ReSource Woodworks: Environmental Design and Production

By Shaun LaBarre, ReSource Director and City of Boulder Deconstruction Professional

Maybe it’s the grizzled, in the trenches look, of the ReSource staff. Or maybe it’s the authenticity of their innovative environmental programming. Regardless of the reason, many people who have visited the ReSource Yard regard it as one of their favorite organizations in the Boulder community, and they have come to respect the staff of eco-warriors who serve it

Recently, ReSource moved to a new home at 6400 Arapahoe. As part of that transition the organization has begun to unveil a new suite of environmental programming, the first of which is ReSource Woodworks. Continuing the tradition of hands-on environmentalism, Woodworks has been developed to turn ReSource’s reclaimed building materials into well-designed furniture and other products.

As part of their expanding green jobs portfolio, ReSource brought on an up and coming furniture designer from Minnesota in late 2009. Spencer Clark, whose latest accomplishments include first place at the Design Quest furniture design competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will head up ReSource Woodworks. Clark, a skilled cabinet-maker and custom furniture designer, will produce affordable and environmentally conscious furniture and other products from reclaimed materials. Over the coming months ReSource Woodworks will begin production on a range of sustainable products, from cutting boards and coasters, to patio and dining furniture.

“Those who are environmentally and socially conscious appreciate the interconnectedness of things, including their actions and choices and how they affect the world around them. One of the reasons ReSource exists is to help people understand this concept, and to empower them to make better choices for themselves and their communities. I hope Woodworks can be a tool to help our community achieve that,” said Clark. He hopes ReSource Woodworks can serve the Boulder area and beyond by not only providing affordable reclaimed furniture options, but also by educating and inspiring people about the potential of reusing building materials.

ReSource Woodworks products can be seen starting at ReSource’s Grand Opening Earth Hour Event on Saturday, March 27^th from 5-9 p.m. This event will feature live music, local artisans, free refreshments, a non-profit fair, a raffle and games, creative workshops by Rust-E, and lights out with fireside music in honor of global Earth Hour from 8-9pm. More information about this event can be found on the ReSource website at: www.resourceyard.org.

ReSource is open to the public Monday-Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 11-4.

For more information on ReSource or ReSource Woodworks contact:

Shaun LaBarre

ReSource Director

303-419-5427

slabarre@resourceyard.org