Picture the television show Project Runway, take away Heidi Klum, add environmental fundraising and you’ve got tomorrow’s Project ReUse.
The event, which will take place at Casa Cantina, 4 W. State St., and sponsored by Albany-based non-profit ReUse Industries, will feature a fashion competition and music from Athens rock band Paper Machetes and Lancaster indie rock band Men of Gentle Birth, said Sherri Oliver, event organizer and ReUse industries employee.
The fashion competition will be a battle of six teams, Oliver said. Each team was given $10 to spend on creating an outfit purchased from any local thrift store. The outfits will be showcased at the event, and the most creative team will receive a prize package of gift certificates donated from local businesses such as Donkey Coffee and Espresso, 17 ½ W. Washington St., and The Village Bakery and Cafe, 268 E. State St.
Oliver said Project ReUse is consistent with the purpose of ReUse Industries, which diverts reusable materials from the waste stream. Oliver said the mission of ReUse is to protect the environment, boost the local economy and provide an affordable shopping option for area residents.
ReUse provided job training for 23 low-income workers and reduced waste by 400,000 pounds, according to tax filings for its fiscal year ending summer 2006. The organization generated about $183,000 last year from the storage, sale and hauling of restored items.
“Basically, I just want people to realize that they don’t have to wear new things,” she said. “People are reusing old things, which is the point of our organization.”
The winner of the competition, selected by a team of local judges, will be announced after the Men of Gentle Birth performance.







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