspies - Environmental Expert, Environmental Justice Proponent

Rebecca teaches at CUNY School of Law. She is a scholar of environmental justice, human rights, and environmental law. Her book Naming Gotham won the Association of Public Historians of New York 2023 Award for Excellence in Local History. The Environmental Justice Chronicles, her graphic novel series  won EPA’s 2023 Clean Air Excellence Award.  In 2021, ABA-SEER honored her work with its Commitment to Diversity and Justice Award. The Centre for International Sustainability Law named her its 2022 International Human Rights Lawyer.

The Award-Winning Environmental Justice Chronicles are a collaboration between Rebecca and artist Charlie LaGreca Velasco. These comic books introduce readers to the environmental justice challenges faced by urban communities.

https://www.rebeccabratspies.com/
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https://upcyclecanada.ca/

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EPISODE 63 - Billie Kay Asmus - Repaint Studios - PAINTING A GREENER FUTURE WITH THE REPAINT TRAY

Meet Billie

In early 2021, I started a small business refinishing and refurbishing furniture in my tiny basement studio. I quickly noticed the constant waste I was going through with plastic paint tray liners and wasn't able to reuse them. Naturally, I went to Amazon and Google to find a reusable option and couldn't find one.

​So then what?

Needless to say, I jumped on the opportunity, filed a patent for a reusable silicone paint tray liner with a lid and the Repaint Tray was born. That's when the journey began.

Trust me. I get it.

I 100% understand the frustration (and joy) of painting.

Realistic Expectations

Saving you time & creating efficiency.

Being an ADHD DIYer entrepreneur mom, time and attention spans are limited.

Started a painting project but your kid just woke up from their nap?

YEP. I've been there. 

Need to run off somewhere but don't have time to finish your project?

This was me. All the time.

Sick of throwing out painting supplies and wasting money and time running back to the store?

I 1000% get it!

I created the Repaint Tray just for you. 

DURABLE

The Repaint Tray is made of high-quality silicone, making it more durable than disposable thin plastic liners.

In fact, one tray could last you a lifetime.

SUSTAINABLE

Roughly 240 million plastic paint tray liners get tossed into landfills every year. It's time to make a change in a wasteful industry.

Not only is the Repaint Tray recyclable, but we strive to translate our eco-conscious efforts throughout the entire company.

REUSABLE

The best parts of the Repaint Tray are its reusability and convenience. When you're finished, peel away the paint and rinse the rest.

Need to step away from your project? Snap on the air-tight lid, keeping your paint fresh and safe away from pets and kids for when you're ready to tackle that project again.

https://repaintstudios.com/
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https://upcyclecanada.ca/

Check out a great new podcast created just for Dad!  We want to encourage and empower Dads everywhere to be the best Dad they can be!  Check out everything for Dad at https://dadspace.ca/

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E62 - Time for an Update on All Things UpCycle Canada-ish

Hey!  Some August updates on what Dave and Jen are up to!

- a new UpCycler has been added to the family
- Jen runs our Sunday only market booth here in Niagara
- more new guests coming soon
- we miss you all and look forward to getting back to a more regular fall release schedule

https://upcyclecanada.ca/

Check out a great new podcast created just for Dad!  We want to encourage and empower Dads everywhere to be the best Dad they can be!  Check out everything for Dad at https://dadspace.ca/

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E61 - Five Practical Eco-Friendly Lessons to Share With Your Kids

Five practical eco-friendly lessons for kids:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Teach kids the importance of reducing waste and recycling materials such as paper, plastic, and glass. Encourage the use of reusable items like water bottles and cloth shopping bags.
2. Conserve Energy: Teach kids to turn off lights when not in use, unplug electronics, and use natural light whenever possible. Explain the benefits of saving energy and reducing their carbon footprint.
3. Save Water: Teach kids to conserve water by turning off faucets when brushing their teeth, taking shorter showers, and using a watering can instead of a hose for plants.
4. Support Sustainable Transportation: Encourage walking, biking, or using public transportation when feasible. Explain the environmental benefits of reducing car usage and air pollution.
5. Appreciate Nature: Spend time in nature with kids, engage in gardening activities, and teach them about growing food and the importance of biodiversity. Foster a love for nature and a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

