Cash in time dollars through PDX Time Bank

By guest blogger Nicole Willson, PDX Time Bank volunteer

Everyone has things they are good at and things they need help with - as well as things they don’t know how to do or don’t have time to do. That's what the PDX Time Bank is all about - allowing Portlanders to do the things they love in exchange for help doing the things they don’t know how to do, want to do, or have time to do. 

How a time bank works

A time bank is a community of people who share services in exchange for a complementary currency called time dollars. Each time bank member earns time dollars by using their skills and talents to help a neighbor in their community.

For example, you could earn a time dollar for walking someone’s dog and then use that time dollar to get a haircut or have someone bake you a cake. This allows time bank members to do what they enjoy in exchange for what they need, including tasks they may not want or be able to perform.

The amount of time dollars you earn is proportionate to the amount of time you spend on a task and everyone’s time is equally valuable. Someone who provides legal services gets the same amount of time dollars as someone who does a different service, such as babysitting. Having a zero balance is the ultimate goal of a time bank, unlike with a conventional bank. 

Since its revival in June 2014, the PDX Time Bank has grown to 125 members living in various parts of Portland. The skills offered by members include gardening, crafts and cooking. Time bankers are encouraged to give as well as receive since both create reciprocity and help build supportive networks within the community.

Time banking helps get things fixed

Time bank members can get items fixed, as well as provide volunteer hours to sustainability-related organizations like The City Repair Project and Repair PDX. 

When time bank members have a broken item they don’t know how to fix, they can request help through the time bank. That’s what time bank member Amanda Perl did when she needed someone to repair a broken slat on her futon bed. When she contacted the store where she purchased the futon, all they could do is sell her an entirely new bed frame for $180 so they recommended she get it fixed instead.

After posting her request, Amanda heard back from a time banker who asked for details about what was needed, including the dimensions of the slats. This time banker bought $2.67 worth of supplies at The ReBuilding Center and checked out a drill from the Northeast Portland Tool Library. The time banker then went to Amanda’s house and worked with her to remove the broken slat, drill holes in the new board and put it into place. Shortly after this project, Amanda was able to earn back the time dollars she paid for the repair by giving tai chi lessons.

“I am delighted to no longer have a sagging bed! I paid the time banker for her time both in preparing for the repair and at my house, 2 time dollars, and reimbursed her $2.67 for the cost of the board. It was a very satisfying experience.”

— Amanda Perl, PDX time banker

A few months after getting this repair, Amanda provided a service to fellow time banker, Cindy Hines, by fixing a broken strap on a pair of sandals. Cindy was also happy with her time banking experience.

“She did a professional looking job, so the sandals look as good as new. I’ve been wearing them ever since.”

— Cindy Hines, PDX time banker

There are gatherings and potlucks for members and those who are interested in learning more. Visit PDX Time Bank to learn about membership or join the Facebook group to see activities.

Oregon takes steps toward more reuse

Cindy Correll, Reuse Alliance Oregon chair and Resourceful PDX partner, shares an update on reuse and repair in Oregon.

Reuse Alliance has a vision of making reuse a mainstream part of people’s lives and as common as recycling currently is in our culture.

The Oregon Legislature recently passed two new laws that involve reuse and repair. Senate Bill 245 and Senate Bill 263 set goals and make funding available to develop programs to increase the practice of reuse and repair.

This creates exciting opportunities to increase the public’s awareness of and participation in the practice of reuse and repair.

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The new laws support implementation of Materials Management in Oregon: 2050 Vision and Framework for Action. While earlier versions of this plan focused mostly on recycling efforts and managing waste, the 2050 plan addresses the full life cycle of materials (from raw materials, to manufacturing, purchasing and use, to disposal). It establishes a foundation for our state to use fewer raw materials and to get the most out of the resources we do consume. Reuse and repair play a big role in maximizing the useful life of the manufactured goods that are part of our daily lives.

Highlights from SB 263 addressing reuse and repair include:

• Waste prevention and reuse education programs in elementary and secondary schools.
• Funding or infrastructure support to promote and sustain reuse, repair, leasing or sharing efforts.
• Technical assistance to promote and sustain reuse, repair or leasing of materials or other sharing efforts to reduce waste.

SB 245 will make grants available to government agencies, nonprofits and businesses that want to implement programs in support of the reuse and repair goals outlined in Oregon’s 2050 plan.

With grant funds becoming available early next year, it will take some time before we begin to see results from this important new legislation. Over the next few years, expect to see new, innovative programs that give you more options for reusing and repairing your belongings.

