Undergraduate Abstract

Lisa R. Osorio
May 1996

Innovations in Reuse

A Thesis submitted in partial satisfaction
of the requirement for the degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

In

Environmental Studies Program
University of Nevada Las Vegas

by

Lisa R. Osorio

Spring 1996

Thesis Adviser: Christine Chairsell
Dean of Special Programs
Community College of Southern Nevada

ABSTRACT

Material reuse benefits all sectors in the community by decreasing the amount of reusable solid waste that is discarded. It increases the resources available for various programs and builds partnerships with educators, and businesses to support and promote reuse programs that will improve the quality of life in areas in which they operate. Several areas of the country currently have reuse programs that focus on several areas of reuse. Successful projects in several cities have focused on such areas as reuse for education, the arts, or other nonprofit activities. These sustainable programs have benefited other communities and should serve as models for Las Vegas, the fastest growing metropolitan area in the U.S. since 1989. Since the Clark County School District is now the tenth largest in the nation, the development of a reuse warehouse for educational supplies has enormous potential. The transfer of unneeded materials from growing businesses and industries to the burgeoning educational sector would benefit our community by reducing the amount of waste sent to our landfill and increasing the availability of urgently needed classroom supplies. According to results of a survey conducted in October 1995, educators spend an average of $492.00 per year on additional materials for their classes. Southern Nevada should take examples of reuse currently benefiting communities and apply them to our city to increase the quality of life here in Las Vegas.