Why is the Recycle Shop always closed?
In 1970, BCM invented a new program concept - The Recycle Shop. Way ahead of its time, this exhibit introduced children and families to the multi-faceted benefits of using cool, inspiring manufacturing waste materials to make imaginative creations. Children, families, teachers, artists and students flocked to The Recycle Shop to stock up on colorful, textured, and unique art materials. But the Recycling movement had not yet begun. Soon after, Recycling was introduced as a central tenet of environmental protection in cities, towns, schools and businesses across the country. Businesses and industry are recycling more effectively and efficiently, and, as a result, there is less cool, safe clean stuff available. In a way, we have fulfilled our mission as forces around us have made recycling a part of all our lives. This is good news! But, the better management of recyclables has resulted in the disappearance of materials appropriate for family and classroom use, which is why our shop has been closed.
As a result of these positive changes we have realized it is time to transform our Recycle Shop into a new program area for creative family activities. Stay tuned for exciting developments that will be announced later this fall.
And this is not the end of our commitment to recycling and green initiatives. The last forty years have enabled the Museum to make a positive impact on our environment. We are proud to state that we are a GREEN MUSEUM. In fact, we are the first green museum in Boston, achieving LEED Gold status with our newly renovated building in 2007. We fulfill this commitment every day; by maintaining our green roof, recycling water, utilizing solar energy for trash collection, recycling our own paper and plastic, minimizing waste and running education programs and exhibits. Recycling continues to be a part of our programming and messaging in the art studio, in our science exhibits and in Our Green Trail.
And, Recycled materials for your projects can still be obtained from our friends at ExCL, the Boston Public School's recycling center, at Suite 302, 20 Wheeler Street, Lynn MA, 01901 (781) 599-9939. www.exclrecycles.org.
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