Lynda’s solution to the current waste stream is up-cycling discarded and thrifted fabric into usable household items. In fact, she has made a business of it selling items like apron’s, jackets, growing boxes, ‘pooch pouches’ and more. See Lynda’s work at Junco Studio.

Up-cycling waste is something we all can can do, but an even better first step is to…well Lynda says it better in this poem:

Purchase With Disregard

by Lynda Smith

Would we purchase with such disregard,

If we had to store all of our garbage

On the balcony or in the backyard?

Before we click ADD TO CART

Seriously, ask ourselves this question,

Do I really need that stuff; is buying smart?

Collecting excess to quasi-fill internal voids

When actually I’m suffocating under the burden

Back-turned as the planet’s being destroyed

Before blaming overseas monopolies

It is our actions that are flooding the stream

Open our eyes; it’s time to take accountability

Under crushing weight, we’re chained and bound

Cuffed to credit, status and accumulating interest

Constant confusion with the chaos that surrounds

Sort, purge, minimalize, declutter if we must

Clean, organize, liquidate and give away,

But not as an excuse to purchase new stuff

We can find solutions for issues that arise

Repurpose, re-use, find a neighbour who can help

Frugally solving daily puzzles is our golden prize

Instead of driving through, gorging on fake food

Buy package-less items, nourish ourselves properly

These are simple, positive steps that we can do

Would we purchase with such disregard,

If we had to store all of our garbage

On the balcony or in the backyard?