Resourceful PDX gives Portland residents tools and ideas for reducing waste

Get involved with reuse and repair now by tapping into what exists in the community already. Explore Portland’s many second-hand stores to find new-to-you clothing, furniture, electronics, household or craft items and salvage building materials.

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, how-to classes and online tutorials can help you improve your sewing, bike or home repair skills quickly. There are also community resources, such as Repair PDX and local repair shops, that can fix anything from clothing and shoes, to furniture, tools, electronics, appliances and more.

As you’re repairing, reusing, borrowing and sharing, remember that you’re blazing the trail for others to follow. Keep up the good work!

Learn new skills from talented Portlanders at PDX Skillshare!

Did you know that during the Enlightenment, penny universities began to appear across England? For just one penny, people from all levels of society could purchase a cup of coffee and attend lectures and discussions on a wide variety of topics taught by their neighbors.

PDX Skillshare is a nonprofit organization that is trying to create a similar culture in our city by giving Portlanders the opportunity to teach their neighbors valuable skills.

PDX Skillshare does the work of organizing classes – scouting locations, promoting the workshops, and handling ticket sales – so that talented Portlanders can focus on sharing their passions and skills with others through hands-on, affordable classes.

The topics taught are as varied as Portland itself. This fall, the Skillshare offerings include everything from cake decorating to basic budgeting and financial planning. Fall classes are already underway – view upcoming classes at the PDX Skillshare website.

"If you have a skill you would love to share with your neighbors, we want to hear from you," said Noah Heller, founder of PDX Skillshare.

In particular, PDX Skillshare is interested in offering classes that help Portlanders learn skills that will help them lead more sustainable lives. 

In City Gardening 101: Container Herb Gardening you can learn from a seasoned green thumb on how to start gardening even if don't have a yard. In the same spirit, at Learn to Hem Your Pants students will be able to leave class with a money-saving skill that will extend the life of their clothing by making sure it fits well.

Noah thinks Portland is the perfect city to help bring back the spirit of the penny universities. "We are blessed with so many passionate and talented residents, there is really no limit to what the city can accomplish if we can share those skills with each other."

Take your learning to a new place with PDX Skillshare classes!

Get2gether Neighborhood Challenge announces 2015 winners

Whether it's a neighborhood garden, a community swap, or a tool lending library, the Center for a New American Dream knows that your block, street, or neighborhood has an exciting project just waiting to come to life. That's why the Center for a New American Dream launched the first-ever Get2gether Neighborhood Challenge in 2013.

One of the 2015 winners includes a project from our neighbors up in Seattle. The project will create a free tool library in the Capitol Hill neighborhood with a workshop space, classes, and fixer’s collective to help build community and reduce consumerism. Read all about the five winners – and think about how you can get involved for the next round of grants.

Portland already has four tool libraries, available to residents of East Portland, North Portland, Northeast Portland, and Southeast Portland. In fact, they often partner with Repair PDX to host repair café events in their space, so residents can get items fixed for free.

Drop Resourceful PDX a line to ask questions or share what’s going on in your community and neighborhood. 

With a little TLC, your shoes will love you back

With the change in seasons, now is a great time to get your shoes tuned up so they're ready for fall and winter weather. And if you're shopping for new shoes, part of maintaining items we love includes choosing better made stuff up front. It may cost you more, but lasts longer.

Alicia Polacok, from Resourceful PDX partner Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, stopped by JD’s Shoe Repair in North Portland and spoke with owner Julie Derrick about fixing and maintaining shoes.

"Julie, or JD, has been in the shoe repair business for nine years. She sought out a different career and transitioned to life as a cobbler by working with others in the shoe business to learn her trade. Not only does JD’s Shoe Repair fix shoes, but they refurbish and sell shoes of all kinds in the shop.

There are many variations in construction and use of materials, all of which affect repairability. Customers can ask their retailer if something is repairable before you buy. When in doubt, ask a cobbler about a pair of shoes while you still have the option to return them in case they do not meet your specifications.

Tips on what to look for

When looking for shoes that can be repaired, the main areas to consider are the heels and soles. Look for shoes or boots constructed from layers of materials such as leather and hard rubber. Steer away from molded soles that are all one big cushy piece; generally speaking, once these are worn through, they are finished.

Heel blocks made from hard plastics and stacked leather are best suited to repair, regardless of heel height or shape.

