"Pedaling Profits"

by Ken Decio

Is there anything you can do with rusty bicycle parts besides contracting a case of tetanus or tossing them in the garbage? A company in Oregon believes there are plenty of uses for these seemingly useless parts. Resource Revival uses old bicycle parts to create a range of products, from art to attire. Items such as valve and bearing key rings, spiked dog collars, log holders, stools, valve-core earrings, belts, candlesticks, tables, tube ties, and rubber suspenders are fashioned out of re-"cycled" bike components. Over 100 bicycle shops throughout the Western United States participate in the program, and the company reuses over 1000 pounds of bicycle parts monthly. They also donate 5 percent of their pretax profits to educational charities, as well as donate functional bike parts to various entities.

Resource Revival obtains reusable parts by offering bicycle shops $.50 per pound for unwanted bearings, inner tubes, metal break levers, chains, rear derailleurs, rims, wheels, etc. Participating bicycle shops ship the materials to Salem, Oregon, where the Garten Foundation, a nonprofit organization employing developmentally disabled adults, disassembles the parts and sends the components to Resource Revival in Portland, Oregon. There, a group of artists create a variety of functional items from these disassembled bicycle parts.

Bicycle shops can benefit from the program by reducing their disposal costs and by increasing revenues through environmentally friendly business practices. By accepting bicycle parts in their stores, many shop owners report an increase in foot traffic which usually results in higher sales. In addition, some shops can actually earn a profit on the $.50 per pound price by accumulating large quantities of parts to reduce shipping costs.

This is yet another example of the myriad of benefits associated with reuse: jobs are created, disposal costs are reduced, materials are diverted from local landfills, and practical—and unique—products are created by reusing "unwanted materials". For more information on products offered by Resource Revival, call (800) 866-8823 or e-mail at tubeties@aol.com

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Last updated: February 27, 2008