A waste reduction program at the University of Guelph is helping students moving out or moving in.
Using the Thrifty Gryph, students can donate used household items that other students can pick up at no cost.
“Recognizing that within the university, we have lots of students moving in and out over the year, and we get lots of items that are then given back at the end of the term from students who may not be able to fit it going home, or might be an item that they no longer need,” said Hayley McNamara, residence program coordinator.
All students start with 20 points and can earn more by donating their unwanted items using the exchange program.
The shop is filled with everything from laundry baskets to mini fridges and kettles and cups.
“With 20 points, basically they can get all their essential needs here,” said Pouya Mazrouei, who worked at the shop throughout the year.
The program quickly became popular on campus.
“There have been a couple of things that I’ve forgotten to bring when I was moving in and so just coming here, and looking at all these things and going shopping, it’s been really fun,” said student Christine Rivera.
Throughout the last year, 530 students used the Thrifty Gryph, including 140 repeat customers.
“With the economic situation these days, it’s very good to just not spend a lot of money on things that are essential for the moment but you’re not going to have a lot of need for them in the future,” said Mazrouei.
It’s not only a money saver but it also saves students time and effort.
“A lot of thrift stores are not really close by, or you would have to either take a car or it takes really long to take the bus there. Coming here and just being able to walk ten minutes to be able to get something for free, is really nice,” said Rivera.
When it comes to leftover food items or textiles, those items are also re-used.
“For the food bank on campus over the past two years we’ve been able to donate about 800 items worth of food over there. And then for diversion of waste, we had about 166 bags of clothing and bedding that we’re able to donate to local places as well,” said McNamara.
The shop is closed for the season but plans are in place for it to reopen in September. It is located on campus in East Residence near the East Study Lounge.