Welted construction means that the shoe uppers and outsoles are both stitched to the welt (the edge that goes all the way around). This is the sturdiest construction for long wear and multiple repairs. Dress shoes, work boots and western boots are generally built this way. Beware fake welting! Many shoes are built to look like they are strongly put together, but are really a molded piece of rubber or plastic.

Leather uppers can be sewn, patched and stretched, which makes them last longer, especially if you care for the leather by keeping it clean and conditioned.

Generally, harder shoes and boots are going to last longer. While many people like the comfort of molded soles, they are not built for repair. Some softer shoes, such as Dansko shoes, Timberland boots and shoes, and Birkenstock shoes, can be re-heeled and sometimes re-soled.

Some makers whose shoes and boots are often brought in for repair are Frye, Red Wing, Born, nearly all western boots, Danner, Bed Stu, Steve Madden, Cydwoq, and most wood-heeled/soled clogs and platforms.

Maintain shoes to make them last

Look for heels wearing down and get the bottom layer replaced before you run into your heel block if at all possible.

Try to get new soles on before you wear holes in the old ones. Even rubbery softer materials can often sustain a repair or two if they are not worn down to the insoles.

If your uppers begin to crack or tear, get them patched on the inside or outside.

Keep your shoes clean and conditioned. Even in storage, leather will get dry and begin to crack if not conditioned regularly.

Store shoes in a dry place with something inside them to hold their shape. This prevents cracking of the uppers. If you do not have shoe forms, you can use folded up t-shirts, socks, skeins of yarn, newspaper or other materials to hold them in place.

If your shoes come unglued, repair them! There are a lot of minor glue jobs you can do yourself – Shoe Goo actually works! A shoe repair shop can handle the projects that seem beyond your skill or interest levels. 

Take stock of your own shoes and find your favorites that can be repaired. Portland has many options for local shoe repair businesses. Search online to locate cobblers in your neighborhood."

Get your broken goods fixed in East Portland on August 14

The first Repair Café in East Portland is taking place on Thursday, August 14, 2014, 6 – 9 p.m. at The Rosewood Initiative at 16126 SE Stark St. 

The Rosewood Initiative is a neighborhood space where you learn useful skills and connect with others. It’s the perfect place to host a Repair Café!

Repair Cafés are free events that bring volunteers who like to fix things together with people who have broken items that need fixing. Volunteer fixers work alongside attendees so there is an opportunity to learn how to fix your own items. 

Bring broken items for volunteers to help fix – for free! There will be Spanish and Russian speakers on hand to assist with translations.

This event is in partnership with Repair PDX, City of Gresham and City of Portland, bringing together residents from East County for the first time. The Rosewood Initiative is unique because it includes about 5,000 people in both Gresham and Portland.

“We're excited to bring neighbors and volunteers to Rosewood for the Repair Café for the first time,” said Jenny Glass, Executive Director. “Many of our neighbors don't have the space or resources to work on projects, so this is a great opportunity to empower folks to fix broken items, save things from being thrown into the landfill and build community!”

The Rosewood Initiative wants to reach residents in the Rosewood neighborhood – to connect and support neighbors and promote a sense of community. They do this by connecting people who live and work there, supporting skills and leadership opportunities to empower community members and promoting the neighborhood to others to build and strengthen community ties.

Volunteers at the Repair Café will be providing FREE:

• Bike repair
• Small appliance repair
• Small engine repair
• Sewing
• Electronics repair

Look for Green Spots at Sunday Parkways in North Portland on June 22

Sunday Parkways takes place this weekend in North Portland, with Green Spots popping up along the route to show sustainable community features that nurture healthy, connected neighborhoods.

The list of Green Spots include:

• June Key Delta Community Center (N Ainsworth Ave and Albina Ave)
• Harper’s Playground at Arbor Lodge Park (N Delaware Ave and Bryant St)
• North Portland Tool Library at the Historic Kenton Firehouse (Green Spot is at N Delaware Ave and Schofi­eld St; Tool Library is one block east at N Brandon Ave)
• New Columbia at McCoy Park (N Trenton Ave and Fiske Ave)
• Transportation Safety (N Willamette Blvd and Rosa Parks Way)

Be Resourceful is partnering with Green Spot at the North Portland Tool Library at the Historic Kenton Firehouse near Kenton Park. At the Green Spot, Sunday Parkways attendees can learn how to borrow tools from the tool library, get help repairing broken items at Repair Cafés, and share favorite community resources on the Be Resourceful map.

