When a university in southern California chose to consolidate certain facilities, 1,264 pieces of furniture, appliances, and even pianos were no longer needed. Strongly committed to sustainability, this university found a reuse solution through Furniture Reuse Solutions’ charitable donation program.
Project Synopsis
The project inventory was comprised of 1,264 classroom, lounge, and conference furniture items, along with appliances and athletic equipment. The inventory made up three shipments.
The schedule was ambitious, with only two days to remove the furniture from the buildings and load for shipping. A moving crew of eight and FRS onsite project management accomplished a smooth project that met or exceeded the expectations of both the university and the recipient charities.
Results
1,264 Furniture Items Repurposed
One building generated 1,264 surplus items, which filled three 53′ trailers and one ocean container.
20 Tons Diverted from the Landfill
Each ton of surplus furniture diverted from the landfill results in a greenhouse gas offset of two to three metric tons of CO2 equivalent.
Cost Savings
Reuse is less expensive than disposal and even recycling. This inventory would
have required a minimum of fifteen 30-yard roll-off waste containers.
Social Responsibility
Quality of life will improve in multiple communities and hundreds of children will have improved learning experiences for years to come.
Inventory
Furnishings from the University
| Item | Count | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Chairs | 901 | 18,612 |
| Tables | 270 | 16,680 |
| Storage: Bookcases, Cabinets, Racks | 48 | 3,510 |
| Miscellaneous: Bulletin Boards, Whiteboards, Desks, Clocks, Refrigerators, Pianos, Receptacles | 45 | 2,273 |
| Totals: | 1,264 | 41,075 |
Southern California Community Donations to Joshua1:Nine
Joshua 1:Nine, an international charity, is developing a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic. They routinely collect donations of baseball gear from individuals and organizations in Southern California. The equivalent of four Gaylord cargo containers were placed on the shipment to the Dominican Republic, along with the university furniture. Items included bats, helmets, uniforms, and shin and elbow guards.
Destinations
Los Angeles Unified School District
LAUSD Materiel Management Branch operates distribution centers to serve the needs of the district. 490 items were received in two shipments.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Bellflower, CA
Habitat for Humanity Restores use the proceeds from furniture and equipment sales toward affordable housing in the community. 359 items were delivered.
Joshua 1:Nine, Dominican Republic
In addition to the athletic equipment, Joshua 1:Nine will use the 415 furniture items in the dormitory, dining area, and classrooms at the Baseball Academy.
Dominican Republic Baseball Academy
Baseball is by far the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic. Donated equipment will help a baseball academy where disadvantaged youth can learn the sport while receiving an education, building character and the foundations of good health.