By focusing on these five practical eco-friendly lessons, you can help instill important values and behaviors in your children, shaping them into environmentally conscious individuals.

https://upcyclecanada.ca/

Check out a great new podcast created just for Dad!  We want to encourage and empower Dads everywhere to be the best Dad they can be!  Check out everything for Dad at https://dadspace.ca/

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E60 - Stephanie Hongo - Creator of Sugarfox - Upcycling Plastics and Trash into Stunning One of a Kind Creations

MY NAME IS STEPHANIE HONGO AND I AM AN AMERICAN ARTIST LIVING IN CONNECTICUT. I HAVE BEEN CREATING ART FOR THE MAJORITY OF MY LIFE, BUT IT WASN’T UNTIL I BEGAN MAKING MY TRASH PIECES THAT I REALLY FELT INSPIRED TO CREATE ART FOR ART’S SAKE. I COME FROM A FAMILY OF CREATORS OF ALL KINDS, FROM CARPENTRY TO TYPOGRAPHY WE ALL HAVE AN ABILITY TO “MAKE THINGS.” THIS BROAD RANGE OF ABILITY AND INFLUENCE WAS A BIG FACTOR IN DEVELOPING MY OWN BRAND OF CREATIVITY.

WHEN I FIRST BEGAN MAKING THESE PIECES I ATTEMPTED A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS: ANIMALS, FLOWERS, INANIMATE OBJECTS, EVEN SPORTS LOGOS. AS TIME HAS GONE ON HOWEVER, I’VE NARROWED MY INTEREST TO MAKING JUST ANIMALS. THIS MAY CHANGE IN THE FUTURE, BUT FOR NOW IT IS WHAT INSPIRES ME MOST. OCTOPUSES AND ANIMAL BUSTS ARE AMONG MY FAVORITE THINGS TO CREATE, AND OCTOPUS PIECES ARE BY FAR THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER.

I DO ALL THE WORK ON MY PIECES OUT OF MY HOME. THE STUDIO I HAVE CREATED FOR MYSELF IS ALWAYS FULLY STOCKED WITH A MOUNTAIN OF TRASH AND RECYCLABLES DONATED BY FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND INDIVIDUALS IN MY COMMUNITY. 

THERE IS FAR TOO MUCH WASTE GENERATED IN THE WORLD. I WANT TO DO MY SMALL PART IN HELPING ELIMINATE SOME OF THAT, WHILE IN TURN MAKING BEAUTIFUL AND UNIQUE WORKS OF ART. 

https://www.instagram.com/Sugarfox_art/
https://sugarfox.net/
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https://upcyclecanada.ca/

Check out a great new podcast created just for Dad!  We want to encourage and empower Dads everywhere to be the best Dad they can be!  Check out everything for Dad at https://dadspace.ca/

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E59 - Suzanne Goulden - You Don't Just Minimize Once - Balancing Minimalism and Crafting

How do you balance being a minimalist and being a crafter?  Interesting dilemma!

Your simpler life begins here.

Ladies, we are strong and passionate, and the managers of our homes and families. We bear a lot on our shoulders.

• Are you feeling overwhelmed with life?
• Do you dream of a clutter-free house but need guidance on where to get started?
• Are you feeling out of balance and need ideas to fit self-care into your already too-full life?

I can help you simplify your life by helping to identify and providing suggestions to resolve your problem areas. Learn how to take control of your life and free yourself of the stresses weighing you down. I know you’re busy, so I offer affordable 15-minute Booster chats that fit in with your day. I’m here to help

Our Guest - Suzanne Goulden is an Intentional Living Consultant. I help overwhelmed women create peace in their homes and reclaim time to do the things they love by minimizing belongings and simplifying lifestyle.