The Kenton Firehouse itself also has shared space available to rent for gatherings of many sizes, and also hosts community events. The space offers a variety of ways to extend the life of the things that you need, meet neighbors and learn about the sharing community.

North Portland Sunday Parkways is Sunday, June 22, 2014, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The route takes you on a tour along the scenic Willamette Boulevard, and then you can glide towards Peninsula, Arbor Lodge, Kenton, Columbia Annex and McCoy parks to enjoy an array of activities, food, music, vendors and fun.

Mercy Corps hosts free Repair Café on June 12

Mercy Corps hosts first west side Repair Café on Thursday, June 12 from 6 until 9 p.m. 

As Repair Cafés gain popularity, community organizations like Mercy Corps have been reaching out to Repair PDX to co-host these events and increase both organizations’ ability to help Portlanders live resourcefully. Hosting a Repair Café supports Mercy Corps’ mission to build productive and sustainable communities, here in Portland and around the world.

Mercy Corps employees will be volunteering with other Repair Café “fixers” to help attendees troubleshoot and repair broken items, so there will be plenty of talented fixers on hand.

This event will include:

• Clothing
• Small appliances
• Electronics
• Bikes

Mercy Corps is excited to host a community event that brings people together for a common purpose of sharing local knowledge and technical skills to reduce waste! Grab that broken kitchen appliance or pile of clothes to be mended and head to Repair Café!

Repair PDX organizes Repair Cafés and partners with community organizations to bring these events to Portland neighborhoods. In May, North Portland Tool Library hosted a café where 40 different items got fixed. Over the last year, there have been 11 Repair Cafés and over 300 items repaired!

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Bring your broken items for volunteers to help fix – for free! 

Repair Café Thursday, June 12
6-9 p.m.
Mercy Corps Portland headquarters
45 SW Ankeny St.

Bring broken items to Repair Café for “fixing” and fun on May 1

North Portland Tool Library is hosting the next Repair Café on Thursday, May 1 from 6–9 p.m. at the Kenton Firehouse at 8105 N Brandon Ave.

This event is the start of a new partnership between Repair PDX and North Portland Tool Library, where the tool library will host quarterly Repair Cafés at their space in North Portland.

North Portland Tool Library is a resource dedicated to building community and fostering sustainability by providing residents with tools AND the power to use them. Community members may borrow from the extensive collection of tools, free of charge. The tools in the library will also be available at the Repair Café.

Repair Cafés are free events where “fixers” — volunteers who like to fix things — come together with people who have broken items that need repair. Fixers work alongside attendees, so there is an opportunity to learn how to fix items. Repair Cafés are organized by Repair PDX and have been taking place around Portland since May 2013. Read more in our previous post on Portland’s repair movement.

Bring broken home and garden items for volunteers to help fix – for free! This event will include:

• Bike repair
• Garment and fabric mending
• Small appliance repair
• Lawnmower and small engine repair
• Speaker repair

The last repair event brought nearly 90 people to Northeast Portland to fix 99 items. The items ranged from lawnmowers, bikes and clothes to a circular saw, waffle iron, lamps and more. That equals 305 pounds of materials saved for reuse! Bring your broken items to the next event and see how fun fixing can be.

Repair PDX is building the repair movement in Portland

Repair PDX is a local, grassroots organization that hosts Repair Cafés in the Portland metro area. 

Repair Cafés are free events that bring volunteers who like to fix things together with people who have items that need fixing. 

How do they work?

Repair PDX coordinates with local businesses, community markets, churches or tool libraries to host events. Repair PDX maintains a list of volunteer “fixers” who offer their time and skills to repair items at each event. 

Typical repair items include small appliances, electronics, bikes, toys, jewelry and garments. Each Repair Café event is unique based on the venue and the volunteers present. Expert volunteers are on hand to not only fix items, but to teach participants how to fix their own items as well.

What to bring?

• Broken items and any replacement parts you think you might need 
• Curiosity, patience and a do-it-yourself attitude

Of course, there is no guarantee people will walk out with a workable item. The volunteer events may not be staffed with those who have the right skills, it may take some time to research and find repair parts, or it may just not be feasible to repair some items. 

Why do we need Repair Cafés?

Buying durable goods and clothing, and repairing them when they become worn or damaged, not only saves you money, but is better for the environment. Did you know that 35 percent of the total carbon emissions in Multnomah County come from the mining, making, moving, using and tossing of the stuff we use every day?

Learn more about Repair PDX in The Atlantic’s recent article about the Portland repair movement, or come to the next Repair Café on Thursday, March 20 at Bike Farm.