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[Fashion]
Re-Imagine Earth Day: Call for participants by March 8
By Daniel Hiestand
Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator
Also in this section:
The second Re-Imagine Earth is back.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 19, from 1-5 p.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E. 8th Ave., Eugene). This free, indoor/outdoor event, hosted by the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA), BRING, City of Eugene Waste Prevention, and Waste Wise Lane County–a part of Lane County Waste Management–will feature hands-on activities, local food vendors, entertainment, and interactive exhibits from organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability, waste reduction, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship.
Lane County nonprofits, community groups, government agencies, vendors, businesses, artists, and educational institutions interested in participating in the event should fill out an application form by March 8 at wastewiselane.org/earth.
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SVdP: Pumping the brakes on fast fashion with local art
By Chance Fortune
St. Vincent de Paul Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Editor’s note: Lane County Waste Management Division and St. Vincent de Paul are longtime partners. St. Vincent de Paul staff on site at Glenwood Transfer Station will accept various household items as potential donations for their retail stores. Items may include magazines, books, clothing and housewares. The two organizations also partner on a new, free mattress recycling and disposal program.
 St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County (SVdP) is partnering with an iconic Eugene artist to help pump the brakes on fast fashion and give new life to old threads. Last month, the nonprofit’s chain of St. Vinnie’s retail-thrift stores announced a new collaboration with Eugene graffiti artist “Suspish”. Through a series of cryptic posts featuring the artist’s iconic blue fish, the St. Vinnie’s social media channel teased they would be releasing a special line of clothes bearing designs by the enigmatic artist.
But this collaboration is not about chasing trends. Instead of printing the designs in massive quantities on brand-new clothing, St. Vinnie’s is sourcing garments from their donation centers and printing small batches of the Suspish collection in-house through the efforts of both paid staff and volunteers.
The Suspish Collection is the nonprofit’s way of bucking the fast-fashion trend that is quickly becoming one of the largest sources of consumer waste in the world, by finding unique and creative ways to add value to discarded clothes. St. Vinnie’s is releasing limited drops of Suspish apparel at select stores in Eugene and Springfield and will announce each drop via their social media channels!
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Circular Action Alliance Oregon is hiring
Looking for a job in sustainability? Circular Action Alliance Oregon (CAA Oregon) is trying to fill some key positions.
CAA Oregon is growing its team and is currently recruiting for key roles to support the implementation of Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act. These positions offer an opportunity to contribute directly to the development and operation of Oregon’s modernized recycling system and to work alongside a collaborative, mission-driven team. If you—or someone in your network—is interested in supporting recycling system improvements across the state, we encourage you to learn more about these openings and submit an application through the links below.
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Turning Thrifted Treasures Into Wearable Art — Join MECCA's Creative Workshops
Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) turns thrifted finds and clothing swap donations into unique, wearable art.
 Old shirts, flannels, and hoodies get new life with embroidery remnants, patches, and decorative panels. Leather samples become durable, stylish bags. Fabric remnants transform into totes, cozy beanies, colorful coozies, and playful jewelry made from game pieces, ephemera, or interesting trinkets.
Want to create your own one-of-a-kind pieces? Join MECCA's many creative workshops with classes covering mending, sewing, jewelry, and a variety of artistic mediums.
Intro to Mending and Alterations
Sunday, March 15 | 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. | $40 | Register today
Join MECCA for a fun, hands-on session where you'll learn the basics of mending and alterations. Perfect for beginners who want to extend the life of their clothes and add a personal touch. Don't miss out on picking up some handy mending and design skills! Ages 15+
Sashiko & Visible Mending
Sunday, March 29 | 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. | $40 | Register today
Dive into the art of Sashiko—a beautiful Japanese embroidery technique—and learn all about visible mending at MECCA. Instructor Kayla Boyce will guide you step-by-step, making it easy and super enjoyable. Bring your favorite clothes back to life and create unique, eye-catching repairs.
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City of Florence EMAC: Free Speaker Series with DEQ Materials Management Specialist
The City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Speaker Spotlight Series, beginning Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Lane Community College (3149 Oak St., Florence).
The inaugural event features Justin Gast from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Materials Management Program. Gast will present “Where Does Oregon’s Recycling Go? The Importance of Responsible End Markets Under the Recycling Modernization Act.”
This 60‑minute presentation will give residents a clear look at what happens to their recycling after it leaves the curb. Gast will highlight Oregon’s most commonly recycled materials, explain how "responsible end markets" ensure safe and environmentally sound processing, and discuss how new fleet technology supports statewide contamination‑reduction efforts in partnership with DEQ, CAA, local governments, and service providers.
Attendees will enjoy snacks and refreshments, have access to additional educational materials and giveaways and can participate in several drawings. All community members are welcome. More information is available on the City of Florence website.
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Community voices welcome at the Sustainability Commission on March 18
The Eugene Sustainability Commission meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Community members are invited to attend and share input.
Appointed by the Eugene City Council, the Sustainability Commission provides guidance on sustainability priorities, including climate action, transportation, waste reduction, buildings, and community resilience. Commissioners review current projects, hear from City staff and community partners, and offer feedback that helps shape Eugene’s future.
Join the Next Meeting:
- Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Topic: Sidewalk Repair and Funding
City Council has heard from community members about concerns related to sidewalk quality, accessibility, and the lack of funding available for repairs. City staff are currently working on both short-term solutions and a longer-term vision for maintaining and improving Eugene’s sidewalk system, and are seeking input from the Sustainability Commission as part of that process.
How to Participate:
Members of the public are always welcome to attend in person or virtually.
Meeting details and agendas will be posted on the Sustainability Commission’s website one week prior to the meeting.
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