Women who make choices with intention reap the benefits of simplifying their life, reducing stress, and regaining control of their time, money, and space.

https://suzannegoulden.com/

Virtual Joyful Kitchen Cleanout: https://deft-thinker-4300.ck.page/f6ae483f73

Instagram/Facebook/YouTube/Pinterest: @suzannegouldenIL

Instagram: Craft life: @suzannegoulden.art

Check out a great new podcast created just for Dad!  We want to encourage and empower Dads everywhere to be the best Dad they can be!  Check out everything for Dad at https://dadspace.ca/

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E58 - Quick Update From Dave

Dave here!  Just jumping on to give you a quick update on UpCycle Canada.

Our next chapter for the business now that the store has been closed, our new retail space at the Niagara Flea Market, and a quick update on our podcast plans

Great to connect with you!  Jen and I will be back with you again on a regular basis very soon!

https://www.mackaycandlecompany.com/
https://niagarafleamarket.ca/
https://upcyclecanada.ca/

Check out a great new podcast created just for Dad!  We want to encourage and empower Dads everywhere to be the best Dad they can be!  Check out everything for Dad at https://dadspace.ca/

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E57 - Toy Exchange Canada - Play and Learn. Return. Repeat - Rent Your Toys Today

Carissa MacLennan joins us to talk toys! Yes, Dave is super happy to talk all things toys!  Imagine renting your toys instead of buying toys that your kids grow out of and then you are stuck with toys destined for the landfill!  Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles... Lend us your ear!  What a great gift idea for new parents - the gift that keeps on giving!  Be apart of the solution, sign up for Toy Exchange Club today!!

Join the Club!
Toy Exchange Club is reducing the need for toy ownership.
We  ensure children have access to the right toys at the right time to support their development. Once they outgrow the rental toys, they can be used by another family. This sharing economy approach reduces waste in these key areas:

• Materials and resources used to manufacture new wooden toys
• Packaging materials 
• Carbon emissions (by keeping shipping local)
• Non-recyclable plastic toys

We also try to:

• Source educational toys made of natural materials and non-toxic paints
• Use waste-free packaging, including locally-made upcycled cloth bags
• Re-purpose returned shipping boxes and Kraft paper through local businesses
• Use Canadian and American-made eco-friendly cleaning products on our wooden toys

Why Rent Toys?

- Receive 7-8 educational toys every 3 months
- Avoid toy clutter in your home
- Save $400 per year by renting
- Get expert-backed wooden toys to support learning & development
- Keep outgrown toys out of the landfill
- No charge for occasional lost or broken pieces

We believe that childhood play should have a positive impact on both our children’s future and the planet’s.

https://toyexchange.ca/
https://upcyclecanada.ca/

Check out a great new podcast created just for Dad!  We want to encourage and empower Dads everywhere to be the best Dad they can be!  Check out everything for Dad at https://dadspace.ca/

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E56 - Jamie Montgomery - Creator of James Repurposed - Creative Repurposing and Custom Creations For Your Home

Jamie joins us to talk about his amazing small business James Repurposed.  Jamie takes items that have ended their useful purpose and he rescues these materials and creates amazing home décor and gift ideas for your home.

You could go to a big box store and buy something that was made somewhere else and mass produced, or you can join the upcycling family and support a local maker as he does his part to save the planet, one item at a time!

Jamie has had his items in our storefront for years, and he is one of the kindest and thoughtful guys around!  Check out his page here and let him know that you heard his episode on the UpCycle Canada Podcast!

https://www.facebook.com/jamesrepurposed

https://upcyclecanada.ca/

Check out a great new podcast created just for Dad!  We want to encourage and empower Dads everywhere to be the best Dad they can be!  Check out everything for Dad at https://dadspace.ca/

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